Hikers are urged to use caution, pack adequate supplies and check conditions in advance
information released, photo of Colchuck Lake courtesy of Washington Trails Association
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports during the past week, the Chelan County Sheriff’s office has received several calls for assistance in the Colchuck Lake and Enchantments area. Resources were deployed to the field on 3 of the incidents.
On June 7th at approximately 7:45pm, the RiverCom dispatch advised the Sheriff’s Office of an injured hiker on the Colchuck Lake Trail approximately 3 miles from the trailhead. The hiker, a 28-year-old female from Whistler BC sprained or broke her ankle. She was unable to put pressure on it and was not able to walk out. Twelve volunteer rescuers from Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue and Chelan County Mountain Rescue responded to the trail. The first rescuers reach the patient at approximately 1:00am. It was determined the best method to bring the patient out would be via wheeled litter. They made it back to the trailhead at approximately 5:00am. The rescue would not have been possible without the response from our dedicated volunteer groups.
On June 9th at approximately 10:00pm, a group of hikers reported their friend had become disoriented after nearly completing the through hike of the Enchantments in one day. The group of 6 hikers who had just graduated from high school in Portland, said their friend suddenly ran back up the trail for an unknown reason but believed it was medical. They had searched the area and were unable to locate him. Two Deputies responded to the Snow Lakes trailhead to help search for the hiker. Prior to arriving, the group called back and said they had located him, but were requesting an ambulance. Cascade Medical responded and the Deputies continued in case they were needed. The patient was a short distance down the trail and was medically cleared. It appeared exhaustion may have been a factor in the incident.
On June 14th at approximately 12:30pm a 30-year-old female was reported to have a broken ankle at Colchuck Lake. A CCSO search and rescue coordinator requested they remain at the lake so they could be picked up by a helicopter. The CCSO Air Support Unit responded to the landing zone on the north end of Colchuck lake and were able to bring her to the helicopter. She was transported to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery and was transferred over to Cascade Medical.
During the past week there were also 2 calls reporting overdue hikers and climbers in the same area. These groups made it out on their own without the need to send resources into the field. An additional call was made by a group of 4 hikers who were approximately 3.5 miles up the trail to Colchuck Lake. They were cold and wet and said they did not know if they could continue the rest of the way out. They were encouraged to continue hiking and made it out on their own. They made it to the trailhead at approximately 1:00am.
These incidents underscore the importance of being prepared when recreating in the Enchantments Recreation Area of Chelan County. In 2025, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office deployed resources to 31 calls of people in distress in the Enchantments and Colchuck Lake area. The agency responded to one call last year where the person was deceased. The overwhelming majority of emergency calls are from people who live outside Chelan County.
When recreating in the outdoors, people are encouraged to carry sufficient supplies, plan for changing weather conditions and allow adequate time to complete their outings safely and in the daylight. People are also encouraged to research trails before they make trip plans. If your fitness and preparedness levels do not meet the trail conditions, seek an alternate trail to recreate on.
