Best trails in Stehekin, Washington

This is a loop hike with option of adding 2 miles to include 2 lakes on its way. The trail is a loop you can either start at Lake Ann Trailhead or Rainy Lake Trailhead. It is recommend to go counterclockwise (starting at Lake Ann Trailhead). It offers stunning beauty all the way till highest point of hike at 6995 ft "Maple Pass" then you have to descend back to trailhead.Show more

A moderately easy and extremely beautiful hike through subalpine forest to an iridescent blue lake with water as clear as gin. Sit and watch the native cutthroat trout feed as you sit atop one of many boulders that line the lake's banks. Like so many trails like it along the North Cascades Highway, Blue Lake is brimming with majesty. Dense old growth forest butts against new growth of the last century. These trees line your path for the majority of the walk, occasionally opening just enough to reveal prominent landmarks like Liberty Bell and Winter Spires from unique angles. Once at the end of the trail you are welcomed by a subalpine lake feeding a creek all powered by glaciers and run-off water. As you pass the creek's head, you'll notice the remnants of a sunken old beaver dam and water-logged branches six or seven inches below the surface before it bottlenecks into the creek. Look closer and you'll see dozens of wild native Cutthroat in the 6-9 inch range darting for food, trapped between the logs upstream and the long bumpy ride downstream. The lake has a trail along its bank on one side.Show more

Rainy Lake has beautiful clear, emerald water and waterfalls, and the path is paved and easy to get there. This is an enjoyable trail for the whole family. Keep a close eye on your dogs though as there are bears in the area. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved and it is typically at least four feet wide. The estimated grade is mostly gentle until the last 0.2 miles of the route, where it is up to 8% so moderately steep. Wheelchair/mobility equipment and stroller users may need assistance in the last section.Show more

An essential stop along HWY 20 if the weather is good. Scenery is simply stunning. The paved overlook route is nicely constructed to give you lots of viewpoints in every direction. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved asphalt with a handrail for the first 200 yards to the first lookout and typically at least four feet wide. Beyond the overlook, there are stairs so the trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly past there. The estimated grade is steep - over 8%.Show more