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Basic Backpack - Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Trip

Basic Backpack - Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Let's explore this classic WA backpack along the lake to Stehekin. The 2023 fire caused some damage to the area and closed some of the camps, but it's still a lovely spring experience. A top 100 WA hike. An optional day exploring the Stehekin surrounds to follow.

Contacts

KT/ Karen Trilevsky
KT/ Karen Trilevsky
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 17.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 1,700 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph, average moving pace
  • FULL, 3 on waitlist (4 capacity)
  • Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 7:30 AM
  • Fri, May 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

A delightful spring trip along the shores of Lake Chelan. Scenic trail with wildflowers, great views, and possible wildlife sightings. Plentiful water sources and good campsites. 

Day 1: Tuesday, May 19th -Arrive at the Field's Point Landing Dock by 8:30 a.m. The ferry departs at 9:20. We will arrive at Prince Creek at 11:00 am. Backpacking begins! 7 miles, 1,800 ft elevation from Prince Creek to Meadow Creek Shelter, where we'll set up our camp.

Day 2, Wednesday, May 20th: We'll begin early from Meadow Creek and travel to Moore Point for a "2nd breakfast" break. Then past Flint Creek and on to Stehekin - Purple Point Campground (first-come, no reservations) for the 6 sites. Ideally, we'll stay for 2 nights. There are some alternatives, should they be full. 10.5 miles, 2,000 ft. elevation gain. 

Day 3 Thursday, May 21st: Explore Stehekin *(optional, w/ daypacks) - Famous Stehekin Pastry Company, the small organic farm, Rainbow Falls hike & Buckner Orchard explorations. We can bike or bus. Since it's an optional day you are free to depart on any of the ferries. 10:40 or 12:30 via Lady of the Lake. Or 10:40 via Stehekin Ferry

Day 4 Friday, May 22nd: Optional day hikes and choose a departure Ferry time: 10:40, 12:30, or 2:00 pm via Lady of the Lake. 

 Purple Point Campground, North Cascades National Park - Recreation.gov

This will be my first time walking the full trail. 

WTA link

GAIA Route

Dangers & Annoyances:

  • Weather - exposed trail (unpleasant forecast will initiate a change of locations or cancellation) 
  • A WTA work party is scheduled at Prince Creek, May 21st-26th (we will be beyond the area by then)
  • Ticks - common in this area.
  • Rattlesnakes - common in this area - sunning themselves on the trail
  • Parts of the trail were impacted by the fires in 2023 - open for travel, but caution is advised during rainy weather.

Leader permission

We can only have a small group in order to fit at Purple Point. To request a spot, please fill out this short questionnaire. Google form 

no later than April 6th at 6:00 pm (before registration opens on the 7th). There will be a wait-list. After April 7th, you are welcome to complete the form in case there are openings.

We'll meet at the Field's Point Landing in Chelan by 8:30 a.m.  The Lady Express Ferry leaves at 9:20 a.m. Parking is $7/day. 

We will take a boat "up lake" on Tuesday, May 19th, from Fields Pt Landing to Prince Creek. 
The backpacking portion of this trip ends Thursday, May 21st in Stehekin

  •  https://ladyofthelake.com/overnight-one-way-tickets/
  • Purchase an "UP LAKE" ticket for Tuesday, May 19th at 8:30am. When asked where you want to board and disembark, be sure to specify boarding at Fields Pt Landing and exiting at Prince Creek.
  • After completing this transaction, you'll receive a "Roundtrip Express Promo code." Use this code for your return trip.
  • Return: https://ladyofthelake.com/overnight-one-way-tickets/
  • Purchase a "DOWN LAKE" ticket for Thursday, Friday, or any other day you wish to leave Stehekin. When asked where you want to board and disembark, be sure to specify boarding at Stehekin and exiting at Fields Pt Landing. Enter your "Roundtrip Express Promo code" to receive 25% off this purchase.

If you wish to drive to Chelan on Monday, have dinner, stay in a hotel, or camp at Lake Chelan State Park campground, which is a 15-minute drive from the park to Fields Point. This avoids an early drive-in on Tuesday morning. This is my plan.

Route/Place

Chelan Lakeshore Trail


  • Green Trails Prince Creek No. 115
    Green Trails Lucerne No. 114
    Green Trails Stehekin No. 82
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or Ursack
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
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