Backpackers, here's the deal for the Chelan Lakeshore trail in 2026

Here's some news for early-season backpackers in Washington: The Chelan Lakeshore Trail and all campgrounds are open, although some sections of the trail were badly damaged by winter storms. As always, hikers do not need a permit to camp along the trail, but you still need reservations to camp in Stehekin. (Note: Reservations for Stehekin must be made in advance on Recreation.gov. See below for more details.) 

You'll also want a reservation with the Lake Chelan Boat Company or Stehekin Ferry. The Lake Chelan Boat Company (Lady of the Lake) travels from Chelan or Fields Point, while the Stehekin Ferry travels from Fields Point. 

The Lady of the Lake ferry pulling away from the Fish Creek dock. Photo by trip reporter Tiffers80.

Trail conditions from the Forest Service

As of early spring, the Forest Service has found the trail to be impacted heavily by winter storms, though conditions vary considerably throughout. They have also provided a map of the trail conditions.

• Between Prince Creek and Moore Point
  Hikers can expect a few debris flows and washed-out areas. These sections will require careful navigation and occasional sections where footing may be loose or uneven. While manageable for prepared hikers, expect slower travel. Hikers may exit the trail via the Fish Creek dock and return to Chelan, or "bump up" to Stehekin via boat from Moore Point. Follow signs to the ferry dock about 0.5 mile past Moore Point Campground. (There is another dock at the campground, but the ferry is unable to use it until the lake level rises.)
• Beyond Moore Point (toward Stehekin)
  This section of the trail sustained extreme damage with several washouts. Past Moore Point Campground, the trail becomes exceptionally challenging, requiring "off-trail" navigation and steep climbs in and out of drainages. This segment is considered extremely strenuous at this time, and is recommended only for expert hikers with strong off-trail navigation skills and excellent physical fitness.
• Trail north of Hunts Creek
  Note that the trail north of Hunts Creek is managed by the National Park Service. If you intend to hike all the way to Stehekin, check the National Park Service service website and trip reports for current trail conditions. 

Damage at Flick Creek in March 2026. Photo by trip reporter AsphodelMeadowlark52212.

• General guidance
  While the trail remains open, the Forest Service urges all hikers to thoroughly assess their skills, experience and physical fitness before committing to any section of the Chelan Lakeshore Trail. Trail crews and volunteers are actively working on repairs, but restoring the full trail will take time.
• Campgrounds reopened
  Moore Point and Cascade Creek campgrounds, which were previously closed due to post-fire flooding hazards, have reopened to overnight camping.

Plan ahead and be ready for anything

The Forest Service recommends starting from Stehekin if considering hiking the entire Lakeshore trail. This allows for an easier turnaround if the trail conditions appear too challenging. If you start from Stehekin, use these key mileages between campgrounds to plan your hike:

• Stehekin to Flick Creek: 3.5 miles
• Flick Creek to Moore Point: 3 miles
• Moore Point to Cascade Creek: 4.6 miles
• Cascade Creek to Prince Creek: 5.7 miles
• Total distance between Stehekin and Prince Creek: ~17 miles

With the extensive damage to the trail, hike with caution and consider carrying extra first aid materials. Forest Service staff are stretched thin and the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin is closed, but there are still National Park Service staff in the valley including rangers and maintenance staff.

The National Park Service (above), Forest Service and other organizations like WTA will be on trail this year fixing up the trail. Photo by trip reporter AsphodelMeadowlark52212.

The Stehekin Landing area and trails were affected by the 2024 Pioneer Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards. The North Cascades National Park staff provided a post fire safety page for hiker awareness, and noted that the Stehekin area is prone to more severe flooding now that it has been part of a wildfire.

• Always check the forecast prior to your trip.
• Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, and pay particular attention to debris flow areas. The post fire safety page has information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area.

Want to find another part of the state to backpack in? Check out our low-key backpacking recommendations, or try something on the Olympic Peninsula!

Permits and staying in the valley

With limited Forest Service staff and the Golden West Visitor Center closed, you'll need your Stehekin campground permits before you get on the boat in Chelan. You can make a reservation for Harlequin, Purple Point or the Lakeview campgrounds in Stehekin on Recreation.gov and bring a printed copy of the reservation. 

Backcountry permits for the sites outside Stehekin (like High Bridge and Tumwater) can be reserved online on Recreation.gov and permits can be issued via email. Contact noca_wilderness@nps.gov for more information.

Until May, hand-written, self-issue permits for the backcountry sites are available in Marblemount or via email. However, this adds several hours to your travel to Chelan to get on the ferry, so consider staying at one of the lodging options in the valley. Backpackers are a big contributor to Stehekin's recreation economy and the people in the valley would welcome your business! (Stehekin was also hit quite hard by the storms, so please be extra kind to the town this summer.) 

WTA volunteers regularly work on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail, and will be back this year to help with repairs this year. Photo by Melissa Davis.