Backpacking the Lakeshore Trail to Stehekin, WA
The Lakeshore Trail is a totally scenic one-way hike in the Stehekin Valley to Stehekin, WA, that includes a ferry, and 18.5 miles of epic views, wildflowers if you plan to visit in spring, river crossings, and plenty of swimming in the third deepest freshwater lake in the US. This is the perfect adventure for those who want to explore the Pacific Northwest, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Chelan, and get a taste of the backcountry. So grab your pack and let's hit the trail!
Backpacking the Lakeshore Trail, Stehekin, WA
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FAQ:
Where is Stehekin WA?
Stehekin, Washington, is on the northernmost point of Lake Chelan in Eastern Washington. It’s accessible by boat, floatplane, or foot only–there are no roads in or out!
Is Stehekin, WA, Worth Visiting?
Heck yes! At least, I think so! There aren’t many towns that literally aren’t accessible by car. It’s totally a novelty and a great way to unplug for a few days!
How to Pronounce Stehekin
Pronunciation: Stuh-hee-kin
Stehekin Ferry
Stehekin Ferry
Before you send it, make sure you snag a ferry ticket (and as early as possible–they do book up!). The best way to access the Lakeshore Trail is by taking the Lady of the Lake ferry from Fields Point Landing to Prince Creek. The Stehekin ferry runs daily from late April through mid-October, with several departure times throughout the day.
You can purchase tickets online here or in person at the Chelan boat dock. Make sure to arrive early to get a good spot on the boat and avoid getting left behind! Tickets are usually around $45 one way (not cheap, I know), but this is definitely a unique experience, so worth it in my books!
The Lakeshore Trail
AllTrails claims the Lakeshore Trail is about 17 miles long, but if you plan to camp at Camp Moore, it ends up being closer to 19. It’s super well-maintained and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains the ENTIRE way. Ideal. This section of trail is completely untouched, only accessible by the very trail you’re on. How cool, right?
Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, eagles, and even the occasional black bear!
Backpacking the Lakeshore Trail, Stehekin, WA
Most of the trail is up high on the cliffs, a little ways away from the lakeshore, which surprised me! There are a few access points every once in a while, but not as many as I would’ve thought. You’ll cross rivers (only one where I had to take off my boots and wade across), hike through balsomroot and lupines if you’re there in spring, and meander through new growth forests on the mend from a 2001 forest fire. The landscape changes as you hike farther north closer to the North Cascades, keeping the scenery, flora, and fauna fresh, even though you’re seeing the same lake the entire time!
Camp Moore, Lakeshore Trail
After hiking for approximately 11.5 miles, you'll reach Moore Point Campground, your home for the night. Take a left BEFORE the bridge to hike the spur trail down to the lake’s edge. There are plenty of tent sites, a few with picnic tables, and even two docks with a little sandy beach where you can lay down a towel and wade in! Set up your tent and take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Nothing like a Mountain House meal at the end of a long day on the Lakeshore Trail!
There’s a shelter and pit toilet on site as well. If you didn’t feel like bringing a bear canister, store your food in the bear boxes at camp. I LOVED that that was an option. Bringing a bear can is my least favorite thing about backpacking. They’re so bulky and heavy and ugh.
Highly recommend waking up early for sunrise. We had a few pink clouds light up the sky before the sun eventually hit the peaks in the distance. After a necessary camp coffee and some protein-packed Kodiak oats, we packed up camp and set off on our last 7 miles through meadows, forests, and over bridges and rivers. There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints on this last leg of the trail–take a minute to soak it all up. It’s stunning!
The trail takes you through dense forests and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. As you approach Stehekin, WA, you'll hike through a beautiful meadow and cross a suspension bridge over the Stehekin River. Finally, after 7 miles of hiking, you'll reach the small community of Stehekin.
If you have another night, lucky you! Settle into your campsite before experiencing Stehekin, WA. If not, the dock you’ll find to your left is where you’ll catch your return ferry. We enjoyed a pretty overpriced burger from the North Cascades Lodge before climbing aboard for the scenic ride home, but it definitely hit the spot.
