Trail

Purple Creek Trail

Trail
A view looking down past forested hills to steep mountains rising from a long, thin lake.

Purple Creek Trail is a strenuous 7.5-mile alpine push with 5,800 feet of elevation gain—pure grit. The payoff is Boulder Butte's 360-degree panoramic view and Lake Juanita's pristine basin, but only experienced hikers with serious fitness should attempt this. Plan for a full day, carry water discipline, and expect snow on the pass until early July.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
7.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster—strenuous elevation gain with steep switchbacks and high-altitude exposure.
Elevation Gain Feet
5800

Trail profile

Distance Miles
7.5
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Lung buster—strenuous elevation gain with steep switchbacks and high-altitude exposure.
Elevation Gain Feet
5800
Estimated Time
8-10 hours round trip for experienced hikers. 5 hours to Purple Pass alone; add 1-2 more hours for Boulder Butte side trip and photo time.
Trail Surface
Rocky, rooty, and steep. Dirt trail with loose scree in upper sections. Switchbacks dominate the lower and middle sections.
Trail Features
  • Boulder Butte with 360-degree panoramic views
  • Lake Juanita in a meadow basin
  • Purple Pass
  • Ponderosa pine forest in lower sections
  • Sweeping views of surrounding peaks
Trail Highlights
Boulder Butte's 360-degree panoramic summit view of the entire alpine basin. Lake Juanita's pristine waters surrounded by meadows and subalpine fir. Views of Lake Chelan at the 1.8-mile mark reward early effort.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Stehekin area. Begin at the Imus Creek Loop trailhead behind the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin (5 minutes walk up from Stehekin Landing). Purple Creek Trail branches off the Imus Creek Loop about 0.25 miles from the start.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
Stehekin is accessible by foot trail, shuttle boat service, or private vehicle via unpaved road. Access shuttle details at Stehekin Landing.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
Yes
Permit Details
Backcountry permit required for camping at Juanita Lake. No fires allowed. Obtain permits at Stehekin Ranger Station or online through NPS.
Fees
No park entrance fee. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) accepted but not required.
Trail Status
Open
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal snow closure typically October through early July. Purple Pass remains snow-covered in most years until early July.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
1
Water Sources
Only two sources: Purple Creek at 1.5 miles (filter required), and Lake Juanita past Purple Pass. No water between creek and lake—carry all water or plan to filter. Most hikers should filter at Purple Creek early and refill at the lake.
Accessibility
Not accessible. Rooty, steep switchbacks, high altitude, exposure to cliffs, and 5,800 ft elevation gain bar anyone with mobility limitations or fear of heights.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Extreme elevation gain (5,800 ft)
  • Steep switchbacks
  • Exposure to cliff edges near Boulder Butte
  • Snow and ice until early July
  • Thin air and altitude stress
  • Loose scree in upper sections
  • Dehydration risk from limited water sources
Hazard Details
The 5,800 ft vertical gain over 7.5 miles creates relentless switchbacks that tax your quads and knees—especially on descent. Cliff edges near Boulder Butte demand attention; scrambling is minimal but exposure is real. Snow and ice on the pass until early July can obscure the trail and create falls risk. Only two water sources; dehydration is the primary killer if you're underprepared. High altitude (8,400+ ft at Boulder Butte) thins the air—pace yourself.
Cell Service
Limited to none. Backcountry area—assume no service. Carry a satellite communicator if worried about emergency contact.
Crowd Level
Moderate solitude. Remote access via Stehekin keeps foot traffic lower than frontcountry trails, but the strenuous nature filters all but serious hikers.
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends in July and August, mid-morning to early afternoon.
Best Season
Late June through September. Snow typically blocks the pass until early July.
Best Time To Visit
Late June through September. Arrive by early July when snow clears the pass. Start by 6:00 AM—you need 8-10 hours of daylight for the full push and safe descent.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 2-3 liters of water minimum; filter at Purple Creek (1.5 mi) or Lake Juanita.
  • Trekking poles mandatory—descending 5,800 ft will hammer your knees.
  • Start early (before 6:00 AM) to maximize daylight.
  • Check snow conditions before you go; pass may be impassable before early July.
  • Make noise for bears—carry a whistle.
  • Tight boots and quality socks—blister prevention matters on steep descents.

More details

Park Area
Stehekin, North Cascades
Trail Markers
Well-marked in lower sections. Trail becomes fainter and harder to follow at high elevation, especially if snow is present. Navigation skills and map awareness recommended.
Dogs Allowed
Yes, leashed dogs allowed.
Shade Level
Mixed. Ponderosa pine forest in lower sections provides dappled shade; upper sections above treeline are exposed to full sun. Plan for UV intensity at high elevation.
Emergency Contacts
Call NPS ranger station or local emergency services. Service may be severely limited. Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
Typically present until early July. In most years, Purple Pass remains snow-covered through June.
Insider Tips
  • The trail forks at Purple Pass—don't stop there. Climb the side trail for an additional 0.5 miles and 450 feet to reach Boulder Butte, where the true 360-degree panorama unfolds. Many hikers miss this and leave disappointed.
  • Filter water early at Purple Creek (1.5 mi) to avoid a dry scramble to the lake.
  • The false summit and meadow sections lower on the trail will tempt you to stop early—ignore them. The real payoff is at Boulder Butte.
  • Expect snow until early July; call ahead.
Family Friendly Notes
Not suitable for young children. The 5,800 ft gain, thin air, and remote setting demand serious fitness and hiking experience. Older teens with multiple strenuous hikes under their belts might manage the 1.8-mile Lake Chelan viewpoint (1,400 ft gain), but the full trail is adult-only territory.
Review Summary
Experienced hikers consistently report the elevation gain as brutal but absolutely worthwhile. The sweeping views at Boulder Butte and the pristine isolation of Lake Juanita are the rewards. Not for the faint-hearted—this trail demands respect, water discipline, and serious fitness.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears on this trail?

Yes. Make noise constantly—talk, sing, or carry a whistle. Store food properly if camping at Juanita Lake. Keep a 100-yard distance if you spot a bear.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Cell service is limited or none. Carry a satellite communicator if possible. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time. The trail is well-established, but if injured and unreachable, rescue will take time.

How much water do I need to bring?

Minimum 2-3 liters for the day hike. You'll pass Purple Creek at 1.5 miles (filter it) and Lake Juanita past Purple Pass. Plan to filter at the creek early to lighten your load or carry extra if you don't filter.

Can I do this trail with kids?

No, not young children. The 5,800 ft gain and remote setting demand serious fitness. Older teens with multiple strenuous hikes could hike to the Lake Chelan viewpoint (1.8 miles, 1,400 ft gain), but the full trail is adult-level grit.

What about the snow I heard about?

Snow typically blocks the pass until early July. Check current conditions with the NPS ranger station before you go. Early July is safe; June is risky. Snow can hide the trail and create falls risk.

Do I need trekking poles?

Yes. The descent hammers your knees over 5,800 feet. Poles reduce impact stress and improve stability on steep, loose sections. Bring them.

Is a map and compass mandatory?

Strongly recommended. The trail fades at high elevation and is harder to follow if snow is present. Carry a map, know your position, and bring a compass or GPS device.

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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.