Lakeshore Trail

The Lakeshore Trail is a 17.2-mile point-to-point route along Lake Chelan’s northeast shore, from the signed trailhead just south of Lakeview Campground in Stehekin to Prince Creek. The line here runs south from Stehekin. This is a full-day commitment: allow about nine hours on foot, then plan around the boat transfer. Arrange a pickup at Prince Creek ahead of time. The mileage and logistics make this a better fit for a long traverse or backcountry trip than a casual lake stroll.

The route follows the steep northeast side of Lake Chelan, with views across the water toward the surrounding peaks. It has little shade and few direct lake-access points, so expect more hiking above the shore than walking beside the water. The trail’s elevation gain and loss is modest by mountain-route standards: published figures are about 500 feet within the park complex and up to 1,100 feet on the southern section. The distance, not a summit climb, is the main effort.

You can use the same trail for a shorter out-and-back. Flick Creek Camp is about 3.5 miles one way, Hunts Bluff about 5, and Moore Point about 7. Double those figures if you return to Stehekin on foot. These are useful choices when you want the shoreline without committing to the whole through-hike.

Just beyond Flick Creek, around mile 3.5, the route leaves the North Cascades National Park Service Complex and enters Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Vault toilets and picnic tables are available at Flick Creek, Moore Point, and Prince Creek. Backcountry camping is allowed at Flick Creek and on National Forest land without a backcountry permit. Keep dogs leashed.