Hikes listed are considered day hikes that origniate from Stehekin. Mileage listed are one-way. For more information on overnight stays in the backcountry visit the Backpacking page.
Easy Hikes
Lakeshore
17.2 miles (27.7 km) / Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 ft (150 m) within park boundaries, up to 1,100 ft (330 m) gain/loss on southern portion of trail
Trail follows the scenic northeast shore of Lake Chelan and is ideal for early morning and evening walks. Hazard Creek at 1 mile (0.6 km), Flick Creek at 3.5 miles (5.6 km), and Moore Point at 7 miles (11.3 km) are good day hike destinations. Trail ends at mile 17.2 at Prince Creek. Respect private private property along trail.
Imus Creek Loop
0.8 miles (1.3 km) / Elevation Gain: 200 ft (60 m)
Gradually climb through a forest for views of the surrounding hills, peaks, and Lake Chelan. The trail ends at Purple Point Campground. Continue 0.2 miles (0.3 km) along the road to complete the loop and return to Stehekin Landing.
Buckner Lane to Buckner Orchard
0.3 miles (0.5 km) / Elevation Gain: Minimal
Stroll through a lush forest along the historic irrigation ditches that bring water to the orchard from Rainbow Creek. At the orchard, find self-guided walk booklets at two points to learn about the historically registered Buckner Orchard and the family that homsteaded the area. Seasonal public apple picking available. Bicycles can access the orchard from a side road after Rainbow Falls.
The Historic Buckner Orchard is on the National Register of Historic Places. A commercial orchard from the 1920’s until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1970, it is tangible history of one family’s life in partnership with the land. It is the only orchard producing “common delicious” apples in the United States today and is recognized as one of the best maintained historic orchards in the nation.
Moderate Hikes
Rainbow Loop
4.4 miles (7.1 km) / Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft (300 m)
Hike a horseshoe-shaped trail to open bluffs overlooking the Stehekin River Valley and historic Buckner Orchard. From the southern trailhead, a scenic view is visible at 1.3 miles (2 km). Northern half of trail leads through a shaded ponderosa pine forest. A full loop includes an additional 2.4 miles (3.8 km) between trailheads on the road.
Company Creek to Glacier Peak Wilderness
1.8 mi (2.9 km) / Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft (460 m)
The trail climbs steeply through a forest for views of Stehekin Valley. Continue further into Glacier Peak Wilderness for views of Bonanza Peak. The trail begins 0.8 miles (1.3 km) down Company Creek Road after the turnoff at Harlequin Bridge.
Howard Lake
1.2 mi (1.9 km) / Elevation Gain: 600 ft (180 m)
An uphill hike with good mountain views leads to a small forest lake where waterfowl and other animals frequent. The trail continues to McGregor Mountain.
Old Wagon Trail
5.3 mi (8.5 km) to Bridge Creek Camp / Elevation Gain: 700 ft (210 m)
After passing Howard Lake, the trail follows an old wagon road through dense forests and several large stands of western red cedar. After one mile, a short spur trail leads to the Stehekin Valley Road to make a 4 mile loop back to High Bridge or continue north on the Old Wagon Trail for 3 miles to reach Bridge Creek. This trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail heading north to State Route 20 and then to Manning Provincial Park in Canada.
Agnes Creek
5.5 miles (8.8 km) to Five-mile camp (2,642 miles to Mexico).
As the southbound Pacific Crest Trail, this trail continues for 2,642 miles to the border of Mexico, but also can be done as a day hike along Agnes Creek. Enjoy a forested walk with large western red cedars along the way.
Stehekin River
3.5 miles (5.6 km) / Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail follows the Stehekin River to Weaver Point. Watch for seasonal flowers, beaver ponds, woodpeckers and salmon in the fall.
Agnes Gorge
2.5 mi (4.0 km) Elevation Gain: 500 ft (150 m)
Enjoy views of Agnes Mountain while hiking through a varied landscape—from dry, open slopes to creeks and cedar forests. At the end of the trail, Agnes Creek cascades through a narrow gorge. Look for waterfalls in spring and early summer.
Strenuous Hikes
Purple Creek
7.5 miles (12 km) / Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft (1,770 m)
A steep climb rewards you with views of the mountain peaks to the west. Climb an additional 0.5 miles (0.8 km) and 450 feet (140 m) to Boulder Butte for a spectacular 360-degree view of the entire area. Lake Juanita is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from Purple Pass. No water available after the first two miles until reaching Lake Juanita.
McGregor Mountain
7.5 miles (12 km) / Elevation Gain 5,700 ft (1,740 m)
A steep, rugged climb to sweeping views of surrounding valleys and mountain peaks. Once the trail ends, an additional 0.25 miles (0.3 km) and an 1,000 feet (300 m) scramble is required to reach the summit. The top 2 miles (3 km) may be under snow well into summer. There is little water late in the season. Check at the Golden West Visitor Center for route information and snow conditions.
