Summer Hike to Colchuck Lake

Summer Hike to Colchuck Lake

Summer Hike to Colchuck Lake

At roughly 8 miles round trip and over 2,000 foot elevation gain, Colchuck Lake is both a beautiful and intimidating hike! We did go on a busy Saturday morning and were greeted by a long line of parked cars because of it. Undeterred, we pressed on. There were many people on the trail, but it really only became an annoyance at tight spots on the trail when some hikers were inconsiderate of those climbing up. I was thankful to run into a couple of park rangers during the hike – It’s good to know the trail was being looked after.

There is a last push near the top – most of the elevation gain seems to be near the end – but it was worth it! Colchuck Lake is a beautiful sight to behold. As an alpine lake in the Enchantments, Colchuck Lake is easily one of the most beautiful and accessible parts of Washington. Pictures will never be able to fully capture the absolute splendor that is nature, but I try!

If you chose to tackle this hike, please fill out a permit at the beginning of the trail. It helps rangers keep track of who is currently on the trail, and how many people are using the trail overall. Read up on the trail over at Washington Trails Association and make sure to bring plenty of water!

Colchuck Lake, Enchantments, Central Cascades, Leavenworth Area, Washington
Colchuck Lake, Enchantments, Central Cascades, Leavenworth Area, Washington

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Chipmunk in Mount Rainier National Park

Chipmunk in Mount Rainier National Park

Chipmunk in Mount Rainier National Park

While hiking the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park we came across multiple chipmunks! This little guy was a bit off the trail, just enough so I could get a good photo with my zoom lens and he wouldn’t dart away. I don’t like feeding wildlife for the sake of getting a photo, yet these little chipmunks were still willing to hang around and watch us as we walked by. They were so cute as they darted across the top of the snow!

Chipmunk in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State

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Layers over the Tatoosh Range

Layers over the Tatoosh Range

“Layers”

Looking over the Tatoosh Range from the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, you can see layer upon layer of blue mountainside. On this snowy day we could only glimpse the base of Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood in the distance.

"Layers" - Looking over the Tatoosh Range, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State

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Mount Rainier and Upper Myrtle Falls

Mount Rainier and Upper Myrtle Falls

Mount Rainier and Upper Myrtle Falls

After a quick walk along the Skyline Trail from Paradise, you come across this beautiful scene of Myrtle Falls and Mount Rainier looming.

Mount Rainier and Upper Myrtle Falls

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