It's a great place to take the kids, too. Outdoor adventures in North Carolina aren’t hard to come by, no matter if you live along the coast or in the mountains. Tips, trip reports, back-country gear reviews, safety and news. Feel free to explore the lakeshore looking … If your travels bring you near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, I can’t recommend a hike here enough. The roundtrip covers 7.7 mi (12.39 km) with an elevation of 2,300 ft (701.04 m). Flickr / Leslie. Your email address will not be published. Pack a swimsuit as well. It was still quite a climb. Follow Big Creek Trail for 1.5 miles, and eventually, you'll land at Midnight Hole. "Gateway to the Enchantments." Stopped for a sandwich at the lake to fuel ourselves for grueling Aasgard Pass. Even though most of the campsites were taken, we could not find many people by the lake. We reached the Colchuck Lake Trailhead at approximately 10:45 AM, much slower than we had hoped. This is where you will park. Colchuck Lake was one of my top favorite hikes we did. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: If you haven't had the experience of flying down Sliding Rock and into the refreshing mountain water, add it to your summer bucket list! From a secret ‘Midnight Hole’ high up in the Smokies, pristine beaches with turquoise water and white sand, and even a crystal clear lake, the following list will provide you the inspiration you need to get out there and start splashing. … We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. MAP & DOWNLOAD. Colchuck Lake is a beautiful, blue lake with dramatic peaks in the background. It is about a 6 hour round trip. This was trip number five in a row of backpacking trips for me, and I’ve been having back, ankle and knee issues, so I hung out with another friend at the campsite all day while the rest of our friends went up Aasgard Pass to the Core Enchantments (2,000 ft. gain in one mile up a very steep slope with boulders and scree). The water is really cold, but I went swimming anyway. Discover (and save!) White Lake, a natural crater that plunges as far as 15 feet deep, was a luxury getaway in the 1920s. Required fields are marked *. Almost all of the elevation gain is in the last 2.5 miles with a never ending uphill feel. The North Carolina coast is chock-full of breathtaking beaches just waiting to be explored. LNT and that includes poop! Colchuck Lake. However, most of the people were probably overnighters, as we only saw two more groups going up that morning. Both are beautiful and offer a unique aesthetic that ups the ante to your usual swim. Learn more about this particular trek as well as other, Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Long range weather outlook for Colchuck Lake, Chelan includes 14 day forecast summary: The outlook for Colchuck Lake, Chelan in the two weeks ahead shows the average daytime maximum temperature will be around 0°C, with a high for the two weeks of 2°C expected on the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd. Jun 27, 2016 - Colchuck Lake - Hiking - Leavenworth, WA - Reviews - Photos - Yelp Suddenly, laid out beneath your feet are the icy waters of the lake–-deep blue in the shade, bright aquamarine in sunlight–-while high above you at the far end of the lake, the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks seem to crowd out the very sky. Thankfully you have plenty of good options that are very close to the Snow Lakes Trailhead and the Stuart Lake Trailhead, which is popular for the Colchuck Lake route. The trail didn’t feel busy at all to us on the way up and even right around the lake where we were closest to the trail didn’t feel all that busy. Just not AS COLD as other alpine lakes. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. 1-Day 3-Day 5-Day. Beautiful days of Colchuck Lake on the way down. We were fine with it, though, beautiful blue skies above, and also 50 pound packs strapped on. Got some Alpine lake swimming in yesterday at Colchuck Lake, Leavenworth, WA. Just a 0.4-mile hike takes you to this beautiful swimming hole tucked into the state park. We saw a dad on the trail with his three kids. On the way up you will see the gorgeous mountain peaks around. Overview The route to Colchuck Lake is the easiest and most popular way for people to see the glorious Enchantments. Enchantment Thru-Hike, Washington, August 2019; Georgia & … Colchuck Lake is worth the hike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It still might not be your cup of tea. What are the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina? Day 2. 3 adults, and 3 kids aged 9,13 and 13 hiked into Colchuck Lake Saturday. Thank you! With open swim times offered on the weekends, you can have this unique experience without even traveling all the way deep inside the mountains. And one of the most popular too! The glacier lake at the top is amazing and cold but worth the effort to take a cold dip. From state hwy 2, take Icicle Road 8.4 miles until taking a left onto forest road NF-7600. What are the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina? Colchuck lake is probably one of the most beautiful lakes that can be accessed fairly easily (i.e. Once you're there, you'll have access to one of the most unique beaches in North Carolina. The hike to Lake Stuart is easier than the hike to Colchuck Lake because there is considerably less elevation gained. . *That being said, the water was definitely still COLD. Colchuck Lake weather forecast updated daily. You’ll pass a couple waterfalls visible just off trail and then reach a signed fork in the trail. Colchuck Lake Trail begins at Stuart Lake trailhead and parking lot by Forest Service Road 7601, which can be reached from Icicle Creek Road. While it’s difficult to pinpoint the most beautiful in the state, visitors and residents alike agree that some of the best can be found in the Outer Banks. 