Day Hikes
Get lost (not literally) in the beauty of the Stehekin Valley and North Cascade Mountains on some amazing day hikes
Easy Day Hiking Trails:
A hike for all ability’s and ages
Lakeshore Trail: Also know for an incredible backpacking trail that starts at Prince Creek. Many enjoy this hike right from Stehekin. Go as far as you want, have a picnic with a lake view, then turn around to head back to Stehekin whenever you are ready. It’s a perfect trail for an evening or morning stroll for folks staying at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
Stehekin River Trail: A 4 mile walk to Weaver Point. This trail starts at the Stehekin Airstrip (4.5 miles away from the Stehekin Landing) and takes you to the Weaver Point Campground to enjoy a good cold water swim and a day in the sun before hiking back.
Agnes Gorge: Not to be mistaken for Agnes Creek, which takes you to Mexico! (Part of the Pacific Crest Trail). This hike is a short and shaded 2.5 mile hike (one-way) that leads you to a 210 foot deep gorge. The trail starts right above High Bridge (11 miles from the Stehekin Landing) and makes for a great day hike for folks staying the the Stehekin Valley Ranch.
Moderate Day Hiking Trails:
Typically a little more elevation gain or distance
Howard Lake: Previously named Coon Lake this beautiful hike, like a few others, starts at High Bridge. Depending on where you start, this hike is only about a mile long to get to the Lake. Beware, not many brave swimming in the lake due to the rumors of leaches. It’s more for admiring! Hikers can make this into a loop trail by continuing on the trail and heading towards the Old Wagon Trail head. This will put you back on the road that you will walk back down to get to High Bridge.
Rainbow Loop Trail: A fairly popular day hike for it’s view of Lake Chelan! This is a 5 mile loop that you can either start at the lower or upper trail head. We recommend starting at the upper trail head (5 miles from Stehekin Landing) and ending on the lower trail (2.6 miles from the Stehekin Landing). That way, on your hike back down, you’ll enjoy the nice views. The lower trail head happens to be only a 1/2 mile away from the Stehekin Pastry Company. A great way to reward yourself after a fun day of hiking!
Bridge Creek Trail: Starting above High Bridge, on the Old Wagon Trail, this hike takes you 3 miles to Bridge Creek. This is a wonderful place to have lunch, dip your toes in the creek and even fish. Many like to camp here over night so they can enjoy some other day hikes in the area.
Difficult Day Hiking Trails:
Intense elevation gain and distance
McGregor Mountain: This iconic mountain is what you see that looms over the Stehekin Valley. Very well known for it’s incredible 360 degree views on top. including the rock scramble at the very top, this hike is about 8 miles to the peak of McGregor Mountain. Some only hike the 7 miles to the end of the trail. The rock scramble is not a technical climb, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Either way, you won’t be disappointed by the intense elevation gain and views. Many start as early as 4am so they can be back down the mountain before the hottest part of the day.
Purple Creek Trail: Like many trails in this area, it gives you the option of going as far as you would like before turning back around to Stehekin. This trail starts at the Golden West Lodge Visitor Center. For good views, hike at least 3 miles of the trail. Those feeling ambitious can get an early start to hike the 8miles to Purple Pass and another .5 miles to Boulder Butte that has exceptional views.
For more information on day hikes or backpacking visit www.nps.gov or www.alltrails.com