Hiking Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail: How to Get to Stehekin, WA

A small mountain town, nestled beneath North Cascades National Park, Stehekin is home to only a handful of year-round residents. However, in the summer, it becomes a highly sought hiking and backpacking destination, for a weekend trip or as a landmark stop on the Pacific Crest Trail. Stehekin is accessible, by plane, boat, or trail. The guide below is aimed at potential hikers seeking to backpack the 17-mile Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail into Stehekin.

How To Get to Stehekin, Washington

There are several ways you can get to Stehekin Washington. By far the most popular method is by one of several ferries that leave Chelan and travel the length of the lake. However, for the more adventurous you can also hike into Stehekin from one of two routes or take a seaplane to the town.

Hiking to Stehekin

This was my elected method of transportation, and I really couldn’t imagine a better way to get to Stehekin! Often trails are more about the destination than the journey, but I find it easy to say that the journey was equally as beautiful in this case.

There are two routes to hike or backpack to Stehekin. Read more below about hiking to Stehekin via Lake Chelan or starting at Cascade Pass in the North Cascades.

Hiking Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail

The Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail is a beautiful trail that follows approximately 17 miles of Lake Chelan. To begin the trail you will have to take a ferry to one of two trailheads- Prince Creek or Moore Point. The trailhead you pick will determine the amount of time you spend backpacking to Stehekin.

If you start from Prince Creek it is 17 miles and takes most people 2 nights to hike to the town and leave via the ferry. Moore’s Point is the shorter option and may take only 1 night for a 7-mile hike. This trail is covered more in the post below.

Cascade Pass to Stehekin

For a longer hike, you can hike the 23 miles from Cascade Pass in North Cascade National Park down to Stehekin. This option is better attempted later in summer since it starts at 5,392 feet of elevation. If you choose this route you will also need to arrange transportation from Chelan to Cascade Pass or vice versa.

Other Ways to Get to Stehekin

Taking a Ferry to Stehekin

Taking a ferry is by far the most common route to arrive in Stehekin. Below are the ferry options that operate out of Field’s Point Landing and Chelan. Prices are for a one-way ticket in the summer season. Keep in mind you will have to purchase tickets both ways or a round-trip ticket, and hours may vary in the offseason.

• Stehekin Ferry– $39 one way, 90 minutes to Stehekin
• Lady of the Lake– $25 one way, 4 hours to Stehekin
• Lady of the Lake Express– $43 one way, 2.5 hours to Stehekin
• Lady Liberty– $49 one way, 70 minutes to Stehekin

Sea Plane to Stehekin

For a more pricey, but no doubt amazing experience, you can charter a seaplane to Stehekin, Washington.

Lake Chelan Lakeshore Overview

• Length:  17 miles from Prince Creek (7 miles from Moore’s Point)
• Elevation Gain:  4030 ft from Prince Creek
• Difficulty:  Moderate, but requires backpacking experience
• Popularity: A popular trail, but limited by the ferry system
• Number of Nights: 1 or 2 nights
• Dogs Allowed: Dogs are allowed on this trail
• Trailhead Location: Prince Creek Campground or Moore’s Point Campground
• Permits: Permits are not required, but you must book a ferry ticket

This trail is “moderate” in difficulty for a backpacking trail, but it is not for complete beginners. At least one member of your party should have backpacking experience to attempt this trail, due to the fact that there is no easy way to turn around if you forget something. Make sure to at least go on a one-night shakedown prior to this trip to check that you have all the backpacking essentials.

How to Get to Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Lake Chelan From Seattle

Lake Chelan From Portland

Ferry to Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trailhead

From Lake Chelan, you will need to take a ferry to either Prince Creek Campground or Moore’s Point Landing to start the Lakeshore Trail. From Prince Creek Campground it is a 17-mile hike to Stehekin, and from Moore’s Point Landing it is a 7-mile hike.

Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail Guide

The route below assumes you are starting from Prince Creek Campground and hiking the Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail into Stehekin. If you choose this route you will need to book a ferry both to the trailhead and also a ferry down the lake from Stehekin back to Chelan.

Day 1: Starting from Prince Creek

Depending on the Ferry you choose, you will arrive at Prince Creek Campground around noon or late morning. The beginning part of the trail is very exposed so be prepared for hiking in full sun with a sun shirt or sunscreen and lots of water. Setting off on the trail at the same time as the other hikers from your ferry may be crowded for a bit, but groups will eventually space out. If you are really worried about crowding, you can have lunch at Prince Creek before setting out.

The Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail will begin winding up along Lake Chelan. There are several magnificent lookout spots and in the Spring the trail is lined for much of the way with wildflowers such as lupine and dog grass. Don’t expect to be able to access the lake often from the trail. However, there are several streams that cross the trail to filter water.

Depending on the time of year, you may also have to cross streams by wading through or balancing on trees and rocks, so don’t forget your water shoes and trekking poles!

We heard reports of rattlesnakes on this portion of the trail, although we were lucky not to see any.

The first good campground is Meadows Creek Shelter Campground about 7 miles along the trail. This makes a nice camping spot to break the trail into two days. There is a small shelter here that can fit one group but plenty of other level campsites. There is also access to Meadow Creek nearby for water and a pit toilet at this campground!

If you are still full of energy at Meadows Creek, you can continue onto Moore Point Campground, 10.5 miles from Prince Creek Campground.

Day 2: Backpacking into Stehekin

After Meadow Creek, the trail scenery transforms from good to great. The trail weaves through meadows and alpine trees with mountain views in the distance. In the Spring, expect more wildflowers, and some potential marshy and wet spots.

From Meadow’s Creek Shelter Campground it is another 3 to 4 miles to Moore Point Campground. To access Moore Point, turn off just before the bridge spanning Fish Creek. It is a little under a half a mile spur to Moore Point. If you opted to start at Moore Point instead of Prince Creek this will be the beginning of your trek.

After Moore Point, the trail will begin to climb, and about half a mile past Moore Point is the best view on the entire trail- Hunt’s Bluff. This view faces South down Lake Chelan with unobstructed views for miles. There is even a notebook here that you can sign.

After taking in the sweeping views, continue on and the trail will begin to descend almost to the level of the lake. The trail will begin to go up and down and weave towards and away from the coast. You will be able to catch glimpses of Stehekin in the distance.

3.5 miles from Stehekin is the last designated campground before town- Flick Creek Campground. This is one of few spots with easy access to the lake before Stehekin. There is a small shelter here and a couple of picnic tables to rest at if you need a break before the last push into town. This last section has quite a few stretches of rocky trail, so be prepared with adequate shoes and foot support.

Right before you enter Stehekin, you will run across Lakeview Campground. To reach one of the other campgrounds or the lodge continue on through the Landing. Stop at the General Store and grab yourself a treat to celebrate making it to town!

Where to Stay in Stehekin

Regardless if you are camping or staying at a lodge, you will want to make your reservations if you plan on visiting during peak season (Mid-May to Mid-September). You can reserve campgrounds at Recreation.gov.

Stehekin Camping

• Lakeview Campground– Lakeview Campground is on the South end of Stehekin and is the first campsite you will come across if you hike in from Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail. It contains 9 walk-in campsites, reservable 6 months in advance in May – September, and first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. Lakeview has water and flush toilets, but no fires are allowed.
• Purple Point Campground– Purple Point contains 6 walk-in campsites on the North end of Stehekin Landing. These are reservable 6 months in advance in May – September, and first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. Purple point has water, fire rings, picnic tables, and flush toilets.
• Harlequin Campground– The last (and furthest) reservable campground is Harlequin Campground, 4.5 miles from Stehekin Landing. You can either hike this distance or take the shuttle, when active, from the Landing. Like Purple Point and Lakeview, these sites are reservable in summer. They have campfire rings and vault toilets, but no potable water.
• Backcountry Camping– If you cannot reserve an established campsite there is the option for nearby backcountry campsites. One option is to stay at Flick Creek and hike in the morning your ferry leaves if you can time it right. Otherwise obtain a backcountry North Cascades permit online for a nearby campsite- High Bridge, Tumwater, Bridge Creek, and Rainbow Bridge. These will require additional hiking, or in some cases, a shuttle in the summer.

Stehekin Lodging

Of course, if you’ve had enough camping after hiking into Stehekin you can reserve a room a the Lodge at Stehekin. The Lodge is located on the landing by the General Store and has both rooms and private cabins for rent.

The Lodge also has a restaurant available. Hours vary based on season and conditions, so check their website for up-to-date information.

How to Get Around Stehekin

Once you get to Stehekin, there are a few ways to travel around. Laundry, the General Store, and the Lodge restaurant can all be accessed from the Landing, but to access the rest of Stehekin there is a 5-mile road that you can walk, bike, or take a shuttle up.

