Spring wildflowers are a highlight on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail. Photo by Randy and Sharon.

Hike along Washington's dramatic fjord-like Lake Chelan, traversing sun-kissed ledges and blossom-bursting hillsides and weaving through cool forested ravines cut by cascading creeks. Stand high above the sparkling waters of America's third-deepest lake, which catches striking reflections of frosted pointy peaks. Feel rushes of wind funnel down the deep lake-cradling gorge. Listen to aspen leaves rustle, a lone loon cry, waves lap against lakeside ledges, and perhaps a rattling warning.

Mile per mile, this is the most scenic hike radiating from Stehekin, and it's the only trail that embraces the dramatic shoreline of 50-mile-long Lake Chelan. Hot in summer, the Lakeshore Trail makes a wonderful destination in fall and spring-especially the latter, when a mosaic of wildflowers including chocolate lilies, balsamroot, and death camas splash the shoreline ledges and grassy slopes in an array of brilliant colors.

Starting from the Golden West Visitor Center, the trail passes park buildings, an overflow camping area, and a handful of private cabins before settling into a more natural setting. After immediately sampling high-ledge scenery, drop down closer to lake level and enter a recent burn zone. The trail undulates between patches of greenery and ghost forests created by the Rex Creek Fire of 2001 and the Flick Creek Fire of 2006. Be particularly careful while hiking in windy and rainy conditions, as the potential exists for falling snags and landslides.

At 0.75 mile cross Hazard Creek and skirt some more cabins. The trail winds through and around pockets of private property. Many of the structures are simple and blend in well with the surroundings. Unfortunately, new money has found its way to these shores, with new ostentatious "cabins" sprouting up and clashing with this natural landscape and environmental sensibilities.

At just over 1 mile come to a shoreline ledge granting an excellent view down the lake to Moore Point and Domke Mountain. Continue along the scenic shoreline a short way before once again climbing above and away from it. After passing an old rock wall and compound, cross cottonwood-lined Fourmile Creek on a bridge at 2.5 miles. Drop back to lake level, passing boulders and a big "cabin," and then following cascading Flick Creek into a little chasm.

Leave the creek behind and emerge on a high bluff that grants an excellent view back to Stehekin, with 7161-foot Purple Mountain rising above it. At 3.6 miles pass the Flick Creek campground and shelter, a nice spot for a break. More fine shoreline walking follows, and then start a long ascent.

Cross Hunts Creek in a deep ravine before more climbing, emerging onto a series of ledges before topping out at 1700 feet on Hunts Bluff. Here, 5 miles from Stehekin, is a good turnaround point. Enjoy the spectacular view up the lake to Stehekin and McGregor Mountain and down the lake to Moore Point. This is quite a different Lake Chelan than 40 miles to the south, where jet skis whine in circles and condos ravenously consume the hillsides.