Trail

Howard Lake Trail

Trail
A small shallow blue lake is surrounded by thick forest

Howard Lake Trail is a moderate, 1.2-mile uphill climb through Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forest to a small, wildlife-rich mountain lake. You'll gain 600 feet of elevation with solid views of surrounding peaks. The lake itself has limited shoreline, but the views and forest isolation make the grunt worthwhile. Loop option: continue to Stehekin Valley Road for 3.5-mile round-trip.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
1.2
Route Type
Out-and-back or loop option via Old Wagon Trail and Stehekin Valley Road (3.5-mile loop)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
600

Trail profile

Distance Miles
1.2
Route Type
Out-and-back or loop option via Old Wagon Trail and Stehekin Valley Road (3.5-mile loop)
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
600
Estimated Time
2 to 4 hours depending on fitness and loop choice; allow extra time if photographing.
Trail Surface
Forest floor—dirt, roots, and small rocks. Becomes steeper and more uneven in upper sections.
Trail Features
  • Mountain views
  • Small forest lake
  • Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forest
  • Wildlife habitat (waterfowl, elk, bears)
  • Loop option with valley views
Trail Highlights
Secluded mountain lake with good views of surrounding peaks. Wildlife-rich forest. Loop option descends via gentle Stehekin Valley Road.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
High Bridge, 11 miles up Stehekin Valley Road from Stehekin Landing. Look for Pacific Crest Trail north marker behind horse corral.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Stehekin Valley Road is accessible by vehicle or shuttle from Stehekin Landing; loop option uses the road for descent (less steep than trail).

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Howard Lake is day-use only; no camping at the lake. Backcountry permit required for overnight stays at nearby High Bridge Camp or Tumwater Camp.
Fees
Free day use. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all federal recreation areas and can be used at North Cascades.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Late September to late May: park has limited services; trail may have snow; conditions variable.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Howard Lake at destination. Filter or treat before drinking. Creeks likely present along trail; verify condition before relying on them.
Accessibility
Rooty, steep, and uneven due to 600 ft elevation gain compacted into 1.2 miles. Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility limitations.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Elevation gain (600 ft over 1.2 miles)
  • Steep switchbacks
  • Slippery when wet
  • Bears (keep 100 yards distance)
  • Limited lakeshore access
  • Exposure to sun in open sections
Hazard Details
The 600-foot elevation gain over 1.2 miles creates steep, relentless switchbacks. Trail becomes slippery in wet conditions. Bears and elk frequent the area—maintain 100-yard distance and make noise. Lake has little usable shoreline. Steep sections of the loop trail are more challenging than Stehekin Valley Road descent.
Cell Service
Limited to none; remote Stehekin Valley has poor coverage. Do not rely on cell service for emergencies.
Crowd Level
Moderate to low; remote Stehekin location and 11-mile access road limit casual traffic.
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends (June-August), especially Saturdays.
Best Season
Late May through late September (park operational season)
Best Time To Visit
Late May through September. Start early to beat afternoon crowds and maximize daylight. Peak season is June-August; shoulder season (May-early June, September) offers solitude.
Tips Advice
  • Bring at least 2L water—the 600 ft gain is unrelenting.
  • Trekking poles ease the descent.
  • Make noise for bears; stay 100 yards away if spotted.
  • Restrooms and picnic tables at High Bridge—use them before the climb.
  • Trail is steeper than Stehekin Valley Road if you loop; choose your order wisely.
  • Leash dogs at all times.

More details

Park Area
Stehekin Valley (North Cascades)
Trail Markers
Well-marked and maintained NPS trail. Start at Pacific Crest Trail north marker behind horse corral.
Dogs Allowed
Yes, leashed only
Shade Level
Mostly shaded under forest canopy; some open sections in upper switchbacks.
Emergency Contacts
Ranger station at North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem (open late May-late September). Emergency: 911. Nearest facilities: High Bridge and Stehekin Landing.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Late September to late May: snow likely at elevation; check conditions with ranger before attempting.
Mud Season
Spring and early summer (May-June) following snowmelt; trail can be boggy.
Bug Season
June through early July: mosquitoes active at lake. Bug spray recommended.
Insider Tips
  • The "lake" is small—real payoff is views from the switchbacks and McGregor Mountain Trail junction.
  • Don't stop at first lake view; continue to explore.
  • If doing the loop, descend via Stehekin Valley Road—it's much gentler than the steep trail, saving your knees.
  • Old Wagon Trail junction (1 mile past lake) gives option to extend into a full valley loop.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for active families with older kids comfortable on steep terrain. Hand-holding recommended on steeper sections. Lake has little usable shoreline, so swimming is limited.
Nearby Facilities
High Bridge area has vault toilets and picnic tables. High Bridge Camp and Tumwater Camp offer nearby backcountry camping. Ranger station and supplies at Stehekin Landing, 11 miles down-valley.
Review Summary
Hikers say the 600-foot climb is steep but manageable for fit hikers; most rate the mountain views and forest solitude as worth the effort. The lake itself is a letdown—small and hard to access—but the journey and loop option redeem it. Best for those seeking a solid moderate challenge, not a casual stroll.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail too steep for my fitness level?

600 feet over 1.2 miles is steep but achievable if you're comfortable on moderate climbs. Pace yourself, take breaks, and use trekking poles. Most hikers report it's doable with preparation.

Are there bears? What's the risk?

Yes. Bears and elk frequent this area. Make noise while hiking, stay 100 yards away if you spot one, and never approach. Proper behavior keeps you safe.

Do I need a permit for a day hike?

No permit needed for day use at Howard Lake. If you're camping at High Bridge or Tumwater nearby, a backcountry permit is required—obtain one from the ranger station.

How long does this actually take?

2-4 hours round-trip depending on fitness and stops. The 600 ft gain means most people spend 1.5-2 hours going up and 45 minutes-1 hour coming down.

Is the lake worth the climb?

The lake itself is small with limited access. The real value is the forest, mountain views during the climb, and loop option. Hike it for the journey, not the destination.

What's the loop option like?

Continue past the lake 1 mile on Old Wagon Trail to Stehekin Valley Road, turn left and walk 1.7 miles down the road back to High Bridge. Road descent is much gentler than the steep trail—saves your knees.

Agnes Gorge Trail

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Cascade Pass Trail

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Company Creek Trail

Steep climb through forest to Bonanza Peak views. Nettles and overgrown sections demand respect.

Diablo Lake Trail

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

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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.