The Chelan Lakeshore Trail is an 18 mile trail that runs along the northeast shore of Lake Chelan and is a great early season backpacking trip! The trail is usually snow free by April and provides amazing views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains. If you go at the right time, you will also see spring wildflowers such as balsamroot and lupine in bloom. Because it is east of the Cascade crest, it is also drier and warmer than Western Washington, so it makes a great escape for spring rain.
Summary:
Distance: 18 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Trailhead: Prince Creek
Campgrounds: Moore Point Campground (11 miles from Prince Creek), and Purple Point Campground in Stehekin (18 miles from Prince Creek – reservation required) are the main campgrounds. There are a few smaller ones along the way if you wish to break up the mileage differently.
My friend and I did the trip in one night, staying at Moore Point. Some people like to stay a second night at Purple Point so they can explore the town of Stehekin. If you do decide to stay at Purple Point, you will need to make a reservation through Recreation.gov.
Our lunch spot overlooking Lake Chelan
Logistics:
This hike is a little harder to get to than your average hike because you can’t drive to the trailhead. You have to take a ferry from Chelan. You will want to reserve your ferry tickets in advance through Lady of the Lake. You can choose to get on in the town of Chelan or at Field’s Landing. Make sure to note that you will be getting off the ferry at Prince Creek. To return to Chelan after your hike, you will get on the ferry at Stehekin.
I love seeing balsamroot in bloom
Other Things to Note:
Water: Even though you are hiking along the shores of Lake Chelan, you are often several hundred feet above the lake itself. There are several major creeks along the way from which to filter water. There are also many smaller seasonal creeks that may be flowing depending on when you hike.
Sun exposure: There is not much shade along this trail, so be sure to bring sun protection. In the summer, it can get very hot, so it is recommended to hike this trail in the spring. When I did the trail in early May, it was 55 degrees during the day and in the 40s at night.
Rattlesnakes and Ticks: Rattlesnakes and ticks are common on this trail, especially as the temperatures begin to warm in late spring. We did not see any rattlesnakes, but I did see one tick. This is another reason to hike the trail in mid-spring before it gets too warm.
My friend and I at the trailhead
Stehekin Pastry Company: Be sure to save time to visit the Stehekin Pastry Company! They make amazing cinnamon rolls and sticky buns as well as sandwiches, savory pastries, and pizza. They are typically only open on weekends starting in mid-April, but add additional hours as spring progresses into summer. In my opinion, the perfect time to hike this trail is mid-April to late-May. The bakery will be open on weekends and you can (hopefully) avoid heat, rattlesnakes, and ticks.
The bakery is located 2 miles away from the end of the trailhead and the ferry dock. You can rent bicycles near the ferry dock if you wish so you don’t have to walk. My friend and I were actually able to hitchhike both ways, but had built time into our schedule to road walk the extra 4 miles if necessary. The locals are very friendly and hitchhiking felt pretty safe.
The Stehekin Pastry Company is worth the effort to get there!
The Chelan Lakeshore Trail is a great opportunity to stretch your backpacking legs in the spring and enjoy sunshine, wildflowers, and amazing views!
