Stuart Lake Trailhead
This is a major trailhead which provides access to the Stuart Lake Trail #1599 and the very popular Colchuck Lake Trail #1599A within Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Enchantments Area.
An overnight reservation permit is required from May 15 to October 31.
DOGS and all pets are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and 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 under the regulation and are NOT ALLOWED.
General Information
- Overnight Use: Paid permits are required for overnight use from May 15 through October 31 and must be obtained in advance.
- Day-Use: To enter for the day, visitors need to fill out a free permit at the trailhead.
- Wilderness Regulations apply
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations Booklet (pdf file)
Restrictions:
- No motorized vehicles, no bicycles, no aircrafts, no drones
- Group size limited to 8.
- No dogs on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail, and in the Enchantment Permit Area.
- No campfires.
- No dispersed camping between FR 7601 and Icicle Creek.
Day Use: $5/vehicle/day (cash/check/digital).
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Day Use Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Recreation Passes.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.5278
Longitude: -120.8205
Elevation
3,000 feet
Directions
From Leavenworth: follow US-2 West for 0.8 mile, then turn left 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. The trail becomes washboarded as the season progresses, so high clearance vehicles are recommended.
Travel Considerations
Note that FR 7601 from Icicle Creek Road to the trailhead closes during the winter, typically from November to May.
Parking
This is a heavily trafficked trailhead and be aware that 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.
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.
- Use certified weed-free or commercially processed stock feed only.
