Prince Creek, Chelan Summit & Purple Pass — Saturday, Sep. 1, 2012

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan

Not so busy weekend. We were very suprised to see less then a dozen people on this 4 day trip Started at Prince crk after being dropped of by "the lady of the Lake" (FYI 40.00 per person and they only take cash or check to park at fields pt.) We worked our way up to the cabin at the 9.5 mile mark. Stayed in the cabin first night, was realy amazed at the work someone put into this place. Ty whoever you are :) Couple crk crossings but easy to cross without getting in the water on the way up Prince crk trail. Very dry for the first couple miles but as you gain elevation it keeps getting greener till you find yourself in spring flowers back around Star lake and cont. until Lk Juanita. Weather held firm at 50's during the day and light frost in morning. Lots of long views and lots of up and down hiking. Plenty of realy nice camp areas with sitting arangements and water sources close by all along the trail. We stayed at Horsehead basin and Lk Juanita besides the cabin and then came down purple pass to Stehekin. Be prepared for 58 switchbacks going down purple pass and more then a few blowdowns but nothing that realy slows you down. Notice that there is no official sign saying "this way to Purple Pass or Stehekin" at lk Juanita, however someone has carved an arrow and the word Stehekin into the lake's sign that shows you have to cross the camping area and head out on the other side. Be sure to take 7.50 for a awsome burger and 2.50 for some wonderful fries when you get to Stehekin. Tons of blue berries between star lake and lk Juanita and lots of bear scat everywere.