Agnes Gorge Trail

Agnes Gorge Trail is a 5-mile out-and-back from the second signed trailhead past High Bridge to a waterfall gorge on Agnes Creek. The route gains about 500 feet and is mostly level, with forest, open hillside and a creek crossing. Allow about three hours with a stop at the gorge. It’s a good half-day choice if you want a relaxed walk with mountain views and a clear destination, without a long climb.

From Stehekin Landing, take the Stehekin Shuttle to High Bridge. Cross the Stehekin River just above the bridge, then continue a short way on Stehekin Valley Road to the second signed trailhead on the left. The first trailhead is Agnes Creek/Pacific Crest Trail, a different route; there’s no bridge connecting the two. Starting at the Agnes Gorge sign keeps this record’s distance to the gorge and back.

The trail moves through varied forest, then follows open hillside with occasional views toward the gorge. Around a mile in, a small aspen grove stands out among ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. Look at the thin aspen bark for bear claw marks. The path is generally easy, though one short section has a steep drop beside it.

At roughly 1.5 miles, a rustic sign marks the entry into Glacier Peak Wilderness. Soon the hillside opens toward Agnes Mountain, with Chickamin Glacier peeking over its shoulder. Early and mid-summer bring tiger lilies, chocolate lilies, lupine, paintbrush and wild rose. Huckleberries can fruit on the slopes in fall.

The maintained trail ends above a narrow gorge, with a cascading waterfall and rushing water below. A suspension bridge once crossed here; it’s gone, but metal pieces and the concrete anchors remain. Give yourself time to sit by the overlook before retracing the same trail. For a photo, include some of the cliff wall and water together so the narrow gorge reads clearly.

A creek crossing can be tricky in spring or high water, so be ready for wet feet. Reports place it at different points along the walk. Pets and bicycles aren’t allowed.