Trail

Old Wagon Trail to Bridge Creek

Trail
Large cedar trees make up a sunny forest where a thin dirt path winds.

Five-point-three miles of forest to historic Bridge Creek Camp—moderate difficulty with 700 feet of elevation gain. You'll hike through old-growth western red cedar groves and forest recovering from the 2005 Shady Fire. This is part of the Pacific Crest Trail corridor and the only maintained access to Bridge Creek from Stehekin since the 2003 floods. Expect solitude, historic mining remnants, and a solid base for overnight backpacking or day-hiking if you're willing to tackle the remote shuttle logistics.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
5.3
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
700

Trail profile

Distance Miles
5.3
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet
700
Estimated Time
5-7 hours round-trip for day hike (depending on pace and camp exploration time)
Trail Surface
Dirt and forest floor with roots and rocks; historic haul road base from 1890s
Trail Features
  • Old-growth western red cedar groves
  • Historic Bridge Creek Camp
  • Shady Fire (2005) recovery forest
  • Mining remnants
  • Huckleberry patches (mid-late summer)
  • Pacific Crest Trail section
Trail Highlights
Historic Bridge Creek Camp set in cedar groves; gateway to upper Stehekin Valley wilderness (Goode Ridge Trail, Park Creek Pass, Rainy Pass). Only maintained route to Bridge Creek from Stehekin since 2003 floods.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
High Bridge, 11 miles from Stehekin Landing (accessible via Lake Chelan shuttle boat; coordinate with Stehekin operations)
Parking Lot Size
Limited at High Bridge; remote shuttle-primary access
Parking Fill Time
Shuttle schedules determine arrival timing; parking at High Bridge fills quickly during peak season
Shuttle Required
1
Shuttle Details
Lake Chelan shuttle boat to Stehekin Landing required; additional ground transport to High Bridge (11 miles from landing). Check Stehekin shuttle schedules and services. Contact North Cascades NPS Stehekin operations for current rates and availability.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Backcountry permit required for camping at Bridge Creek. Permits are free. Apply in advance for peak season (July-August). Available at NPS visitor centers or via North Cascades Stehekin Ranger Station.
Fees
No entrance fee for North Cascades National Park. Backcountry permit is free. Lake Chelan shuttle fees apply—contact Stehekin operations for current rates. Optional: America the Beautiful annual pass $80.
Trail Status
Open during park operational season (late May through late September). Limited services outside operational season.
Seasonal Closures
Park operational season late May to late September. Trail may have snow/ice conditions before late May or after mid-September; check conditions with NPS before early/late season travel.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Mostly dry trail. Filter at Bridge Creek (only reliable water source). Carry minimum 2-3L from trailhead. Do not assume springs or creeks between High Bridge and Bridge Creek.
Accessibility
Rooty, rocky forest floor. Not wheelchair accessible. Requires moderate fitness for elevation gain and remote logistics commitment. Backcountry camping skills necessary if overnight.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Remote location (11 miles from Stehekin Landing, shuttle-dependent)
  • Bears (100-yard distance minimum)
  • Limited cell service / no emergency communication
  • Stream crossings (especially spring snowmelt)
  • Shady Fire burn area with reduced shade and falling hazards
  • Weather exposure at elevation
  • Trail logistics and early commitment to shuttle schedules
Hazard Details
Bear country—make noise constantly and maintain 100-yard distance. Cell service minimal to none; bring satellite communicator or emergency beacon. Stream crossings manageable but swell in spring snowmelt. Shady Fire (2005) recovery means reduced shade in sections and potential widow-maker (dead tree) hazards. Weather at elevation can change fast; afternoon storms common July-August. Committing to remote access means no bailing mid-trip.
Cell Service
Limited to no service. Bring satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, personal locator beacon) or emergency radio. Do not rely on cell phone for emergencies.
Crowd Level
Moderate solitude. Remote access (11 miles from Stehekin Landing via shuttle) keeps crowds manageable compared to popular park trails. Not completely empty, but not a conga line.
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends and mid-July through mid-August. Overall traffic lighter than drive-to trailheads due to shuttle access barrier.
Best Season
Late May through September (park operational season). July-August busiest; June and September offer more solitude and stable weather.
Best Time To Visit
Late May through September (park operational season). Start early morning to beat weather and ensure turnaround daylight. Huckleberries peak mid-to-late summer. July-August busiest; June and September offer more solitude.
Tips Advice
  • Carry minimum 2-3L water and filtration system—dry trail except Bridge Creek
  • Make noise constantly for bears; maintain 100-yard distance minimum
  • Tighten boots for rooty forest floor; trekking poles help on descent
  • Start 6 AM or earlier to ensure daylight for round-trip
  • Check weather and backcountry permit availability before Stehekin shuttle commitment
  • Filter water at Bridge Creek; don't rely on springs

