Trail

Company Creek Trail

Trail
Two gray mountain peaks rise from a forested valley. One mountain is partially covered in glaciers

This is a relentless steep climb: 1,500 feet of elevation gain crammed into 1.8 miles means switchback grinding and burning lungs. The route charges through open forest before vistas tear open to reveal Bonanza Peak (9,511 ft—Washington's tallest non-volcanic mountain) and the Stehekin Valley sprawling below. Nettles and overgrown sections demand respect, especially early season. Fit hikers finish in 2-3 hours; expect 4+ if you're not conditioned for steep terrain.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster. Moderate-to-strenuous per NPS, but 1,500 feet in 1.8 miles puts this in the brutal range.
Elevation Gain Feet
1500

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.8
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster. Moderate-to-strenuous per NPS, but 1,500 feet in 1.8 miles puts this in the brutal range.
Elevation Gain Feet
1500
Estimated Time
2.5-3 hours for fit hikers; 4-5 hours for most people (includes breaks, nettle navigation, photo stops).
Trail Surface
Dirt and rocky forest trail with roots, rocks, and loose footing. Sections overgrown early season. Open ridge patches of scree.
Trail Features
  • Steep forest climb
  • Open ridge views
  • Bonanza Peak vista
  • Stehekin Valley views
  • Sable Ridge views
  • Wilderness entry point
  • Nettles (early season)
Trail Highlights
Head-on views of Bonanza Peak (Washington's tallest non-volcanic mountain at 9,511 feet) and the sprawling Stehekin Valley. Views explode at mile 1.5–1.8 as you break the tree line and the wilderness opens. Clear-day views extend to Sable Ridge and the glaciated Bonanza Peak—worth every hard-earned foot of elevation.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Company Creek Road, 0.8 miles down from Stehekin Valley Road. From Stehekin Landing: drive 4.5 miles north on Stehekin Valley Road, turn left across Harlequin Bridge, veer right at fork. Trailhead on left after PUD powerplant.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
No shuttle required for trailhead. Standard vehicle access to Company Creek Road. Note: Access to Stehekin may require ferry from Lake Chelan—check service schedules.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
No permit required for day hiking the 1.8-mile section within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Backcountry camping beyond the trail (in Glacier Peak Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest) requires permit from Forest Service.
Fees
No entrance fee for North Cascades National Park.
Trail Status
Typically open late May through late September. Limited services and access outside operational season per North Cascades National Park Service Complex hours.
Seasonal Closures
Snow and seasonal closures likely October through May. Park operational season late May–late September. Check with Stehekin ranger station for current trail conditions.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Company Creek near trailhead; no reliable on-trail water sources documented. Carry all water or filter at creek before ascent. Early season may have snowmelt trickles but don't depend on it.
Accessibility
Rooty, rocky, steep. This is technical forest terrain with roots, loose rocks, and a relentless grade. Not accessible for those with knee/hip issues or limited cardio fitness.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Steep grade
  • Fall risk on descent
  • Nettles
  • Overgrown trail sections
  • Exposure to full sun
  • Bears in area
  • Cliff edges near ridge
  • Loose scree on upper sections
Hazard Details
Steep terrain (1,500 ft/1.8 mi) creates significant fall risk on descent, especially loose sections. Large patches of nettles after trail enters Glacier Peak Wilderness—can cause painful stings and slow you down. Trail overgrown early summer with vegetation obscuring footing. Bears in area (maintain 100-yard distance). Ridge views imply exposure; vertigo risk. Sections can be slippery when wet.
Best Season
Late May–late September (park operational season). Mid-July through September optimal; early season means overgrown sections and thick nettles.
Best Time To Visit
Mid-July through September. Start by 6:30 AM to beat afternoon heat and dehydration risk. Avoid early summer (June, early July) when sections are overgrown and nettle patches are thickest. Late May opening can mean trail still clogged with vegetation.
Tips Advice
  • Carry 3L water minimum—this grade will drain you fast.
  • Trekking poles mandatory for descent—your knees will thank you.
  • Full sun hits the ridge section hard—hat and sunscreen non-negotiable.
  • Gaiters or thick pants prevent nettle burns (they're not just annoying; they can slow you down).
  • Start early to secure shade on descent.
  • Make noise on trail—bears in area, maintain 100-yard distance.
  • Descent takes longer than ascent on steep terrain; budget extra time.

