Chelan Lakeshore Trail
Jul 08, 2011
by
rbt76
—
last modified
Jul 12, 2011 09:55 PM
- Type of Outing
- Multi-night backpack
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Chelan Lakeshore Trail
- Region: Central Cascades -- Lake Chelan
- Agency: Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Golden West Visitor Center, Stehekin
- Trails: Chelan Lakeshore (#1247)
- Avg Rating: 3.25
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Ripe berries
- Be Aware Of
- Blowdowns
- Bridge out
- Clogged drainage
- Overgrown
- Mud/Rockslide
- Washouts
Bear? Check. Rattlesnake? Check. Delicious sticky bun? Check.
In search of a snow-free, warm-weather hike, we headed to the famous Lakeshore Trail. Most people do this one in one or two nights, but we chose to take it slow, overnighting at Cascade Creek, Moore Point and Purple Point campground in Stehekin before catching the ferry out on Monday. This allowed plenty of time to take in the amazing diversity of habitats along the trail, and spend the morning exploring Stehekin on Monday since the ferry doesn't arrive until 2 pm. Wildlife sightings included ptarmigan, quail, cedar waxwings, red-winged blackbird, western tanager, and countless lizards and chipmunks (aka snake snacks). Plenty of blackberries and service berries made morning oatmeal much more exciting.
Two major washouts and some overgrown trail but despite these the trail was relatively easy going overall. At the first washout, head about 200 yards down towards the lake and you will find a way across. Exposed hillsides make this a good choice for spring or fall... I'm guessing summer on this trail is scorching hot.
Stehekin Pastry Company and Rainbow Falls are well worth the side trip if you have extra time in Stehekin.
In search of a snow-free, warm-weather hike, we headed to the famous Lakeshore Trail. Most people do this one in one or two nights, but we chose to take it slow, overnighting at Cascade Creek, Moore Point and Purple Point campground in Stehekin before catching the ferry out on Monday. This allowed plenty of time to take in the amazing diversity of habitats along the trail, and spend the morning exploring Stehekin on Monday since the ferry doesn't arrive until 2 pm. Wildlife sightings included ptarmigan, quail, cedar waxwings, red-winged blackbird, western tanager, and countless lizards and chipmunks (aka snake snacks). Plenty of blackberries and service berries made morning oatmeal much more exciting.
Two major washouts and some overgrown trail but despite these the trail was relatively easy going overall. At the first washout, head about 200 yards down towards the lake and you will find a way across. Exposed hillsides make this a good choice for spring or fall... I'm guessing summer on this trail is scorching hot.
Stehekin Pastry Company and Rainbow Falls are well worth the side trip if you have extra time in Stehekin.
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