USA Colchuck Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington

One of the gateways to the legendary Enchantment Lakes Basin, Colchuck Lake is a big, turquoise blue alpine lake set in a rugged and cliff-ringed cirque. It is a popular area for hikers and climbers year round, though the lake freezes in the winter. The sheer beauty of the area can be hard to describe but has inspired the names of many features in the area, such as Dragontial Peak and Aasgard Pass, both visible from the lake.

Early evening to sunset is likely the best time of day for photography there, as the lowering sun casts alpenglow on the northwest face of Dragontail Peak, though reasons can be found to be there other times as well.

From the nearby Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth, take the Icicle Creek Road 8.4 miles to NF-7601. Turn left, and drive 3.7 miles to the Stuart Lake trailhead. Hike ~2.5 miles to a trail junction, turn left, and continue another 2 miles to Colchuck Lake.