follow me to the lake

Lake Colchuck is easily one of the most unreal places I’ve ever visited. The hike starts off gentle and shady, weaving through dense evergreen forest that feels straight up enchanted; soft ground, tall trees, and that quiet “you’re far away from everything” kind of calm. The first few miles are mostly steady and easy, which almost tricks you into thinking it will stay that way.

After the first creek crossing the trail shifts. The incline ramps up and stays that way, and you start to feel the climb in your legs pretty quickly. One of my favorite moments was stepping over the little lodge bridge and straight into the boulder field - it feels like entering a completely different landscape. From there the trail follows a crystal clear creek for about a mile, and you can literally hear the water the whole way as you start gaining real elevation.

The best part of this hike is how often it changes. One minute you’re in deep forest, then you’re surrounded by rock and open sky, then you’re hiking alongside rushing water with views starting to peek through. The last mile is steep and absolutely a grind, but once you crest that final stretch and lake Colchuck appears it’s instant payoff. The water is that impossible turquoise and the jagged peaks around it look so dramatic it honestly feels staged- like you’re standing inside a painting.

If you want a moderate hike that delivers nonstop scenery I’d recommend this trail without hesitation. It’s challenging in the second half but it never feels boring. Because it’s such a popular hike there are almost always other hikers around which makes it feel extra safe and beginner friendly even if you’re newer to longer trails.