Stuart Lake Trailhead
This busy trailhead provides access to the Stuart Lake Trail #1599 and the very popular Colchuck Lake Trail #1599A within the Enchantments of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
This is one of the primary entrances into the Mt. Stuart area and into the Enchantments for destinations such as Colchuck Lake, Aasgard Pass, Isolation Lake and others. Longer journeys allow visitors to reach destinations such as Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, Little Annapurna, Prusik Peak, and many more. However, due to its popularity, overnight use requires a permit May 15 – October 31.
Learn more about the permit required for overnight camping in the Enchantment Permit Area.
Dogs are prohibited on all trails in the Enchantment Permit Area including the Stuart Lake Trail and Colchuck Lake Trail.
Parking is limited; visitors may have to park miles away from the trailhead. Plan accordingly.
General Information
- Day use wilderness permits are free and self-issued at trailhead.
- Overnight reservation permits required May 15 – October 31 for camping, must be obtained in advance.
- Wilderness regulations apply
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations Booklet (pdf file)
Restrictions:
- No motorized vehicles, no bicycles, no aircrafts
- No drones
- No campfires
- No dogs within the Enchantment Permit Area
- No dispersed camping between FR 7601 and Icicle Creek
- No groups larger than 8 total
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Payment options: Recreation Pass or Scan & Pay*
*Suggestion: Download the recreation.gov app before your trip to have the ability to Scan & Pay on-site, even without service.
Dogs and pets are prohibited within the Enchantment Permit Area. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs and are not allowed.
Address: 600 Sherbourne Leavenworth, WA 98826
Phone: (509) 548-2550
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.5278
Longitude: -120.8205
Elevation
3,400 feet
Directions
From Leavenworth, turn onto Icicle Road for about 8.5 miles. Turn left on Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7600), then stay right on Forest Road 7601. Follow Forest Road 7601 for about 4 miles to the trailhead, passing Eightmile Trailhead on the way.
Travel Considerations
Rough Road: The road is steep and becomes washboarded as the season progresses, so high clearance vehicles are recommended. Please engage 4x4, if possible.
Winter Road Closure: The 7601 road that accesses Eightmile and Stuart Lake Trailhead is closed to vehicles every winter to protect the roadbed from damage and prevent hazardous travel.
Parking
This is a heavily trafficked trailhead and parking is limited. Consider carpooling or having a drop-off arranged. DO NOT park where signs say it's not allowed, or visitor will be fined. This forest order prohibits parking in marked areas.
If the lot is full, road parking is only allowed on one side of the road, as posted.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
- Colchuck Lake Trail closed to stock.
- Stuart Lake Trail closed to stock from January 1 until the first Saturday after Labor Day.
Other Amenities
No garbage services provided, please pack home trash.
