Overview
Lake Stuart is one of the best moderate hikes in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offering a large, scenic subalpine lake at 5,064 feet with dramatically less crowding than the nearby Colchuck Lake trail. The 8.8-mile out-and-back gains 1,600 feet from the Mountaineer Creek Trailhead on Icicle Creek Road, climbing through old-growth forest before emerging into the open Stuart Range basin. Mount Stuart (9,415 feet), the second-highest non-volcanic summit in Washington, dominates the skyline above the lake.
The trail shares the first mile of approach with the Colchuck Lake Trail from the Eightmile Trailhead, but Lake Stuart has its own dedicated trailhead (the Stuart Lake or Mountaineer Creek Trailhead) about 1 mile further up Icicle Creek Road. Starting at the correct trailhead shaves distance and keeps the crowds more separate — people heading to Colchuck Lake park at the Eightmile lot, while Lake Stuart visitors use the Mountaineer Creek lot.
A self-issue Alpine Lakes Wilderness day-use permit is required from May 15 through October 31 (verify current requirements with the Leavenworth Ranger District before your trip). These are free and available at the kiosk at the trailhead. Overnight permits are lottery-only through Recreation.gov. The Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking. Check current fire restrictions and trail closures before driving out, especially in dry summers when wilderness closures are common.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2 (Mountaineer Creek drainage through old-growth forest). The trail follows Mountaineer Creek upstream through dense old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Engelmann spruce. The lower section is the shadiest and most sheltered portion of the hike. The grade is gentle to moderate here, and the creek is audible most of the way. Several unofficial use-trails branch toward the creek; stay on the main established trail.
Miles 2 to 3.5 (Transition to open terrain). The forest gradually opens as you gain elevation. Views of the Stuart Range begin appearing through the trees. The trail crosses a bridged stream at roughly 2.5 miles and begins climbing more directly toward the lake basin. The trail surface transitions from packed dirt to rock and gravel in this section.
Miles 3.5 to 4.4 (Open basin approach to the lake). The final mile climbs through open terrain with full views of Mount Stuart ahead. The imposing granite buttresses of the Stuart Range fill the horizon. At 4.4 miles, the trail reaches the lake shore. Lake Stuart is large — roughly 1 mile long — and sits in a broad granite basin. Follow the north shore trail for the best views of the mountain reflected in the water.
A climbers' use-trail continues beyond the lake toward Horseshoe Lake and the base of the Stuart Range. Day hikers typically turn around at the lake or explore the shoreline before heading back.
How It Compares to Colchuck Lake
Lake Stuart gets fewer visitors than Colchuck for two reasons: it's slightly further up Icicle Creek Road (one more parking lot) and it doesn't lead to the Enchantments. Hikers chasing the Enchantments approach funnel to Colchuck; hikers looking for a quieter alpine lake experience often find Lake Stuart more satisfying.
The trails are comparable in distance (8.8 miles vs. 9 miles) but Lake Stuart has 680 fewer feet of elevation gain and a more gradual overall grade. The terrain on the upper approach to Lake Stuart is also less technical than Colchuck's boulder field near the lake. For hikers new to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness or those who prefer a more straightforward approach, Lake Stuart is the better starting point. Both are excellent destinations and neither requires a lottery permit for day use.
When to Go
July through September is the primary season. Snow typically clears from the trail by early July in an average year. The lake basin can hold snow into late June in heavy winters. Swimming in the lake is best in late July through August when water temperatures are highest (still cold, but manageable for a quick dip). Wildflowers bloom along the approach in July.
September and early October offer the best combination of weather, light, and fewer weekend hikers. Fall color in the lower forest (aspen and vine maple in the drainage) arrives in late September. The larch above the lake basin turns gold in early October, though the larch here is less dense than on the upper Enchantments approach.
Before July in snow years, the upper portion of the trail may require microspikes. The stream crossing at 2.5 miles runs high in June from snowmelt but stays bridged. Check current conditions through the Leavenworth Ranger District before going in early season.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water on this hike, refilling from Mountaineer Creek along the approach with a filter. The trail is largely shaded on the lower half, which reduces sweat and water consumption compared to more exposed hikes in the corridor. Trekking poles are useful on the descent, which is the standard out-and-back return on the same route.
Layers are worth packing even on warm summer days. The lake basin is open and can be windy, and temperatures drop noticeably compared to the trailhead. A light jacket is the minimum. Bring sun protection for the open upper section.
If you're backpacking, bear canisters are required for all overnight travel in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The bear canister requirements guide covers which containers are approved and how to use them. Camp only in designated sites; the lake basin has visible impact from years of heavy use and established sites prevent further damage.
Getting There
From Leavenworth, follow Front Street west to Icicle Road (Icicle Creek Road). Drive approximately 9 miles up the road to the Stuart Lake Trailhead (signed as Mountaineer Creek Trailhead). The trailhead is on the right side of the road. The parking area is large but fills on weekend mornings. Aim to arrive before 7:30 AM on summer Saturdays.
Cell service on Icicle Creek Road is essentially zero. Download offline maps before leaving Leavenworth. Gas up in Leavenworth before heading up the road. The Leavenworth Ranger District office in town sells Northwest Forest Passes and has current trail condition reports.
From Seattle, allow about 2.5 hours via US-2 east over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth. This same corridor accesses Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest broadly, and the Icicle Creek Road area offers multiple trails worth combining across a weekend.
The Leave No Trace principles are especially relevant in heavily-used wilderness like the Alpine Lakes. The lake basin shows clear impact from years of camping; using established sites, staying on trail, and packing out all waste makes a tangible difference.