Alpine Art, Juniper Joani, Truckin Tom, and Loping Lynn spent a 3 day midweek tour of the Stehekin Valley doing short day hikes and relaxing in the early Fall sun. Our first hike was the Agnes Gorge trail which starts just West of High Bridge. The trail was dusty but otherwise in great shape. The trail offers views of the Glacier Peak area as well as the Agnes Gorge. The Gorge near where the trail ends was once bridged by a suspension bridge and appears to have been the main Agnes Creek Trail. The bridge according to our guide book was taken down in the 1940's. Agnes Creek is quite mesmerizing with a neat falls which can be seen by going a bit further west from the suspension bridge (see photo). The hike (roughly 5 miles RT) is easy with limited elevation gain and a nice walk after the boat ride up the lake. A photo of the old suspension bridge can be seen at Stehekin Valley Ranch (dinning hall) where our group stayed.

Memorial Day Weekend trip to Stehekin via the Lakeshore Trail and dayhike on Agnes Gorge Trail in the Upper Stehekin Valley. Day 1: Began in Prince Creek campground after being dropped off by the Lady of the Lake boat from Chelan. The trail undulates along the north shore of Lake Chelan with 2 or three sections of switchbacks that can be tiring due to exposure to the sun. Otherwise, trail is moderately and steadily undulating. Water is no problem so far, since there are several creeks on the way. One moderately difficult creek crossing is at Cascade creek (about 1 mile before the first camp). You'll need your poles lengthened and careful steps. The first camp is Meadow Creek. This is closed to camping, but if you go about 1/4 mile further, there is a stretch of good campsites. It's worth the extra push, though you may be tired from the previous 7.5 miles in the sun. Day 2: Day was cooler and hiking exponentially more comfortable. Trail is mostly gentle and flat from here all the way to Stehekin. On the way, you pass another potential campground, Moore Point. This is also closed, but above the campground, and close to the trail is an old hay field that is the recommended site. The vegetation changes as you get closer to Stehekin, even displaying some impressive Dogwood. In Stehekin: Camping permits must be obtained at the NPS Visitor Center. They are free. I recommend camping away from the landing. Harlequin campground is good. High Bridge area is good as well. Public showers/laudry are available at an A-frame building between the visitor center and the lodge. They are also free. Shuttle costs $6 each way. Jim Williams, the owner/driver is a great buy with a good sense of humor and good conversation. From Harlequin Campground I walked to Rainbow Falls. 312 ft. and right now very full. A short walk away is Bukner Orchard (old homestead) that is worth the time to walk the property. Day 3: Shuttled up to High Bridge to hike the Agnes Gorge trail. This is as good as it gets for views:work ratios. A 2.5 mi. walk in the park with 400 ft. elev. gain and great views of mountains, an awsome gorge, and a beautiful multi-layered waterfall. 2 hours round trip with stops for pictures. The wildflowers were great. Best of all, I was the only hiker on the way in and out.

Agnes Gorge trail is in good shape. 2.5 miles to the end. Good family hike. Very good fishing for native rainbows (Wild Native Trout-please catch and release!) When you get to the end, just continue on the path upstream to get to the shore. Very beautiful place. NOTE: When you arrive in Stehekin and your plans are to travel to the end of the road, immediately make reservations at the Golden West Visitor Center for the Park Service Shuttle. This shuttle travels from High Bridge to Glory Mtn. and has limited seating. The Park Service really needs a larger shuttle bus to accommodate day hikers!