Summary
Wonderful early season backpacking route, and definitely one of the more unique ones you can do in Washington. We hiked from Prince Creek to Stehekin overnight, staying in Moore Point, and staying at Lakeview campground in Stehekin.
Wildflowers (especially lupines, balsamroot, dogwood, and Pemberton) are out and absolutely covers the entire trail right now. No real issue with bugs.
Logistics can be a little complicated when it comes to ferries and possibly getting around in Stehekin.
Detailed Report
Day 1 - Prince Creek to Moore Point. About 12 miles.
Longest and hardest segment. Took the Lady Express from Fields Landing ($7 per night fee). The ferry dropped us and half the boat off at Prince Creek and I think there were about 20 to 30 of us, but we found solitude quickly on the trail as folks spread out. The lake is beautiful, and it's a little hard to capture how blue/emerald it can get.
The trail, as others have mentioned, does not closely follow the shore. Prepare for lots of up and downs (I think I recorded about 2000 ft this day), with very little shade. The first half of the trail was not so bad in a sun hat, but as the day heated up to the mid 70s-80s after Meadow Creek, the trail got pretty grueling and slow going. A few creek crossings that are a little challenging with high river flows right now, but do-able with good balance or hiking poles. A few blowdowns, but we saw a trail crew working on it so it should be cleared up soon.
Moore Point was crowded, and another trail crew was camping there on weekends this month, but I think everyone found spots eventually. There's a big grassy field where folks were able to set up if the more secluded spots were taken. Clean pit toilets and there were bear lockers to use. Lovely place to chill in the lake and hang out.
No rattlesnake, or bears spotted, although some other hiker saw a snake and osprey. Lots of wildflowers out, and we saw a grouse.
Day 2 - Moore Point to Lakeview Camp in Stehekin. 8 miles.
We got started at 6am this time to beat the heat, and hiked 8 miles into Stehekin about 10am. Highly recommend starting early as the entire hike will be in the shade before the sun rises above the mountains. It's a lot cooler and much more enjoyable.
Set up camp in Lakeview before it got too crowded, and took the shuttle to the bakery at 11am (make sure to check the schedule!). The NPS visitor center and the Stehekin ranch are still closed for the season but the restaurant and store is open.
I personally liked Lakeview campground better than Purple Point. Even if both campgrounds had running water, Lakeview seemed much newer and less steep. It's a bit easier to access the restaurant and the boat landing as well, but is a little bit farther away from the shower building ($1 in quarters per 2.5 mins).
Day 3 - Stehekin
We rented a bike to Rainbow Falls. Amazing time to go, it's roaring from all the snowmelt and you can actually get quite wet at the upper lookout. Also saw the Orchard and old schoolhouse, both are great stops too.
Took the ferry out at around noon and made it back to the car at 2pm.
Comments
Gary Hess on Chelan Lakeshore Trail, Rainbow Falls Mist Trail
Great information, thank you.
Posted by:
Gary Hess on May 16, 2023 09:21 AM