Old Wagon Trail to Bridge Creek

About This Trail

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.

Highlights

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

Best Season to Hike

Late May through September (park operational season). July-August busiest; June and September offer more solitude and stable weather.

Family Info

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.

What Hikers Say

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.