More details

Park Area
Stehekin Valley
Trail Markers
Well-marked with blazes and signage. Follow Pacific Crest Trail north from High Bridge to Howard Lake, then watch for Old Wagon Trail junction turning right (north) toward Bridge Creek.
Dogs Allowed
Leashed dogs allowed (trail is part of Pacific Crest Trail). Confirm current pet policy with NPS before bringing dogs.
Biking Allowed
Mountain bikes not mentioned in official trail description. Horse and stock animals permitted. Confirm bike rules with Stehekin Ranger Station.
Shade Level
Mixed shade through lower cedar groves; more exposed in upper sections recovering from Shady Fire. Burn area has limited shade; wear sunscreen and hat.
Emergency Contacts
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency backcountry assistance, contact North Cascades Stehekin Ranger Station via shuttle radio or NPS visitor line. Extraction capability limited due to remote location.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typical snow April-May and October-November, but varies by year and elevation. Check current conditions with NPS before late April or after September.
Mud Season
Early season (May-June) and after heavy rains. Trail runs through forest floor with roots and mud; can be slick in sections.
Bug Season
Mosquitoes mid-June through August, especially in cedar grove and low-elevation sections. Bring insect repellent and head net.
Insider Tips
  • Start 6 AM or earlier to ensure daylight turnaround
  • Huckleberries mid-late summer make the trek worth it—taste-test along the way
  • Filter water at Bridge Creek; springs don't flow reliably
  • Historic cabin ruins at Bridge Creek are easy to miss—ask ranger for exact locations
  • Consider overnight at Bridge Creek as base for Goode Ridge or Park Creek Pass trips
  • Shady Fire recovery means forest floor is regenerating well; expect new growth
Recent Updates
Shady Fire (2005) recovery ongoing—forest actively regenerating with younger growth. Trail remains the only maintained route to Bridge Creek from Stehekin following 2003 floods that destroyed Stehekin Valley Road sections.
Family Friendly Notes
Suitable for older children (8+) with hiking experience and comfort in remote backcountry. Requires adult supervision due to bear habitat and isolation. No kid-friendly shortcuts or bailout points once committed. Backcountry camping skills essential for overnight trips.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the isolation and historic cedar groves, though the remote shuttle logistics test commitment. Most report the moderate elevation gain is manageable for determined day-hikers; the real challenge is coordinating transport from Stehekin Landing. Overnight backpackers find Bridge Creek Camp a solid base for wilderness exploration.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Make noise constantly (talk, clap, bear bell). Keep minimum 100-yard distance. This is remote bear habitat. Carry bear spray if permitted by park policy.

Is the backcountry permit hard to get?

No, permits are free and generally available. Apply in advance during peak season (July-August). Contact Stehekin Ranger Station or apply at North Cascades Visitor Center.

Can I do this as a day hike?

Technically yes—5.3 miles is doable in one day. But with 11-mile shuttle commute from Stehekin Landing, you're looking at 10-12 hours total. Most hikers overnight at Bridge Creek for a reasonable pace.

What's the water situation?

Mostly dry. Carry 2-3L minimum and filter at Bridge Creek. Don't bank on springs or side creeks. Dehydration is a real risk on this trail.

Is the elevation gain hard?

No—700 feet over 5.3 miles is gentle gradient. The real challenge is the remote logistics, rooty terrain, and committing to a full day away from the vehicle shuttle.

What was the Shady Fire impact?

2005 wildfire burned sections of the trail corridor. You'll see charred trees, new forest growth, and reduced shade. Safer now, but sun exposure is higher than pre-fire conditions.

Do I need special gear?

Yes—bear spray, water filtration (pump or tablets), trekking poles (rooty descent), satellite communicator or PLB (no cell service). If overnight, full backcountry camping kit.

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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.