Skip the Crowds, Hike the Shores: Exploring the Lakeshore Trail with Into the Wilderness

Hikes

For those looking to experience the magic of the North Cascades without breaking the bank—or their knees—the Lakeshore Trail in Lake Chelan’s Stehekin Valley offers one of the most scenic, approachable multi-day hikes in Washington.

But here’s the catch: most hikers get dropped at Prince Creek, where a crowd bottlenecks the trail and campsites.

Not with us.

Into the Wilderness offers private boat transport to an earlier drop-off point on the trail, giving you a head start, solitude, and first pick of the most beautiful lakeside camps. It’s one of the best ways to experience this iconic route—especially for those just starting their backcountry journey.

Trail Overview:

Trail Name: Lakeshore Trail (Chelan to Stehekin)
Distance: ~17 miles one-way (with shorter overnight or out-and-back options)
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet total
Trail Type: Point-to-point or out-and-back
Best Seasons: Spring through Fall
Camping: Multiple backcountry sites along the trail
Permit: None required for hiking or camping
Dog-Friendly: No (due to North Cascades National Park regulations)

Avoid the Crowds with Private Boat Access

Most hikers rely on the Lady of the Lake ferry to Prince Creek, which often arrives with dozens of backpackers at once. ITW guests can bypass this bottleneck with a private boat shuttle that drops you at quieter access points along the trail—well before the rush.

This means:

More solitude
Better campsites
A more peaceful experience from start to finish

Whether you’re planning a one-night getaway or a slow-paced three-day trek to Stehekin, starting early gives you a serious edge.

Trail Highlights

Wild Shoreline Views: Hike along the stunning eastern edge of Lake Chelan, with frequent breaks to swim, fish, or relax.
Remote Campsites: Enjoy well-maintained, lakefront camping with fire rings, tent pads, and bear boxes.
Wildlife & Wildflowers: Expect deer, osprey, and in summer, fields of lupine and balsamroot.
Stehekin Bakery: End your hike with a legendary pastry reward if you continue all the way to Stehekin.

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Blisters: How to Stop Them Before They Stop You

They’re one of the most common—and most painful—issues hikers face in the backcountry. One minute you’re cruising along a ridgeline, the next you’re limping toward camp wondering how something so small can hurt so badly.
At Into the Wilderness, we believe blister prevention is a skill every hiker should have. It’s not just about comfort—it can mean the difference between finishing your trip strong or calling it quits early. So let’s break it down: how to prevent them, how to treat them, and how to keep moving confidently through the wild.

How to Reserve Your ITW Private Boat Shuttle to the Lakeshore Trail

Looking to skip the crowds and start your Lakeshore Trail hike in peace?
Into the Wilderness offers exclusive, early-access private boat shuttles on Lake Chelan—only available with our guided hiking adventures or gear rental packages.
This is not public transport. This is a custom, backcountry launch service designed for those who value space, solitude, and a smooth start to their wilderness journey.