Stuart Lake

Get ready for one of the prettiest hikes in the Leavenworth Area (if not the entire state). This trail is like a field course in alpine geology. From babbling brooks to lowland forests to dry scree slopes to wildflower speckled meadows to an alpine lake surrounded by granite peaks stretching to the sky. The trailhead is easily found from the parking area. The first part of the trail follows a creek for about one mile to a log footbridge. After the bridge the trail begins to climb, switchbacking its way up to a junction at 2.5 miles. Take the right trail (the left trail goes to Colchuck Lake) and continue climbing to spectacular views. In a short while the trail begins to flatten out as you enter open wildflower meadows with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Stuart. At 4.5 miles you reach Lake Stuart. Continue to explore, take a dip in the lake, enjoy the magic of the area! Mt. Stuart was named by the famous Northwest explorer George B. McClellan. He reportedly named the mountain after his friend and fellow army officer J.E.B. Stuart. The mountain was named in 1853, which marks it as one of the earliest place names in the state. Dogs are prohibited.