Things to do in Stehekin:
Visit the Stehekin Valley Ranch: This historic ranch offers horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. You can also grab a bite to eat at the ranch's restaurant.
Take a scenic flight: For a bird's eye view of the stunning landscape, take a floatplane or helicopter tour.
Explore the Stehekin Valley: Take a hike or bike ride along the Stehekin Valley Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit the Stehekin Pastry Company: This famous bakery offers fresh-baked goods like cinnamon rolls, pies, and bread. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
Where to Stay in Stehekin
Stehekin Camping
Lakeview Campground: Tucked away behind a few cabins in the forest, Lakeview Campground is just a 5-minute walk from Stehekin Landing. All sites are all first-come, first-served during the winter, and in the summer (beginning May 22), reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.
Purple Point Campground: About a 10-minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin landing and close to the lake, Purple Point Campground’s sites are all first-come, first-served during the winter, and in the summer (beginning May 22), reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.
Stehekin Lodging
North Cascades Lodge: 27 rustic rooms of various sizes, some with kitchens, across the street from the dock. They even have a fully furnished lake house if you have a big group! It sleeps up to 12, has a private deck with a BBQ and a hot tub!
Stehekin Valley Ranch: They offer 15 tents and cabins of various sizes for rent, including glamping tents, cabins with electricity and a couple with a kitchenette, and wagons (think trailerable tiny homes). Check out their package deals for discounts!
What to Pack:
A sturdy backpack. I love my Osprey Aura!
A good quality, lightweight tent. I bring my MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 tent on every adventure!
Sleeping bag: I use the REI Co-op Magma 15 women’s sleeping bag. It’s lightweight, packs down small, and is super warm!
Sleeping pad: I brought along the Klymit Ultra V-Lite
Water: It's important to stay hydrated while hiking, especially in the hot summer months. I keep about 1.5L of water on me to start, and refill my water along the way so I’m not carrying too much weight!
Water filter: You’ll be drinking a lot of water on this trip–it’s hot–instead of packing allllll of your water and trying to manage all that weight, bring a filter to get more water as you need it! I like the Sawyer Squeeze filtration system for its weight and size.
Food and snacks: Pack plenty of high-energy snacks and meals to keep you fueled during your hike.
Camp stove: The MSR Pocket Rocket is my go to for its small size!
Cookware and utensils. I purchased the MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit, which comes with a small pot and a cup. It’s all I need! For the utensil, a longer-stemmed spork is the move to help avoid getting food all over your fingers when you dip it into a dehydrated camp meal bag.
First aid kit: Always bring a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.
Navigation tools: Bring a map and compass or a GPS device to ensure you stay on the trail.
Headlamp: A headlamp or flashlight is essential for navigating in the dark and for finding your way to the bathroom at night. I love my Black Diamond one!
Sun protection. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and chapstick with SPF. It’s hot and sunny out there!
Clothing: Dressing in layers is key! Bring lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that can be easily layered to adapt to changing temperatures. Here are some essentials:
Long-sleeved moisture-wicking shirt
Mid-layer (fleece or puffer)
Rain jacket or waterproof layer (I like to bring an emergency poncho even if there’s no rain in the forecast
Leggings or hiking pants for chilly mornings/evenings
Shorts
Hiking socks
Camp shoes that are okay getting wet
Hiking boots or shoes. Proper footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe hiking experience. Look for hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support and a sturdy sole. Make sure to break them in before your trip to avoid blisters. I love my Danner Mountain 600s!
Toiletries: Bring some toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste (I love these tiny toothpaste tablets for backpacking!), and any other personal hygiene items you may need.
Duct tape
Paracord
Leave No Trace
Always remember to leave no trace–pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, prepare for every adventure, and respect the outdoors and each other every step of the way. Learn more about how to leave no trace here.
And if you do decide to venture out, drop a comment below or shoot me an email to tell me how it went!
Happy adventuring!
