Devore Creek
Central CascadesBest Jul–Sep
A remote, relentless climb from the Stehekin Valley over Tenmile Pass into the Glacier Peak Wilderness backcountry.
About This Trail
Getting to the Devore Creek trailhead is half the adventure. You take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin, ride or walk 4.5 miles up the valley road to Harlequin Campground, then hike 3 miles down the Stehekin River Trail to the Devore Creek junction. There is no road access. This is about as far from a casual day hike as Washington gets.
The trail itself climbs steeply from the start, gaining over 5,000 feet through rock bluffs, dry brushy slopes, and eventually open larch forest as it pushes toward Tenmile Pass at 6,600 feet. The Devore Creek side is mostly forested with limited views until you near the pass, where the landscape opens into wildflower meadows and long ridgeline panoramas. From the pass, the route descends through timber to junctions with Company Creek and Tenmile Creek trails, making loop itineraries possible through Holden Village.
This is Glacier Peak Wilderness at its most uncompromising. Trail conditions are rough, the grade is punishing, and you will not see many other people. No permits required, which says something about the demand. Bear country rules apply.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Hiked from Stehekin to Holden via Devore Creek and Tenmile Pass to Tenmile Falls.”
Last report: Aug 4, 2022
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- extremely remote with no road access
- steep exposed terrain on dry brushy slopes
- bear country - proper food storage required
- ferry schedule constrains trip timing
- snow lingers on Tenmile Pass into July
Getting There
No trailhead parking. Access is by Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin. Plan around the ferry schedule, which runs limited trips per day.
Take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin. From the landing, travel 4.5 miles up Stehekin Valley Road to Harlequin Campground (shuttle bus or walk). Hike 3 miles down the Stehekin River Trail to the Devore Creek junction, then begin the steep ascent. The trail climbs through rock bluffs and forest to Tenmile Pass, then descends to junctions with Company Creek and Tenmile Creek trails.
The ferry schedule dictates your start time. Most parties camp in Stehekin before or after the hike. This is a multi-day commitment that requires careful logistics. Allow at least 3 days for the full route including travel.
Recent Reports
Hiked from Stehekin to Holden via Devore Creek and Tenmile Pass to Tenmile Falls. Nice trail but I can see why it's not super popular, not many views on the Devore Creek side until you're close to Tenmile Pass.
Company creek + Hilgard pass + Devore creek trail ~33mi from Stehekin bakery in about 13h30 hours... While it was a beautiful loop, it was a very difficult one with lots of challenges.
Ten Mile Pass On day off from WTA 2019 Holden II Volunteer Vacation, checked out potential PCT escape route to Stehekin for hike later in summer. Tenmile Trail cleared, smoothed, pampered from Holden Village to Tenmile Falls.
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