Lake Stuart Trail

Start at the Stuart Lake trailhead, which at 3400' is a full 2000' higher than the Snow Lake trailhead you'll finish at. Put 2.5 easy miles under your feet along Mountaineer Creek before turning left on the trail up to Colchuck Lake. The trail steepens for the next 1.5 miles before popping you out at the rim of the spectacular blue-green lake. Rest your legs while you take in the views of your...

The Trail Lace up your boots, situate your pack, and get ready to gain 3000 vertical feet over the next eight miles. The way begins placidly enough, paralleling Mountaineer Creek through dense, healthy forests. The constant murmur (or roar, depending upon the season) of the creek will be a a fellow companion for the next few miles. At roughly 1.5 miles, cross the creek and ascend switchbacks a...

There are a couple different ways to tackle this hike through the stunning Central Cascade region. I recommend checking out this handy resource for more detailed info. Bottom line: this is an absolutely amazing hike for people willing to take a little bit of an ass kicking. Aasgard Pass rises 1,900 feet in less than a mile, but aside from that, it's a fairly manageable hike. Either way, power ...

Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the Icicle Creek Valley. After four miles, you'll reach the Stuart Lake Trailhead at the road's terminus...

Begin this hike at the Lake Stuart trailhead at the end of Eightmile road just outside of Leavenworth, Washington. The trail follows Mountaineer Creek and leads you across a log bridge over the falls. After the bridge, the trail narrows and steepens through several switchbacks. After 2.2 miles, follow the fork in the trail to the right to continue on to Lake Stuart. When you arrive at a wid...

“These fleetingly rare sights offer a recipe for what I call ‘the Quest.’ The Quest is the force that motivates us to travel. It’s putting oneself in the perfect place at the perfect time. It’s the insatiable urge to find that quintessential moment.” - Washington AAA Journal The arrival of “golden week” at Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass trail inspired my husband and me to set out on a “larch m...