Lake Colchuck Enchantments Photography

Lake Colchuck is one of the great alpine landscapes of Washington’s Central Cascades and, for me, the beginning of the journey into the Enchantments. I’ve returned many times to photograph the lake in changing light, weather, seasons, and reflections beneath the granite walls of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak. The character of the lake can change completely from one visit to the next—still reflections at dawn, clouds pouring over the peaks, autumn larches glowing above the water, fresh snow on the surrounding mountains, or evening light fading across the basin. Colchuck is also the approach to Aasgard Pass and the Upper Enchantments, so many of these photographs are part of longer trips through the entire basin. This collection includes views from the shoreline, the surrounding trails, and higher perspectives looking back across the lake. Fine-art prints are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. If you are looking for a particular view of Lake Colchuck, Dragontail Peak, Aasgard Pass, or the surrounding mountains that you don’t see here, please ask. My archive includes many additional photographs from years of returning to this remarkable place. To order a print please email me at Mike Reid Photography

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Lake Colchuck in Soft Dusk Light Soft evening light settles across Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, illuminating the granite peaks of the Stuart Range above the deep...

Lake Colchuck in Soft Dusk Light

Soft evening light settles across Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, illuminating the granite peaks of the Stuart Range above the deep turquoise water. Reflections, lingering snow, and dark evergreen forest create a calm transition into dusk.
Lake Colchuck Panorama View A wide view of Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with turquoise water framed by evergreen forest and the rugged peaks of the Stuart Range....

Lake Colchuck Panorama View

A wide view of Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with turquoise water framed by evergreen forest and the rugged peaks of the Stuart Range. Lingering snow and broken clouds emphasize the dramatic alpine setting at the gateway to the Enchantments.
Enchantments Lake Colchuck Peaceful Evening A wide view of Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with turquoise water framed by evergreen forest and the rugged peaks of the Stuart Range....

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Peaceful Evening

A wide view of Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with turquoise water framed by evergreen forest and the rugged peaks of the Stuart Range. Lingering snow and broken clouds emphasize the dramatic alpine setting at the gateway to the Enchantments.
Fall Colors at Dawn on Lake Colchuck Golden autumn larches catch the first light of dawn above Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The calm turquoise water reflects the rugged...

Fall Colors at Dawn on Lake Colchuck

Golden autumn larches catch the first light of dawn above Lake Colchuck in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The calm turquoise water reflects the rugged Stuart Range, creating a quiet early-morning scene of fall color, granite peaks, and alpine stillness.
Colchuck Lake View Clarity

Colchuck Lake View Clarity

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light and Fall Colors

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light and Fall Colors

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light and Golden Larches

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light and Golden Larches

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Soft Light

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Up Aasgard Pass

Enchantments Lake Colchuck Up Aasgard Pass

Enchantments Lake Colchuck View Down to the Lake

Enchantments Lake Colchuck View Down to the Lake