Backpacking trip in Stehekin

The remote community of Stehekin, at the head of Lake Chelan, offers many excellent opportunities for backpacking and exploring the extensive trail system within North Cascades National Park. For a family with a few days to spend backpacking, I would highly recommend the Bridge Creek area in the upper Stehekin Valley. You can reach Bridge Creek by hiking 5 miles on the Old Wagon Trail. With very little elevation gain, highlights of this relatively easy trail include Coon Lake (a great spot to look for birds and other wildlife) and a lush cedar grove. The trailhead for this hike is located at High Bridge, 11 miles from Stehekin, and there is shuttle bus transportation available from the Stehekin Landing. After hiking 5 miles on the Old Wagon Trail, you'll reach Bridge Creek Camp. Located near the confluence of the Stehekin River and Bridge Creek, this is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the sound of rushing water. It also makes a great base for further exploration of the area. From Bridge Creek there are many options ranging from day hikes to an extended backpacking trip. The trails vary from easy to difficult, so families with children can choose the level of terrain they want to tackle. The easiest option is to hike on the old Stehekin Valley Road to Flat Creek, where there is a nice camp and the start of the Flat Creek Trail. As the name implies, this 3.5 mile trail is mostly flat and offers nice views of the surrounding mountains before ending in a grove of cedars. Another option from Bridge Creek is to hike 3 miles on the Bridge Creek Trail with moderate elevation gain to North Fork Camp. This camp is situated on the cliffs high above the river at the junction with the North Fork Trail. The North Fork Trail offers flat, easy hiking through forested terrain with some nice mountain views along the way. The third option from Bridge Creek is a difficult day hike up the Goode Ridge Trail. The trail switchbacks through open groves of pine and fir forest throughout its entire 5 mile climb. Those who persist to the trail's end at the top of Goode Ridge are rewarded with stunning views of mountain peaks in all directions. Bring plenty of water for this hike, as there aren't any stream crossings along the way. I hope this information is helpful in planning your trip. Regardless of the trails you choose to explore, you'll be immersed in a peaceful wilderness setting among the beautiful mountains and rivers of North Cascades National Park. It's important to know that when planning a trip to Stehekin you'll need to factor in time to travel on the Lady of the Lake ferry as there are no roads to Stehekin. When you arrive in Stehekin come to the Golden West Visitor Center where a ranger can answer any questions you may have and issue you a free backcountry permit, required for camping in North Cascades National Park. In the meantime, if you have any further questions feel free to contact a ranger at the Golden West Visitor Center at (360) 854-7365, ext. 14