Stehekin River Trail
Central CascadesBest May–Oct
A flat, forested riverside walk through the Stehekin Valley, accessible only by boat or floatplane, ending at the historic Weaver Point campground on Lake Chelan.
About This Trail
The Stehekin River Trail follows the western bank of the Stehekin River through dense forest from Harlequin Campground to Weaver Point on Lake Chelan. With only 100 feet of elevation gain over 3.8 miles one way, this is one of the easiest walks in the North Cascades backcountry. The catch: getting to the trailhead requires a ferry ride on the Lady of the Lake from Chelan or a floatplane.
The trail starts at the south end of the Stehekin airstrip, passing through tall grass and over boardwalks before entering mature forest. About a mile in, views open to the Buckner Homestead across the river, a historic ranch dating to 1910. The Devore Creek Trail junction near the end connects to Company Creek and eventually Holden Village. Weaver Point itself offers picnic tables, a kayak-in campground, and views up and down Lake Chelan.
Spring brings mud and bugs. Fall delivers quieter conditions and foliage color in the cottonwoods along the river. This trail works well for families staying at Stehekin Lodge or anyone looking for a low-key valley walk between bigger adventures like Cascade Pass or Park Creek.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“4 day back pack from colonial creek to Stehekin high bridge.”
Last report: Aug 25, 2025
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Muddy boardwalks and trail sections in spring
- Bears active in the Stehekin Valley (bear canisters required for camping)
- Private land near Weaver Point
Getting There
No parking needed. Access is by Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan or floatplane. From Stehekin Landing, drive or shuttle 4.5 miles up Stehekin Valley Road to Harlequin Campground.
From Harlequin Campground, cross the bridge and walk 0.5 miles on road to a wide gravel path leading to the airstrip. The trailhead begins at the south end of the airstrip. Follow the trail south along the river to Weaver Point on Lake Chelan.
Timing depends on the ferry schedule. Most visitors hike this trail as a half-day activity between ferry arrivals. No rush needed given the flat terrain.
Recent Reports
4 day back pack from colonial creek to Stehekin high bridge. Trail crew had just finished work on the trail and it was in excellent shape.
We started on Sunday 8/10 from the Cascade Pass TH, a friend of ours drove us there and he hiked with us to the top of the Pass. On the way to the trailhead we stopped by the Marblemount Visitor Center to pick up our permit.
Started off on a rainy morning and was greeted by a bear in the parking lot at the foot of Cascade Pass. The rain got stronger but it wasn't too bad until we got over the pass and onto the Upper Stehekin Valley trail, where the rock fields were very slippery and less trees gave less cover.
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