Best trails in Leavenworth, Washington

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Eightmile Road (FS 7601) closes seasonally. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308542 This is a challenging hike with beautiful scenery in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area of Washington State. This alpine lake is accompanied by the twin spires of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at the far end of the lake. Colchuck Lake Trail starts at Stuart Lake trailhead off of Forest Service Road 7601, which can be accessed from Icicle Creek Road. The parking area can be busy, as visitors access the Enchantments and Stuart Lake from this trailhead. The hike starts out with an easy mile and a half, creek side walk through the forest. At some points along this portion of the hike you will catch a glimpse of Mountaineer Creek. After the walk through the woods, you will cross the creek on a bridge before beginning the first real incline of the hike. After a series of rocky switchbacks you will reach the trail junction for Stuart, and Colchuck lakes. Stay to the left and you will happen upon another log bridge, stunning vistas that act as the gateway to the wilderness. You will stay to the right after crossing the bridge, and walk along the creek before your next big push uphill. The climb remains consistently rocky, and with tree roots but manageable. You will have a few areas with views perfect for photo opportunities on your way to the lake. Once you reach Colchuck lake, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the blue/green lake with the peaks towering behind it. The trail continues past Colchuck Luck up Aasgard Pass to the Enchantment Lakes if you choose to extend your hike. If not, return the way you came. If you're staying overnight at the lake, you'll need a permit from May 15 to October 31.Show more

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Eightmile Road (FS 7601) closes seasonally. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308542 New parking rules that no overflow parking is allowed beyond the parking lot. Park on Right side of the road because there is no “No Parking” sign clearly posted near the parking lot but there is one on the Left side. A “No parking” sign is posted further down on the Right side. Ticket is $50 plus a $30 processing fee! This is THE backpacking destination in the state of Washington. Wander through soft tundra meadows, glacial-cirque lakes, crystal clear trickling streams, and impossible granite rock formations in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It will make you feel like you're in a completely different part of the world. Note that you MUST have a permit to camp in this area and they are distributed months in advance, so plan ahead and see below for more info. This area is thought to be discovered by A.H. Sylvester, who was originally a topographer for the USGS but went on to supervise Wenatchee National Forest starting in 1908. Climbers didn't start enjoying this area for recreation until the late 1940's. [100 Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes (1st ed.), Spring, Ira; Manning, Harvey, 1993] and the permit system, designed to protect the area from destructive humans, was not put in place until 1981. The big question is: which side to enter from? The Snow Lake entrance is longer, more gradual, and less scenic. The Colchuck Lake entrance is shorter and steeper (maybe even slippery and dangerous), but Colchuck Lake is beautiful. The traditional entrance would be Snow Lake because this side brings you through the Enchantments "in order," meaning you start in the Lower Enchantments and work your way up to the Upper Enchantments. It's your choice, but this guide is written assuming you're hiking in from Snow Lake, all the way through the Enchantments, and out the Colchuck Lake side. The permit lottery system might actually decide this for you based on what zones you're allowed to camp in! Some individuals more on the "hard" end of the spectrum that will do this entire through-hike in one day. If you have a light pack, it's possible, but bring a headlamp and enough food and gear to spend the night if you have to. No fires or dogs up here. But there will be enough scenery to keep you company.Show more

This is a gentle hike, easily enjoyed by both kids and adults, with a low elevation gain, fun bridges, chipmunks, butterflies and water to observe. The loop is less than 5 miles long with no side trails to cut across as users follow the river. SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58807Show more

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Eightmile Road (FS 7601) closes seasonally. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308542 North Western pass or 5$ for a day.Show more

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Roads leading to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=79429.Show more

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: Eightmile Road (FS 7601) closes seasonally. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308542Show more