Bottom Line:
Lakeshore trail out of Stehekin WA with wonderful lake and mountain views; Lake Chelan is a wonderful color with clear waters (emerald Stehekin river waters from glacier melt empty into this end of the lake); this trail is fairly dry and exposed so best hiked early in the day; pretty flowers strike a beautiful contrast with the emerald color of the lake; butterflies were wild - see photobombs in video!! :)
Stats:
- Distance: ~5 miles
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weather: Initially calm and clear with building thunderstorms that generally appear suddenly over the surrounding ridgetops; no wind to light breeze; 70-80F
- Trail: Started at the trailhead in Stehekin and did a quick couple miles out and back on the Lakeshore Trail; the trail is behind the Lakeview Campsite, which is itself behind the Visitors Center; trail is in good condition, but some overgrown sections in creek drainages (mainly thimbleberry), and tree fall risk in the recurring burn areas; butterflies everywhere, particularly swarming in Stehekin landing; ample flowers (see pics); the trail runs ~19 miles to Prince Creek, where the Stehekin ferry can drop one off for a one-way back to Stehekin landing (have to wait for anothe time); the trail is pretty hot and dry with little shade, and will become more so as the summer continues; afternoon thunderstorms are cooling things off right now; CAUTION: rattlesnake hazard (almost stepped on one, and he was so frantic to get away he fell into the lake!)
- Takeaway: Beautiful lake and mountains views along this trail, although the terrain might be a bit monotonous and hot for a full 19 miles; trails farther up Stehekin valley offer more shelter (like Agnes Gorge); best early morning while things are cool and calm, but thunderstorms build quickly this time of year so worthwhile staying alert
Mostly phone pics today apart from flowers. The attached short video shows a bit of the trail and the butterflies (!)
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