Chelan Lakeshore Trail — Friday, Apr. 4, 2025

I did this as a one night, two day trip. Took the ferry to Prince Creek on the way there, and from Stehekin on the way back. In general, the trail was in good condition. Lots of water crossings, got my shoes wet several times but nothing sketchy in my opinion. Obviously lots of wild fire damage as well. Maybe 3 or 4 fallen trees on the trail, all were fairly easy to navigate around / over / under. There were a few wildflowers starting to bloom, but I could see a ton more about to bloom. I imagine in the coming weeks they will be good.

On the first day, I hiked to Moore Point (~11.6 miles). Moore point is closed for overnight camping, but is open for day use. So, I cooked dinner at the picnic tables and used the pit toilet (stocked with toilet paper). You can camp at Orchard Camp, which is primitive camping close to Moore Point. There’s plenty of space, but it is hard to find a flat spot. I had the whole place to myself, but if it was busy it would be hard to have privacy since it’s just an open field. There was plenty of water throughout the day, although I’d say top off before getting to camp because there isn’t easy water access (other than the lake, but even that’s kinda far from Orchard Camp).

Day two I hiked to Stehekin, right about 8 miles. Again plenty of water available. I stopped to make breakfast at Flick Creek, which is a good half way point. It also has a stocked pit toilet.

In Stehekin, there are bikes available for rent now. It is on the honor system currently (pay with cash or pay on the ferry). I took a bike up to rainbow falls, which is about 7 miles round trip. I also stopped at the bakery, which is open 8am - 2pm on Saturday / Sunday this time of year. Pro tip: if you can, get there before the ferry arrives. I stopped by the bakery both before and after the ferry group had been there, and after the bakery had run out of a lot of stuff. I didn’t camp in Stehekin, but the options looked limited since some of the campsite spots were closed.