Flat Creek
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
A remote Stehekin Valley hike through fire-recovery forest and old-growth cedar, accessible only by ferry.
About This Trail
Flat Creek is a remote day hike in the upper Stehekin Valley that requires significant planning just to reach the trailhead. You must take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin, then arrange a shuttle bus or bike to High Bridge. The trail itself follows the old Stehekin Valley Road through forest recovering from the 2001 Flat Creek Fire, crossing the Stehekin River and passing rebuilt Flat Creek Camp.
The first 3.3 miles offer the best hiking before the route reaches a creek crossing that becomes dangerous during high water. Western redcedar groves shade the lower sections, and the fire-scarred upper valley has regrown into a mosaic of young trees and open meadows with views of surrounding peaks. Established campsites along the way make overnight trips possible with a free backcountry permit from the ranger station.
This trail rewards solitude-seekers willing to put in the logistics. The Stehekin Valley sees far fewer visitors than most Central Cascades destinations, and Flat Creek itself gets almost no traffic. Blowdowns and overgrown sections have been reported historically, though WTA work parties have maintained the lower trail. Dogs are not allowed. No parking pass needed at the trailhead, but the ferry and shuttle add significant cost and time to access.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“A week long WTA work party just completed weed whacking this heavily overgrown trail and cleared some drainages.”
Last report: Sep 28, 2012
Scorecard
Extremely remote. The logistics of reaching Stehekin filter out all but the most committed visitors. You will likely have the trail to yourself.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazards
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Flat Creek crossing dangerous during high water above mile 3.3
- Prone to blowdowns and overgrowth on upper sections
Getting There
Take the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan to Stehekin, then shuttle bus or bike to High Bridge. Plan the ferry schedule carefully as departures are limited.
Recent Reports
The Flat Creek trail provides evidence that not all remote Cascade trails have been abandoned. I hiked up the trail and was delighted to see that a trail crew had cleared blowdown and brushed the trail.
A week long WTA work party just completed weed whacking this heavily overgrown trail and cleared some drainages. The first 2.
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