In 2023, I joined on a three-day, two-night, backpacking trip along the Chelan Lakeshore Trail to Stehekin, WA. This small village is one of the most remote and beautiful places in the lower 48 states. Stehekin is located at the northern end of Lake Chelan, a narrow, fjord-like lake. The lake is approximately 50 miles long and holds the title of third deepest lake in the US. Only Crater Lake (Oregon) and Lake Tahoe (California) are deeper. Because there are no roads to Stehekin, one must boat, fly, or hike in to visit the charming village.
April 28, 2023
We departed Seattle around 6 a.m. for the three-hour drive to Fields Point Landing. At the landing, we boarded a boat operated by the Chelan Boat Company. The board took us to the start of our trek at Prince Creek. Depending on one’s schedule, there are three boat options: Lady Express, Lady of the Lake, and Lady Liberty.
The 17-mile Chelan Lakeshore Trail runs along the east side of Lake Chelan. We began our trek at Prince Creek, along with several other backpackers, at 12:45 p.m. The trail towards Stehekin ascends via switchbacks. Much of the route is not shaded so this made hiking a bit tough since it was a cloudless day with temperatures already in the high 80’s.
Our goal was to reach Moore Point Moore Point Campground, 10 miles up the trail. However, we stopped after six miles due to the heat and pitched camp at tree-covered Cascade Creek Campground. This was a welcome stop considering we were all a little tired from our early morning and the long drive to Chelan. After setting up camp, we enjoyed comradery while cooking our meals and sharing outdoorsy stories. The cool evening air and exertion from the day made sleeping a delight!
April 29, 2023
We arose early the next morning, enjoyed breakfast, and departed camp around 7:30 a.m. There’s nothing like that first cup of morning brew after sleeping in the woods to set a positive mood for the day! Hiking in the cool morning air while enjoying beautiful lake and mountain views was simply invigorating! Despite the remaining eleven miles to Stehekin, the morning seemed to fly!
We enjoyed occasional tree cover and stopped periodically to marvel at the exquisite views and vivid blue water. We negotiated a couple stream crossings along the way, taking advantage to filter and drink the refreshing cold water, a treat as the temperature began to rise. It was truly an enjoyable trek, although we didn’t mind reaching Stehekin just after 12:30 p.m.
We camped at the Purple Point Campground, with walk-in sites just a 10-minute walk from the Stehekin Landing. After setting up camp, several members of the group decided to hike a few miles up the Purple Creek Trail, while a couple of us opted to lounge on the deck of the Stehekin Lodge. It was so satisfying to have the deck practically to ourselves, enjoy cold cider from the camp store, and put our feet up as we enjoyed lake views. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.
April 30, 2023
The next morning, I trekked with a hiking buddy around the north side of Stehekin. The highlight of our venture was stopping at The Garden where we purchased tasty goat yogurt and goat cheese. After departing by boat around noon and a lengthy drive west on I-90, we arrived back in Seattle around 7:30 p.m. My bed and sweet dog Sophie Mae were welcome sights; however, I will be forever grateful for this most memorable trek along the Chelan shore! I can’t wait to return one day! I hope you, too, have an opportunity to explore the wonderful Chelan shoreline and Stehekin, WA!
