Last updated: October 20, 2022
Place
Lakeshore Trail
NPS/Bryanna Plog
Quick Facts
Location:
Trail in Stehekin begins south of Lakeview Campground and continues into Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Designation:
Trail
Amenities
1 listed
Trailhead
This trail follows the scenic northeast shore of Lake Chelan. Conditions are best in spring (April and May) and fall (October and November) as there is little shade on this southwest-facing trail. In summer, consider it for an early morning or evening walk.
The entire trail connects Stehekin with Prince Creek, a distance of 17.2 miles (27.7 km), but shorter sections make for a nice day hike. The trail leaves North Cascades National Park Service Complex and enters Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest just past Flick Creek Camp, around mile 3.5 (5.7 km). Pre-arrange with the ferry companies if you would like to be dropped off or picked up at certain points along the trail.
The trail provides little access to the lake itself and can be hot from late spring to early fall. Vault toilets and picnic tables available at Flick Creek, Moore Point, and Prince Creek.
Respect private property along the trail.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Distance and elevation: Trail gradually climbs and drops along the lakeshore with minimal to moderate elevation gain. Hazard Creek at 0.5 miles (0.8 km) and approximately 100 feet (30 m) gain/loss, Flick Creek Camp at 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and approximately 500 feet (150 m) gain/loss, Hunts Bluff at 5 miles (8 km) and approximately 1,100 feet (335 m) gain/loss, or Moore Point at 7 miles (11.4 km) and approximately 1,100 feet (335 m) gain/loss one way are good day hike destinations.
- Access: From Stehekin Landing, continue up past the Golden West Visitor Center to Lakeview Campgound. Signed trailhead is just south of the campground.
- Leashed dogs allowed.
- Backcountry camping is allowed at Flick Creek and on National Forest Service land. No backcountry permit required. Because of steep terrain and limited lake access, there are few areas outside of established camps where dispersed camping in the national forest is practical. Federal dock permit required for motorboats.