Company Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A steep, seldom-maintained route climbing from the Stehekin Valley floor into the remote heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
About This Trail
Company Creek Trail starts near the Stehekin River and climbs relentlessly through old-growth forest, brushy avalanche paths, and rocky terrain for over 5,000 feet of gain. The lower miles follow Company Creek through dense timber before the grade steepens and the trail pushes through slide alder and buckbrush toward the alpine zone. Access requires a ferry ride across Lake Chelan to Stehekin, then travel up the valley road to the trailhead near Harlequin Bridge.
The upper portion connects to Hilgard Pass, which links the Stehekin drainage to Ten Mile Creek and Holden Village. Trip reports consistently warn that the trail over Hilgard Pass has eroded and become dangerous. Blowdowns, overgrown brush, salmon berries, and nettles choke sections of the Glacier Peak Wilderness side of the route. This trail sees very few hikers and receives minimal maintenance.
Fit parties use this route as part of a multi-day traverse connecting Holden Village and Stehekin. Carrying a helmet and rope gear for the pass section is common practice. Creek crossings run high and fast during spring snowmelt. This is a route for experienced wilderness travelers comfortable with route-finding and rough trail conditions.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Blog version (disclaimers) Access: Harlequin Bridge via Stehekin, WA Round Trip: 20.”
Last report: Sep 21, 2023
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Eroded and dangerous trail over Hilgard Pass
- Difficult creek crossings during snowmelt
- Extensive blowdowns and overgrown brush
- Remote location with no cell service or bailout options
Getting There
No parking pass required. Access is by ferry only. Trailhead is reached from Stehekin Valley Road.
Take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin. Travel approximately 4.5 miles up Stehekin Valley Road, then follow Company Creek Road about 1 mile to the trailhead near Harlequin Bridge. The trail climbs steadily from roughly 1,200 feet at the valley floor. Point-to-point trips connecting to Holden Village via Hilgard Pass require arranging transport on both ends.
Start early to maximize daylight on this long route. Multi-day trips are the norm. Allow extra time for blowdowns and route-finding on the upper portions.
Recent Reports
Blog version (disclaimers) Access: Harlequin Bridge via Stehekin, WA Round Trip: 20. 8 miles Elevation Range: 1200′-7800′ Gear: helmet, rock & rope Dog-Friendly: no Route Hike the Company Creek Trail to the stream at 4300' after and cross the creek in over six miles.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly This was supposed to be an overnight hike from Holden Village via Hilgard Pass to Stehekin, going up Ten Mile Creek and down Company Creek. The trail up Ten Mile Creek to Hilgard Pass is gorgeous.
Sept 2nd-6th 2023 Little Giant trail sadly not being maintained with more downed trees but manageable to get to the Napeequa and High Pass. Dropping down from Giant Pass as always is technical and long winded.
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