8.0 miles roundtrip; 2280 ft. elevation gain; Central Cascades -- Leavenworth Area A passenger car can make it although not very comfortably. I even had no problems sitting up to my waist for 30 minutes in the sun and when I hopped in to swim, there was little of that tell tale “take your breath away” cold. NOTICEBOARD. Reviewed September 20, 2019 . Temperature Forecast NOAA; Temperature Real-Time ; Seattle Radar; National Satellite; National Synoptic; Colchuck Lake Temperature Statistics . We were fine with it, though, beautiful blue … Very refreshing and got me ready for more hiking. Colchuck Lake used to be a hidden gem but is now quickly gaining in popularity. Another great hike with the 40+ Meetup group. Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! I 2. The hike to Lake Stuart is easier than the hike to Colchuck Lake because there is considerably less elevation gained. The lakes are situated within the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, where visitors are privy to endlessly beautiful views of lakes, larch trees, snow-topped peaks, glaciers, and occasional goat sightings. share. Colchuck Lake is considered by many to be a "must-do" Washington hike and, since I had never been there, it fit perfectly with my Hike-A-Thon goal to focus on trails that were new to me. Still following Blake’s glissade path, I had dropped into a 30-foot deep hole in the snowpack where a waterfall poured over a cliffband, carving a hole in the snow. Parking lot was completely full, with people lining the road for at least a mile before the lot, by 8 am. Here's a short list of nearby campgrounds sorted by proximity to the Snow Lakes Trailhead, and you'll find several more that are farther afield featured in below. The water was a bit colder to swim but once your hyperthermia kicks in you will be fine. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com. I spent the night in a campsite off the road the night prior. On our way down however it was packed and we past constant groups of ill prepared hikers and families making their way up. The swimming beach here is great for families, and facilities are available to make the camping experience as comfortable as possible. Situated at 3,500 ft sea level with 360-degree Blue Ridge views, the lake also offers three waterfalls, great fishing, and clear water for as far as the eye can see. The trail almost immediately crosses another bridge into a boulder field and then continues its uphill onslaught to the end. We got to the trailhead around 9am and there were a lot of cars already. The lack of fishing pressure due to the 4.5 mile hike allows for these fish to grow to good sizes, for I saw many trout in the 12 inch range, and a friend who was swimming said he caught sight of a big fish as well. Free with a displayed NPW forest pass or National Parks Pass. Swimming holes in North Carolina are a hallmark of the summer season. This extremely popular, literal, sliding rock is a well-loved swimming hole. CURATED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR THE OUTDOORSY ADVENTURER. This lake is a real butt-kicker hike but an oh so worth-it destination. Once you reach the waterfall, you're treated to a cool mountain stream for splashing, unique footbridge for taking in the views, several different entry points to the swimming hole, and even a safe jump-off rock. From the lake you can view Aasgard Pass which is for more serious hikers/backpackers to enter the Enchantments and that have received a pass to camp overnight. Got some Alpine lake swimming in yesterday at Colchuck Lake, Leavenworth, WA. Colchuck Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Colchuck Peak is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Fri afternoonTemperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Wed night, min -11°C on Sat afternoon)Winds increasing (light winds from the … Bring your own supplies and make sure to take care of business before starting this hike. This is Colchuck lake at Enchantment Basin, This place is amazing with an amazing view. The Colchuck Lake hike is undoubtedly one of the PNW’s best and is VFC’s favorite, aside from what sits beyond the lakes in the Enchantments. I definitely want to hike Colchuck Lake in the summer when the ice is finally gone and the lake has warmed up some….swimming looks refreshing. Current conditions, warnings and historical records Curious to learn more about this pristine mountain reservoir? It’s a pristine alpine lake with soaring, jagged mountains above you, turquoise clear water below, and the added plus: water warm enough you can stomach swimming in. Here's a short list of nearby campgrounds sorted by proximity to the Snow Lakes Trailhead, and you'll find several more that are farther afield featured in below. Colchuck Lake is also one of the starting points for reaching the Enchantment Lakes via Aasgard Pass. The trail has a distance of 14.5 km and an elevation gain of 696 m. It is a loop trail located near Leavenworth, Washington. Find a vacation rental on Lake James, North Carolina. Carrigan Farms gives you the opportunity to do just that. Tucked