Decided on this a few weeks ago and made sure to schedule it prior to the holiday weekend. We got dropped off at Prince Creek Tuesday morning around 10am with about 10 other hikers (a Mountaineers group and a few smaller parties).
The first section of the trail from Prince to Cascade has several steep sections, but the trail is in good condition (if not slightly overgrown from all the wildflowers). We were only the second tent up at Cascade Creek (mile 6), but a later ferry drop off sent a few latecomers our way. Campsites we're good and toilet was decent. Wind was intense and it stormed through the night.
We packed up during a break in the rain and started on trail by 10am. Lots of garbage and left behind gear at Meadow Creek shelter (mile 7.5). It rained off and on all morning, but we had a nice break at Moore Creek crossing (we didn't descend to the camp) around 1. The trail in the section is gorgeous: steady climbs, cruisy flats, amazing views.
We got to Flick Creek (mile 14) by 4pm and cowboy camped in the shelter, as our Durston is a bit big for the spots there. Only two other folks there and we enjoyed the incredible sunset. The day definitely warmed up even though the wind was persistent.
We were up early and on trail by 8am, wanting to cover the last three miles (and the 1.5 mile road walk) quickly so we could get breakfast at the bakery.
This was my second time doing this hike and I absolutely love it. Perfect spring overnight with amazing payoff and a fantastic treat at the end. Stehekin is magical and I would highly recommend staying an extra day while you're there to explore the town. I spent a full 6 months season there in 2015 and I still can't get enough!
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