Lakeshore Trail, Lake Chelan - Eileen's Travel and Mountain Adventures

After injuring my back in early January and spending most of the winter rehabilitating it, Jim and I felt a good first trip would be the Lakeshore Trail on Lake Chelan.

We joined Kevin and Maria’s annual trip starting at Field’s Point where we would catch The Lady of The Lake. The boat dropped us off at Prince Creek. From here, we started a two day hike to Stehekin where we would catch The Lady for a ride back down lake to Field’s Point. The 19 miles and approximately 3000 of gain would be a great test of my back and new hiking stride.

The Lakeshore Trail is a popular spring hike. As it turned out, we boarded The Lady with 40+ hikers also getting off at Prince Creek. Good thing we were all headed in the same direction. Everyone quickly spread out and wee rarely saw other hikers. It was fun to see the stack of packs on the bow of the boat wait to be unloaded at Prince Creek.

Heading up Lake Chelan on The Lady. Packs piled high in the bow. A smile o my face. Hiking season was about to begin.

As we began our hike from Prince Creek, we were quickly treated to the meandering trail which goes in and out of creek drainages and climbs up and over rock buttresses. The views of the lake and distance mountains drew us up the trail.

Maria starting out on the Lakeshore Trail. May is wonderful because the flowers are in bloom.

The trail climbs above the rock buttresses.

Maria is in heaven surrounded by so many different blooming flowers and bushes. The dogwoods were her favorite.

On day 1, we hiked from Prince Creek to Moore Point where we were able to set up camp just above the lakeshore.

Jim enjoying the morning view of the lake from our camp.

On Day 2, the weather forecast called for some rain, we ended up getting perfect hiking weather and clear skies which allowed amazing views of the still snow capped Chelan Mountains.

The first mile of trail took Jim, Fay, and I about an hour. We had to keep stopping to take in the view and name all the peaks.

Hunts Bluff is a great break spot to take in the views both up and down lake.

View up lake from Hunts Bluff… First view of the North Cascades

View down lake from Hunts Bluff… The Chelan Mountains

From Hunts Bluff, Maria, Kevin, and Fay headed into Stehekin to get burgers before we had to board The Lady to head home.

Jim and I had a different plan. To enjoy every minute of the trail and arrive Stehekin in time to catch the boat. (Actually, we wanted to arrive 30 minutes early. If you miss the boat, there isn’t another for 24 hours.)

We spent quite a bit of time at Flick Creek just 4 miles from Stehekin. With the water level down waiting for the spring melt off, the point extends out into the lake exposing wonderful granite boulders and an old tree stumps.

Jim enjoying the snow capped Chelan Mountains. The snow brings out a wonderful texture to the mountains.

As Jim and I hiked the last 4 miles into Stehekin, I found myself being pulled into the North Cascades. Excited that the season had began and wondering what adventures it had in store for us.