Holden Village to High Bridge

A more than 30 mile hike on the west side of Lake Chelan, from Holden Village to High Bridge at the north end of Stehekin. Although most hikers start at Stehekin and exit at Holden Village, hiking from Holden makes for less elevation gain.

Head towards the ballfield from Holden Village and follow the wide trail until you come to a fork. Stay to the left, following the trail signed for Hart Lake. The trail climbs about 4 miles to scenic Hart Lake. With a beautiful pebbled beach that extends as the water level lowers, it makes for a very pleasant place to take off boots and rest.

Beyond the lake, Rebel Camp offers campsites in the woods with a water source nearby and good flat tree stumps for a stove or table, but keep a sharp eye out - hikers have been known to blast right past Rebel Camp without even realizing it.

Proceed gradually upward toward Lower Lyman Lake. The trail passes through an area brushy with berry bushes in late autumn. Views across the valley improve with every switchback you mount, and before reaching Lower Lyman, you will see a truly magnificent waterfall.

Lower Lyman Lake has three campsites and a flat rock slab to contemplate the lake and view the outlet from the upper lakes. Camping here is a good option, since by now you have gone a little over nine miles, and you've got a bit of a climb to your next possible campsite. The next campsite is an old stock camp slightly off the trail, about a mile away from Lower Lyman Lake camp and about half a mile away from the top of Cloudy Pass. 

Views from the pass are spectacular -- if you miss the clouds that the pass is named for -- and on both sides of the trail green meadows lift your gaze upward. Wildflowers are abundant in spring to late summer, but winter comes quickly here; if you're hiking in late September or later, be sure and bring winter gear.

Once over Cloudy Pass, you have a little over 20 miles into High Bridge, all following the PCT north. Watch your footing on the descent from Cloudy Pass - the trail is muddy and steep, and even the check steps installed can't make it completely safe. Continue on the trail, passing small campsites, brushy and marshy areas, all the while listening to the soundtrack of the Suiattle and various birds and animals accompanying you.

Hemlock Camp is a stock camp that offers abundant sites, but beware! There is the danger of falling trees, and occasionally the camp is closed. Further on are Cedar and Swamp Creek camps. Contrary to what you might think, Swamp Creek is the more preferable of these two camps. Further on the trail stop at 5-mile Camp for a snack, before finishing your last 5 miles to High Bridge, along Agnes Creek, before catching the bus into Stehekin. Don't miss this, because it's another 14 miles along the road to get into town. Check the bus schedule to plan your timing.