There are literally hundreds of places to go hiking in the Pacific North West (check out my Best Hikes in Washington post). So, when someone asks if you’d like to go on a hike, while the answer should always be an ecstatic YES, it should also be followed with where…and how far? Lesson learned.
I met some friends at Safeway in Leavenworth around 1:30 pm. This is relatively late for a hike which is why I assumed it was a short hike somewhere nearby. As we piled into the car and headed out, I guess I thought this was the moment to ask where exactly we were hiking! (As if I was familiar enough with the area to know where it was, to begin with. Ha!) Stuart Lake-Colchuck Lake. Oh okay. No further information and we proceeded to discuss my upcoming move to China and other random things. My conversation soon dropped off as I gazed out the window to soak in the changing leaves Fall was delighting us with. I was surprised to know the locals were also in awe of the sheer beauty that surrounded us.
While it ended up being relatively close to downtown Leavenworth, it was still a 30-minute drive to get to the trailhead. I could tell we were getting closer as the road ahead was filled with parked cars on either side. The parking lot marks the end of the road and we were lucky enough to find a parking spot in the lot, though we may not have been as lucky if we had arrived earlier in the morning. The trailhead is easily accessible from the parking area, which I’ve found is not always the case.
The trailhead has a few picnic benches before the trail starts off. It’s an easy trek following a creek for close to a mile until crossing over a log bridge. I nearly tripped over rocks and roots ten times, I was so overwhelmed with mother nature’s beauty of all that is Fall. (Remember, I lived in Florida and have literally not seen Fall in ages.)
The trail begins to climb from here with switchbacks for nearly 3 miles. Most of the trail is single file and I opted to take the tail so I could stop and snap pictures of the incredible views as we ascended.
Through the grueling elevation switchbacks and trees, the trail flattens out to a Disney-like meadow clearing with wildflowers, crisp air, and a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Stuart. Taking a short break, we marveled in all of the beauty of mother nature that surrounded us. Somewhere along this portion of the trail is when I questioned how long this hike really was!
Mount Stuart is one of the highest peaks in Washington State. The highest point sits at 5,065 feet in the Enchantment Mountain Range. Turns out this hike is close to 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,665 feet. I was thankful for my over-preparedness even though I assumed it would be a short hike. I had packed a backpack with two water bottles, a Nike dry fit pullover and hoodie, protein bars, and of course my selfie stick. These are hiking essentials and all of them were definitely used.
Continuing on our trek, I felt out of shape due to the elevation gain and having no sense of a physical ending point or distance. I was thrilled to see the trees open up to a light at the end of the tunnel. In the late afternoon, there was not a soul in sight as Lake Stuart sat there peacefully awaiting our arrival. Glistening in the afternoon sunlight, a crystal clear turquoise lake invited us to appreciate one of the most serene moments of our hike. The huffing and puffing, aching hamstrings and glutes, and elevation gain were beyond worth the views. After spending time at Lake Stuart we decided it was time to head back as the sun was slowly beginning to go down.
Spending some more time in Central Washington? Check out a Weekend in Wenatchee and Best Hikes in Central Washington!
