Agnes Gorge Trail

Overview

This is Stehekin’s crowd-pleasing out-and-back: about 5.0 miles total with roughly 500 feet of gain to a dramatic, rock-walled gorge on Agnes Creek. Expect a mellow grade, varied forest, open flowered slopes, and a big payoff at the end. GPS tracks often read 4.7–5.0 miles—either way, it’s a solid half-day walk with time to linger at the rim.

Getting There (Important)

From Stehekin Landing, ride the seasonal valley shuttle to High Bridge (the bus typically stops at the famed bakery, Rainbow Falls, and Stehekin Valley Ranch en route). It’s about $7 per adult to High Bridge. Cross High Bridge over the opaque-blue Stehekin River, pass the signed Agnes Creek/PCT trail (not your trail), then a short bit farther look left for the signed Agnes Gorge Trail. There’s no bridge linking the two “Agnes” trails—don’t try to connect them.

Trail Experience

You’ll ease into cool forest, then quickly traverse open, south-facing slopes with first peeks into Agnes Gorge. Wildflowers shine in early–mid summer (think tiger lilies, chocolate lilies, lupine, paintbrush, wild rose). A small aspen pocket appears along the way—keep an eye out for old bear claw marks. Around 1–1.5 miles in, you cross into Okanogan‑Wenatchee National Forest and the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Views of 8,115‑foot Agnes Mountain pop in and out.

Near the end, the tread improves with rock steps and drainage work and drops to the gorge rim. Spring runoff can make the waterfall and churning creek downright spectacular. A short spur can get you down to the water when flows allow—perfect for a snack and a cool‑off.

Conditions, Season, and Hazards

• Early season brings abundant flowers, wet/muddy stretches, and a small creek crossing that can be tricky at high water—trekking poles help.
• One short section edges along a steep drop‑off; mind kids and exposure‑averse hikers.
• Late season brings huckleberries (and bears that love them). Make noise, give wildlife space, and consider a tick check—ticks have been reported in spring.

Best Time to Hike

Late June through September is prime for dry footing and flowers or berries. In spring, runoff makes the gorge especially dramatic but expect wetter trail and a friskier creek crossing. Mid-morning light works well on the gorge; shoulder hours are quieter if you can match the shuttle schedule. Weekdays tend to be calmer.

Regulations and Camping

This is a day‑use trail—no camping along the route. Nearest camps along the road are High Bridge and Tumwater; overnights require a backcountry permit (the park’s permit system includes a per‑person fee plus a non‑refundable reservation fee, and permits are typically picked up at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount). Pets and bicycles are not allowed on this trail.

Tips

• Time your shuttle—know the last pickup at High Bridge. If you want flexibility, consider staying a night at High Bridge or Tumwater (permit required).
• Poles and long pants make the brushy bits, the seasonal creek, and tick country much easier.
• If you crave more miles, you can also reach the area via Bridge Creek on the Old Wagon (Pacific Crest) route, but the straightforward approach is from High Bridge.