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8,708 ft · Stuart Range, Washington

Colchuck Peak

Colchuck Peak is an 8,708 ft peak in the Stuart Range, Washington. The standard route is the Colchuck Glacier: 12 mi, 5,300 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Colchuck Peak in the Stuart Range, Washington

Colchuck Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,708 ft2,654 m
  • RouteColchuck GlacierClass 2
  • Distance12 mi5,300 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Aug
  • RangeStuart RangeWashington

Climbing the Colchuck Glacier

From Leavenworth, drive Icicle Creek Road about 8.5 miles and turn left on bumpy Eightmile Road (FR 7601) to the Stuart Lake trailhead, gated from about November to May. Hike 4 miles to Colchuck Lake and around its west shore to the talus below the Colchuck Glacier. Climb the glacier, which has few crevasses but turns to hard ice by late summer, to the col with Dragontail, then scramble easy Class 2 slopes west to the summit. Go early in the season and bring an ice axe and crampons. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and you fill out the free day-use permit at the trailhead. Camping needs an Enchantment permit.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axe
  • Helmet
  • Rope
  • Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Belay Device
  • Glacier Glasses

What to watch for

  • Glacier travel
  • Rockfall
  • Loose rock
  • Avalanches

Quests with Colchuck Peak

Peaks near Colchuck Peak

  1. Mount Stuart

    Mount Stuart

    9,415 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Colchuck Peak?

Colchuck Peak is 8,708 feet (2,654 m) tall. It is in the Stuart Range, Washington.

How hard is it to climb Colchuck Peak?

The Colchuck Glacier is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Colchuck Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Colchuck Glacier, covering 12 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Colchuck Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Colchuck Peak?

Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Colchuck Glacier, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

When is the best time to climb Colchuck Peak?

The usual climbing window is June to August. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Colchuck Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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