More details

Park Area
Stehekin / Lake Chelan area, North Cascades National Park
Trail Markers
Well-worn up to mile 1.8 but sections can be overgrown, especially early season. Wilderness entry at 1.8 miles marks trail condition change. Bring map—overgrown vegetation can obscure footbed early in season.
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed.
Shade Level
Mixed exposure. First 0.5 miles in shaded forest; then increasingly exposed as elevation opens ridge. Upper section takes full sun—heat management is critical.
Map Recommended
1
Insider Tips
  • The first mile is deceptively brutal—steep right out of the gate. Pace yourself; you'll need energy for mile 1–1.5.
  • Best views don't open until mile 1.5+. Don't stop early thinking you've summited; the payoff waits at the wilderness boundary.
  • Early season (June, early July): push through the overgrown sections—they clear with foot traffic.
  • Nettles clear by mid-summer on sunny exposures but linger in shaded creek crossings.
  • Descent is harder than ascent on this grade—your quads and knees will feel every switchback. Save energy.
Family Friendly Notes
1,500 feet of gain in 1.8 miles demands serious fitness. Not suitable for young children unless they're conditioned for steep scrambles. Nettles and trail overgrowth add hazard. Older kids (12+) with hiking experience and good pace might manage, but plan 5+ hours and watch footing closely.
Nearby Facilities
Stehekin Landing: 4.5 miles south via Stehekin Valley Road. Supplies, lodging, and ferry access to Lake Chelan. Limited services outside park operational season (late May–late September). No facilities at trailhead.
Review Summary
This is a legitimate lung-buster that rewards with unobstructed views of Bonanza Peak and Stehekin Valley. Hikers report the grade is relentless and nettles are real, especially early season. Worth the effort if you're fit and start early; brutal if you're underestimating the 1,500-foot punch.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail safe to hike solo?

Yes, if you're fit and prepared. Make noise for bears (100-yard distance rule). Bring map, water, and communicate your plan. No cell service expected—don't rely on it for rescue. Start early so you're off before dark.

How long does this actually take?

Fit hikers: 2.5–3 hours round trip. Average hikers: 4–5 hours. The grade is relentless; don't rush. Descent takes time—your knees demand careful footing on steep switchbacks.

Do I need special gear or training?

Trekking poles are not optional—they save your knees on descent. Gaiters or thick pants defend against nettles. Decent cardio fitness required. Bring 3L water, hat, sunscreen, and a map. This isn't a beginner trail.

What's the nettle situation?

Real. Large patches especially after mile 1.5 and in early summer (June–early July). Mid-summer and late season, nettles clear on sunny exposures but persist in shaded areas. Long pants and gaiters are your defense.

Can I take kids on this?

Only if they're conditioned for steep, technical terrain. Not suitable for children under 10 unless exceptional climbers. Older kids with experience can manage but plan 5+ hours and watch footing constantly. Nettles and overgrown sections add hazard.

Agnes Gorge Trail

5 miles, 500ft gain. Muddy spring; wildflowers mid-summer. Easy-to-moderate ramble to a 200ft cascade.

Cascade Pass Trail

Relentless switchbacks to a glacier-rimmed pass. Most popular trail in the park—arrive early or miss the summit.

Diablo Lake Trail

Exposed bridge crossing, 1,300ft gain. Moderate challenge with ferry escape option on return.

Easy Pass Trail

Steep climb to a mountain pass. Relentless 3,000 ft gain rewards panoramic vistas of Fisher Basin.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.