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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.

Contacts

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

Please excuse the brevity of this post- I am heading down into the Grand Canyon shortly, but wanted to get this posted. I will add more details on March 30th after I surface from the canyon floor, but I wanted to get it on the calendar. 

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, 2,000 ft elevation from Prince Creek to Meadow Creek Shelter where we'll set up our camp.

Day 2, Wednesday, May 20th: Backpack 10 miles from Meadow Creek to Stehekin - Purple Point Campground (First come - no reservations)

Day 3 Thursday, May 21st: Explore Stehekin *(daypacks) - Famous Stehekin Pastry Company, the small organic farm, Rainbow Falls hike & Buckner Orchard explorations. We can bike or bus.

Day 4 Friday - optional - other day hikes 

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

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 @ 8:30am.  When asked where you want to board the boat and get off the boat, be sure to specify that you wish to board at Fields Pt Landing and get off 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 whenever you wish to leave Stehekin. When asked where you want to board the boat and get off the boat, be sure to specify that you wish to board at Stehekin and get off 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 Field's 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 extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
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