• Stehekin Shuttle– The shuttle runs from 8 AM to 5 PM in the summer from the landing to High Bridge with several stops in between.
• Biking Around Stehekin– Right across from Purple Point Campground, are bikes available to rent through Discovery Bikes. As of 2022 bikes were $10 per hour and $35 per day.

Things To Do in Stehekin

Stehekin Pastry Company

Opening at 7:30 the Stehekin Pastry Company is a must-visit in Stehekin! Their famous cinnamon rolls are the perfect post-hike reward, and they also serve a lunch menu. Located 2 miles from the Landing, you can walk to the bakery if you don’t want to pay for the shuttle or a bike rental.

Stehekin Hikes

If you are not too hiked out from your backpacking trip into Stehekin, there are several easy to moderate trails you can enjoy near Stehekin. Many of these are easiest to bike or shuttle to.

• Rainbow Falls– Rainbow Falls is less of a hike, and more of a short walk, but it is worth it to see this 312-foot tall waterfall.
• Rainbow Loop– Although listed as 8 miles, you can also hike just a portion of the trail to Rainbow Creek and still see magnificent views of Stehekin River Valley, for a 4-5 mile round trip hike.
• Stehekin River Trail– Another long trail, hike as much as you want on this peaceful 7-mile out and back trail.
• Agnes Gorge Trail– Beginning at High Bridge Campground, this trail is 4.7 miles and leads to an overlook of a gorge and waterfall.
• Howard Lake Trail– This trail is short but steep. However, it is only 3 miles round trip and leads to a beautiful alpine lake.

Other Things to Know About Stehekin

• The campgrounds do not have showers but there is a small laundry and shower station at the Landing.
• Do not expect cell service. There is a pay phone available and internet vouchers can be purchased from the Lodge.
• Bring cash for showers and firewood.
• You will need to book your ferry back separately from your trip up. Print your tickets in case your phone battery dies!

Average Stehekin Weather

The best time to hike to Stehekin is easily late Spring! Trail maintenance does not normally begin until early May, but it is possible to hike earlier as the ferries run year round, although more limited in the off-season. In Spring you will also see the wildflowers!

Fall would also be a good time to hike, although there is a greater chance of wildfires being present and water may be harder to come by.

Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trail could also be hiked in summer, but the trail is very exposed so make sure to bring lots of water and proper sun protection!

Stehekin Webcams

Wondering what the current conditions are in Stehekin? You can view current conditions on the Stehekin webcams! This is especially helpful if you are hiking in summer and want to view current smoke conditions and visibility.

Packing for Hiking to Stehekin

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Backpacking Clothing List

• Women’s Backpack– This is the backpack I use! It fits everything and distributes the weight well.
• Sleeping Pad– A sleeping pad is necessary for a good night’s sleep in the wilderness. You can either use an inflatable one or the foam kind.
• Backpacking Sleeping Bag– A lightweight sleeping bag is essential for any backpacking trip. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the weather you will be camping in.
• Backpacking Tent– I have the 2 person version of the Nemo Dragonfly backpacking tent, and I love it! It’s light and easy to set up.
• Camping Pillow– Some people swear by a camping pillow to sleep in the woods.
• Water Filter– This water filter is light and easy to use. I used this and two 1 L water bottles- one dirty and one clean.
• First Aid Kit– A medical kit is something you should always bring in your pack hiking for emergencies.
• Trekking Poles– Trekking poles can be useful on any steep hike, but especially on a backpacking trip with a heavy pack!
• Lightweight Pot– Don’t forget a titanium pot to cook your backpacking meals in.
• Propane Stove– Jetboil makes a great fast-boiling backpacking stove.

Backpacking Clothing List

• Hiking Boots– You will need some good hiking boots for backpacking in the mountains. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters, and bring a spare.
• Down Coat– Even in the summer the nights can get quite chilly in the mountains. Bring a packable heavy coat, so you will be prepared for all weather!
• Fleece Jacket– A fleece jacket or quarter zip is a great midlayer to bring if it’s not cold enough for a heavy jacket but you still need to cover up.
• Rain Jacket– Always bring a rain jacket on a backpacking trip! Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts– Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
• Athletic Shorts/Pants– I personally tend to wear hiking leggings more than shorts, but either will work depending on the season.
• Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap if it warms up to control my hair and keep ticks off in the forest.
• Sandals– Always bring something to change into when you are done hiking for the day and need to relieve your feet. Teva’s are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip-flops will do.
• Headlamp or Flashlight–Don’t forget a headlamp to get around in the dark.

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