thruhikingwiki | Unofficial Independent thruhiking Index

Stehekin: Remote Lake Chelan Resupply and Rest Stop

Stehekin: Remote Lake Chelan Resupply and Rest Stop reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

Stehekin is a small, road-inaccessible community on the shore of Lake Chelan that serves as a distinctive and remote resupply point for Pacific Crest Trail hikers in northern Washington.

Key points

  • Access from the Pacific Crest Trail is typically via a side trail to a road junction at High Bridge, followed by a shuttle ride along the Stehekin River corridor.
  • Stehekin is not connected to the broader road network; access is by boat, floatplane, or trail, which shapes the character of its services.
  • The community generally offers a small store, seasonal lodging and camping, postal services, and a well-known bakery, subject to operating schedules.
  • Many hikers choose to mail resupply boxes to Stehekin due to limited store selection and the remoteness of the location.
  • Because Stehekin lies relatively late in the Washington section, resupply decisions here are closely tied to the remaining distance to the northern terminus or to any final town stop such as Mazama or Winthrop.

Details

Stehekin lies within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and is accessible to Pacific Crest Trail hikers by traveling from the main trail to the High Bridge area, then using a shuttle or similar transport along the Stehekin River road. This indirect access adds time and coordination to a visit but provides a rare opportunity to rest and resupply in a community without road connections to the broader highway system.

Once in Stehekin, hikers typically find a compact set of services: a small general store or similar outlet, seasonal lodging or campgrounds, postal or package pickup options, and a bakery that has become well known among long-distance hikers. The range of available food and supplies is generally narrower than in larger towns, which is one reason many hikers send resupply boxes to Stehekin.

Because Stehekin is located relatively close to the northern end of the Pacific Crest Trail, resupply planning here often occurs in the context of the remaining miles to the border and any additional planned stops in Mazama, Winthrop, or other nearby towns. Some hikers carry enough food from Stehekin to reach the northern terminus and then continue to the nearest road access, while others choose a shorter carry and resupply again after traversing a portion of the remaining route.

The remote nature of Stehekin means that seasonal schedules, shuttle operations, and business offerings can be sensitive to weather, lake conditions, and broader logistics. Hikers generally treat guidebook listings and prior-year information as starting points and confirm current details with official park communication channels or updated local sources when possible.

Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.

Illustrative hiking footage

The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.