Easy Hikes in the Stehekin Valley
from the Stehekin Valley Guide Book

The Lakeshore Trail follows the north shore of Lake Chelan 17 miles to Prince Creek.  The day hiker can go as far as he feels up to and turn around.  Few will choose to go any further than the seven miles to Moore Point (14 miles round trip) before turning around and heading back to Stehekin.  The trail has only slight ups and downs for the first four miles to Flick Creek.  This is a good destination spot for a day hike as the lake is easily accessible and there is a campground and shelter.

This is the ideal trail for a morning or evening stroll if you are staying at the North Cascades Stehekin Lodge because the trailhead is close by.  It is also a nice day hike with small children as it is easy walking and when they get tired, you can turn around and return without waiting for transportation. Since you don't gain much elevation on this trail, the views are limited to the lake, Stehekin Valley, and the surrounding mountains.  The best view on this trail is 5.9 miles down lake at Hunts Bluff where you are 400 feet above the lake with a good view of the surrounding area.

To find the trailhead follow the road past the Golden West Lodge a few hundred feet.  It is a good idea to walk in front of small children as there are a few rattlesnake sightings along this trail every season.

Stehekin River Trail takes you four miles to Weaver Point on the south shore of Lake Chelan where you will find a large public campground and a sandy beach for those who like cold water swimming.  The way is mostly forested and you are only in view of the river along three different stretches.  This is a nice cool hike for a hot, day and comes complete with a few fishing holes along the way.
The trailhead is 4.5 miles up valley from the boat landing and across Harlequin Bridge.  Follow Company Creek Road 125 yards and take a left into the NPS maintenance area.  Follow the signs.

Agnes Gorge Trail takes you 2.5 miles to a 210 foot deep gorge with only 300 feet elevation gain.  As far as scenery is concerned, this is my favorite of the easy trails.  The trail opens up in a couple of places for a nice view of 8,115 foot Agnes Mountain.  After two miles, you will reach a small stream that crosses the trail - be prepared to get your feet wet in early summer!  From this stream it is only a half mile to the edge of the gorge where there was, at one time, a suspension bridge across to the other side.  If you backtrack approximately fifty feet, you will find a path that continues upstream.  Follow this and it will take you down to the water's edge near a 15 foot waterfall and a view of the gorge.  This is also a great place for a lunch stop.

To find the trailhead, cross High Bridge heading up-valley.  At the top of the hill you will see Agnes Creek Trail taking off to your left.  This IS NOT the trail you want.  Continue past the road that leads to High Bridge Campground about 125 feet and you will see where the Agnes Gorge Trail leaves the road on your left.

The Old Wagon Road that was built to service the prospecting community of Bridge Creek has long been rerouted but it now makes a very gentle and quite pleasant hike.  Catch the shuttle to Bridge Creek and right before the campground take a right and head back down valley towards High Bridge.  If you stay right on the trail you will connect with the Stehekin Road about 1/2 mile above Tumwater Bridge or if you stay left you can connect to the Coon Lake trail system.  Depending on which route you take this trail is from 4 to 7 miles in length.

Flat Creek Trail.  This trail takes off from the Stehekin Valley Road a few hundred yards above Park Creek Bridge.  As the name implies this trail is quite flat and only 3.3 miles in length.  This trail is enjoyed by many during the fall foliage season.  If you don't mind fighting a little brush this is also a good area to catch Cutthroat Trout.