Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest) Trail

Bridge Creek (Pacific Crest) Trail is the 12.8-mile, one-way PCT stretch from the Bridge Creek Trailhead at SR 20 milepost 159 to the Bridge Creek Camp junction. It follows Bridge Creek toward its meeting with the Stehekin River and drops about 2,500 feet. This is a point-to-point valley walk, not a loop or a summit climb. The trail is rated moderate, but the distance makes it a full day on foot; allow about seven hours for the walk itself. There’s no road pickup at camp. Walking back makes this a 25.6-mile day, so most people will need an overnight or a longer through-route with an exit plan.

The trailhead lot is on the north side of SR 20. Cross the highway and follow the short connector to the main trail. A Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful pass is required to park. The official distance ends at the Bridge Creek Camp junction, deep in the backcountry, so decide on your return or continuation before you leave the car.

Expect long stretches of forest and a mostly smooth tread with gentle ups and downs, trending downhill overall. It isn’t a continuous creekside stroll: the creek is often out of reach from the path, and water access is easiest at camps. Views open now and then across the valley and toward Lake Chelan, but most of the walk is about moving through the drainage rather than stopping at big overlooks. Some stretches get brushy, and the exposed sections between camps can feel much warmer than the shaded forest.

Bridge Creek Camp is the useful stopping point and a base for other backcountry trips. Trails branch from here toward McAlester Lake, Dagger Lake, Rainbow Lake, and the North Fork. This section is part of the Pacific Crest Trail, so it also fits into longer backpacking itineraries. Designated camps generally have a tent pad, toilet, and water access; check the specific camp details when planning an overnight.

The Maple Creek bridge is removed seasonally, and high water can make that crossing impassable. Check current trail conditions before committing to the full point-to-point route. Leashed dogs are allowed on the PCT; they are not allowed off it. Overnight stays require a limited backcountry permit, and camping is restricted to designated camps. Bears are common along this drainage, so use the food-storage lockers at camp.