Lake Stuart
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A quieter fork off the Enchantments trailhead leads to a big alpine lake spread beneath the massive north face of Mount Stuart.
About This Trail
Lake Stuart shares a trailhead with the enormously popular Colchuck Lake and Enchantments, but the crowds thin dramatically at the fork 2.2 miles in. Go right where most hikers go left, and the trail follows Mountaineer Creek through old-growth forest punctuated by glacial erratics. A sturdy log bridge (installed by WTA in 2014) crosses the creek partway in.
The lake itself sits in a wide basin beneath Mount Stuart's imposing north wall. A meadow opens up about half a mile before the shore, offering the first big views of the surrounding peaks. The lake is large and shallow with established campsites and day-use areas along the shoreline. In autumn, larches along the upper trail glow gold in the evening light.
This trail sits in the Enchantments permit area. Day hiking requires no permit, but overnight camping between May 15 and October 31 requires a backcountry permit through Recreation.gov. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Fragile restoration areas near the lake are clearly marked.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Parked at 7am on Wed to plenty of overnight parking space.”
Last report: May 29, 2026
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- No dogs allowed
- Backcountry camping permit required May 15 - Oct 31
- Fragile restoration areas - no camping in marked zones
- Snow lingers at lake elevation into early summer
Getting There
Northwest Forest Pass required. Parking allowed only on the right side of FR 7601 between Eightmile Lake trailhead and this trailhead. Privy available. High-clearance vehicle recommended as road conditions deteriorate through the season. No dogs allowed.
From Highway 2 at milepost 99 (western edge of Leavenworth), turn south onto Icicle Creek Road. After 8.5 miles, turn left onto Eightmile Road and continue 3.8 miles to the parking lot. Road becomes washboarded later in season. At the trail junction 2.2 miles in, take the right fork (left goes to Colchuck Lake). No dogs permitted.
The parking area fills by mid-morning on summer weekends due to combined Colchuck/Enchantments/Stuart traffic. Arrive by 7 AM or earlier in peak season. Fall weekdays offer solitude and larch color.
Recent Reports
Trip report, hiked in Wed May 27, hiked out Fri May 29 as part of first backpack adventure with 4 adults. Parked at 7am on Wed to plenty of overnight parking space.
The trail to Stuart Lake is currently snow free, though snowpack remains up neighboring basins of the lake. Dozens of trees are down between the trailhead and the lake- make sure to have a map downloaded before starting at the trailhead, as navigating around downed logs can be disorienting for some hikers.
Made it to the lake and it was well worth it - but not easy. The road is still closed so the journey starts from icicle road adding 8 miles (4 each way) to the route.
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