Trail

Lakeshore Trail

Trail
A dirt path follows the shore of a large lake, with snow-capped peaks in the distance.

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
7
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
1100

Trail profile

Distance Miles
7
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
1100
Estimated Time
4–5 hours for the 7-mile round trip, depending on fitness and stops
Trail Surface
Compacted earth with rocky sections; some loose scree
Trail Features
  • Lake Chelan alpine views
  • Glaciated peak vistas
  • Lakeshore hiking
  • Vault toilet facilities
  • Backcountry camp options
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
South of Lakeview Campground in Stehekin (ferry-only access from Lake Chelan)
Parking Lot Size
Limited; Stehekin has modest parking. Most hikers arrive by ferry.
Parking Fill Time
N/A—ferry-dependent access. Stehekin fills by midday in summer; early ferry arrival is critical.
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
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.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
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).
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Winter snow and avalanche risk may limit access November–April. Confirm with Golden West Visitor Center ranger before planning winter travel.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Lake Chelan (filter before drinking). Hazard Creek at 0.5 miles; Flick Creek at 3.5 miles. Between camps: carry all water.
Accessibility
Compacted earth trail with rocky and steep sections. Not wheelchair accessible. Steep descent on return requires trekking poles; rooted sections demand attention.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Intense sun exposure
  • High temperatures in summer (late spring–early fall)
  • Limited shade
  • Steep drops near lakeshore
  • Private property boundaries
Hazard Details
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.
Crowd Level
Moderate to low—ferry access keeps the casual masses away
Peak Crowd Times
Summer weekends (July–August); avoid if solitude matters
Best Season
April–May (spring) and October–November (fall)
Best Time To Visit
April–May for spring stability and wildflowers; October–November for fall color. Start by 5:30 AM to avoid peak heat. Summer is doable if you hike at first light or evening, but the sun exposure is brutally underestimated.
Tips Advice
  • 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

More details

Park Area
Stehekin
Trail Markers
Well-marked trail from trailhead with NPS signage; trail is maintained and obvious.
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed
Shade Level
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.
Emergency Contacts
Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin has ranger support. Emergency: dial 911 if in service area; otherwise contact ranger.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
November–April: expect snow; confirm conditions with ranger before planning winter travel
Mud Season
April–May: muddy from snowmelt; gaiters recommended
Fall Colors Peak
October–November
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
Family Friendly Notes
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.
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.