Lakeshore Trail

Q: Can I do this solo, or should I bring a partner?

Solo is fine. The trail is well-marked and traveled. Bring a whistle and make noise. Tell someone your ferry schedule and expected return time.

Q: Is 2L water really enough?

Minimum. No water access for the first 2.5 miles (until Hazard Creek), and the lake isn't reliably accessible. Carry a filter or purification tablets. On hot days, 3L is smarter.

Q: What if I get caught by darkness?

Don't. Summer daylight extends to 9 PM, but hitting the ferry window is non-negotiable. Aim to be back at the trailhead by 3:00 PM. The trail has no lights. Carry a headlamp as backup.

Q: Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The 1,100-foot descent on the return is steep enough to punish unprotected knees. Poles save your legs and improve stability on rocky sections.

Q: Why is spring or fall so much better than summer?

Summer heat is the real enemy. July–August temperatures spike to 85°F+ with zero shade. Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) offer stable 60–70°F temps and wildflower or color payoffs. Summer hiking here demands a 5:30 AM start and a brutal midday grind.

Distance

7 mi

Elevation Gain

1,100 ft

Est. Time

4–5 hours for the 7-mile round trip, depending on fitness and stops

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

April–May (spring) and October–November (fall)

Overview

About This Trail

The Lakeshore Trail is your tactical approach to Lake Chelan's northeast shore—a scenic but unforgiving alpine walk where exposure to sun and heat are real enemies. This 7-mile out-and-back to Moore Point delivers 1,100 feet of gain with minimal shade; best tackled in spring or fall when temperatures don't spike. Shorter bail-out options (3.5 miles to Flick Creek Camp, 5 miles to Hunts Bluff) let you set your own endurance ceiling. Ferry access adds logistics, but the payoff is solitude and lake views most day hikers miss.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to moderate

Trail Highlights

Lake Chelan's northeast shore with unobstructed views of glaciated peaks and pristine alpine terrain. The trail rises and falls along the lakeshore, offering water reflections and genuine wilderness isolation.

Insider Tips

• Moore Point at mile 7 is the real turnaround—don't be tempted to push further; return by 3 PM to beat afternoon heat • Flick Creek Camp (3.5 miles) is a solid family bail-out with vault toilets and picnic tables • Early morning light hits the mountain peaks perfectly around 6:30 AM for photography • Ferry ride itself is scenic—pack a camera for the water approach to Stehekin • Ask ferry operator about least-crowded drop-off points to maximize solitude

Best Season to Hike

April–May (spring) and October–November (fall)

Hiking Tips

Carry minimum 2L water—limited lake access and no reliable water between camps
Start early (before 6 AM in summer) to beat the heat on this southwest-facing trail
Trekking poles are non-negotiable for the 1,100-foot descent on the return
Bring high-SPF sunscreen and a hat—there's zero shade for miles
Respect private property marked along the trail
Arrange ferry pickup and drop-off in advance; don't plan on walking back to Stehekin
Check Lady of the Lake ferry schedule before committing—this hike runs on their timeline

Family Info

Easy-to-moderate is family-friendly if kids are moderately fit. Vault toilets at Flick Creek (3.5 miles) and Moore Point (7 miles) provide pee breaks. Steep drops near the lake on sections—supervision and hand-holding mandatory for young children. Pick Flick Creek as turnaround for families with younger kids.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the solitude and alpine scenery but respect the exposure. Most report summer heat is brutally underestimated; spring and fall are far superior for comfort. Ferry logistics are a minor friction, but the trade-off is worth it for escaping crowds.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft

Duration: 4–5 hours for the 7-mile round trip, depending on fitness and stops

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Compacted earth with rocky sections; some loose scree

Getting There

Trailhead: South of Lakeview Campground in Stehekin (ferry-only access from Lake Chelan)

Parking: Limited; Stehekin has modest parking. Most hikers arrive by ferry.

Fills Up: N/A—ferry-dependent access. Stehekin fills by midday in summer; early ferry arrival is critical.

Requirements

Permit Required

No backcountry permit required for day hiking. Backcountry camping allowed at Flick Creek Camp and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest land. Federal dock permit required for motorboats.

Fees: America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers park entry. Ferry costs apply separately (check Lady of the Lake rates).

Shuttle Required

Ferry service required to Stehekin via Lady of the Lake (operates year-round). Arrange drop-off and pick-up at trail points (Prince Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek) with the ferry operator in advance. Ferry schedule at ladybofthelake.com.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed

Trail Markers: Well-marked trail from trailhead with NPS signage; trail is maintained and obvious.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Lake Chelan (filter before drinking). Hazard Creek at 0.5 miles; Flick Creek at 3.5 miles. Between camps: carry all water.

Shade: Full sun—little to no shade for most of the trail. Southwest-facing exposure means peak heat 10 AM–4 PM. Wear a hat; apply sunscreen every hour.

Hazards:

Southwest-facing alpine trail with minimal shade. From late spring to early fall, heat is a genuine threat—hikers regularly underestimate it. Some sections have steep terrain and cliffs close to the lake edge. Respect private property marked along the trail; do not trespass.

Emergency: Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin has ranger support. Emergency: dial 911 if in service area; otherwise contact ranger.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to low—ferry access keeps the casual masses away

Peak Times: Summer weekends (July–August); avoid if solitude matters

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Compacted earth trail with rocky and steep sections. Not wheelchair accessible. Steep descent on return requires trekking poles; rooted sections demand attention.

Family Notes:

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is the trail too hard for a family with school-age kids?

No, if you set realistic goals. Pick Flick Creek Camp (3.5 miles, 500 ft gain) as your turnaround instead of pushing to Moore Point. Vault toilets and picnic tables at Flick Creek make it a safe family stop.

Can I do this solo, or should I bring a partner?

Is 2L water really enough?

What if I get caught by darkness?

Do I need trekking poles?

Why is spring or fall so much better than summer?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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