Colchuck Lake — Thursday, Sep. 28, 2023

Hitting this super popular hike on a weekday is definitely the key to avoiding the crowds. Got to the TH around 9:15 and had our pick of non permit parking spots. And by the time we left around 4 the cars were also still only in the parking lot (no parking down the road). Maybe the projected weather scared people off too but we lucked out and it was a great fall day to hike. With the recent rain the trail is actually great right now (not dusty but also not super muddy). Lake was glorious as ever. Note for anyone planning on through hiking in the next few days: there is snow on Asgaard (around a foot we heard from people who turned around instead of continuing up). So definitely check trail reports/weather before you go. The only thing that made the time at the lake less than perfect was the chipmunks! They were menaces. Couldn't enjoy our lunch in peace. Kept trying to climb on us, get into our backpacks. I actually saw them climb on one woman to get to her apple. Please don't feed the wildlife people! I know the people who do it probably aren't on here but omg is it annoying. Just letting folks know they should watch their food up there! Oh also the larches look like they're starting to turn around 6,000 ft of elevation for anyone keeping track!