| The
Lakeshore Trail follows
the north shore of Lake Chelan 17 miles to Prince Creek. The day hiker can go as far as he feels up
to and turn around. Few
will choose to go any further than the seven miles to Moore
Point (14 miles round trip) before turning around and heading
back to Stehekin. The
trail has only slight ups and downs for the first four
miles to Flick Creek. This
is a good destination spot for a day hike as the lake is
easily accessible and there is a campground and shelter.
This is the ideal trail
for a morning or evening stroll if you are staying at
the North Cascades Stehekin Lodge because the trailhead
is close by. It is also a nice day hike with small children
as it is easy walking and when they get tired, you can
turn around and return without waiting for transportation.
Since you don't gain much elevation on this trail, the
views are limited to the lake, Stehekin Valley, and the
surrounding mountains. The
best view on this trail is 5.9 miles down lake at Hunts
Bluff where you are 400 feet above the lake with a good
view of the surrounding area.
To find the trailhead follow
the road past the Golden West Lodge a few hundred feet. It
is a good idea to walk in front of small children as
there are a few rattlesnake sightings along this trail
every season.
Stehekin River Trail takes
you four miles to Weaver Point on the south shore of
Lake Chelan where you will find a large public campground
and a sandy beach for those who like cold water swimming. The way is mostly forested and you are only
in view of the river along three different stretches. This is a nice cool hike for a hot, day and comes complete with
a few fishing holes along the way.
The trailhead is 4.5 miles up valley from the boat landing and across
Harlequin Bridge. Follow Company
Creek Road 125 yards and take a left into the NPS maintenance area. Follow the signs.
Agnes Gorge Trail takes you 2.5 miles to
a 210 foot deep gorge with only 300 feet elevation gain. As far as scenery is concerned, this is my
favorite of the easy trails. The
trail opens up in a couple of places for a nice view of 8,115
foot Agnes Mountain. After
two miles, you will reach a small stream that crosses the
trail - be prepared to get
your feet wet in early summer! From
this stream it is only a half mile to the edge of the gorge
where there was, at one time, a suspension bridge across
to the other side. If you backtrack approximately fifty feet,
you will find a path that continues upstream. Follow
this and it will take you down to the water's edge near a
15 foot waterfall and a view of the gorge. This
is also a great place for a lunch stop.
To find the trailhead,
cross High Bridge heading up-valley. At the top of the hill you will see Agnes Creek Trail taking off
to your left. This
IS NOT the trail you want. Continue
past the road that leads to High Bridge Campground about
125 feet and you will see where the Agnes Gorge Trail
leaves the road on your left.
The
Old Wagon Road that was
built to service the prospecting community of Bridge
Creek has long been rerouted but it now makes a very
gentle and quite pleasant hike. Catch the shuttle to Bridge Creek and right
before the campground take a right and head back down
valley towards High Bridge. If
you stay right on the trail you will connect with the
Stehekin Road about 1/2 mile above Tumwater Bridge
or if you stay left you can connect to the Coon Lake
trail system. Depending on which route you take this trail
is from 4 to 7 miles in length.
Flat
Creek Trail. This trail takes off from the Stehekin Valley Road a few
hundred yards above Park Creek Bridge. As
the name implies this trail is quite flat and only
3.3 miles in length. This
trail is enjoyed by many during the fall foliage
season. If
you don't mind fighting a little brush this is also
a good area to catch Cutthroat Trout.
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