between that pair of precipitous peaks is the Colchuck Glacier, one of the many icy sources feeding the chilling waters of the lake. The trail has a distance of 14.5 km and an elevation gain of 696 m. It is a loop trail located near Leavenworth, Washington. But before joining the boot-… Get there early especially on weekend to park in the lot. This unique waterfall involves a short but worth-your-effort three-mile hike. daytrip for people in regular shape). Some of the most beautiful lakes in North Carolina are Lake Norman, Lake James, Fontana Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Glenville, High Rock Lake, Nantahala Lake, Lake Wylie, Falls Lake, Lake Santeetlah, and Hiwassee Lake. But, there's also a Coquina Beach tucked in the Outer Banks. The first time you round the corner and come out of the trees at Colchuck Lake is something of a religious experience. 2 years ago. It’s has many great spots for swimming and snoozing. I was hoping that after our climb of Ruby 12 days ago we'd be conditioned enough so that Aasgard … Bring a day pack with food and water. Learn more about this fascinating hidden gem beach in North Carolina. save hide report. Make sure you hydrate because there is alot of elevation. The best features of Lake Fontana are all-natural. Today, this hidden gem in North Carolina is more accessible to the public. Care for a swim? I definitely want to hike Colchuck Lake in the summer when the ice is finally gone and the lake has warmed up some….swimming looks refreshing. The 3.5 miles on 7601 are rough and filled with large potholes. Take a little bit of time to walk part way around the lake–you’ll find good viewpoints, pretty rock slabs to lounge on, swimming holes, and camping sites. The best time to go is on a weekday morning when crowds are low. From this fork it is another 1.5 miles. We got there bright and early but still got a place in a pull out just outside the park lot that was full. It was a much harder route but also MUCH better views than Stuart Lake. If you plan on swimming maybe a towel. Even if the lake is busy, do some exploring and you’ll likely find some quiet shoreline to hang out and enjoy the views. Then take a slight right onto NF-7601 and follow this road 3.5 miles to Stuart Lake Trail’s TH. This completely natural, protected, and wild stretch of sand takes you a million miles away from the world while only requiring a 15-minute ferry ride to get there. It might have been closer to… Stats according to WTA website: 8 miles roundtrip, 2280 ft elevation gain, high point 5580 ft. Our group thinks this may have been inaccurate for the distance. Most would agree that some of the best outdoor adventures in North Carolina involve hiking. Colchuck Lake is one of the lakes that make up the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which was established in 1976 and consists of 391,988 acres. Can you resist the lure of Colchuck's sparkling cobalt waters? Watch Queue Queue. We reached the Colchuck Lake Trailhead at approximately 10:45 AM, much slower than we had hoped. So yesterday I headed to the Leavenworth area to cross this one off my list. Stuart trail was pretty easy to hike up. Wild horses, turquoise water, white sand, and limited accessibility: Carova Beach is a well-kept, well-maintained secret. Sliding down the rock into that crisp mountain water is just exhilarating. In fact, there are hundreds if not thousands of breathtaking hiking trails in the Tar Heel State that could impress just about anyone. Unfortunately it rained the day of our hike. It's 5000ft at the top. Posted by. Your email address will not be published. last summer I had the pleasure of hiking up to Colchuck Lake, and let me just say pictures do not do this place justice. Colchuck Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Colchuck Peak is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Fri afternoonTemperatures will be below freezing (max -2°C on Wed night, min -11°C on Sat afternoon)Winds increasing (light winds from the … Jul 3, 2015 - Colchuck Lake. The route follows a peaceful stream through a lush forest, then climbs steeply to Colchuck Lake where the views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak won't disappoint. We took a lot of short breaks so got to the top around 9:45 i think. Take a little bit of time to walk part way around the lake–you’ll find good viewpoints, pretty rock slabs to lounge on, swimming holes, and camping sites. Long range weather outlook for Colchuck Lake, Chelan includes 14 day forecast summary: The outlook for Colchuck Lake, Chelan in the two weeks ahead shows the average daytime maximum temperature will be around 0°C, with a high for the two weeks of 2°C expected on the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd. Next forecast at approx. I definitely want to hike Colchuck Lake in the summer when the ice is finally gone and the lake has warmed up some….swimming looks refreshing. It’s a great trail that provides great views as it takes you through a forest to an easily accessible lake. #swimming #flamingo Colchuck Lake. Stay left for Colchuck Lake. Jun 6, 2015 - Colchuck ranks as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of Washington. We did this as a day hike. Drive slowly and carefully. Be prepared to share the trail with hundreds of people; this is an extremely popular route, especially on summer … These utterly picturesque swimming holes to complete your bucket list since it packed. 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