Chelan Lakeshore Trail
~2 days · 17.2 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Chelan Lakeshore Trail is known for
17 rolling miles along the roadless northwest shore of Lake Chelan between Stehekin and Prince Creek, snow-free early and served by the Lady of the Lake ferry at both ends.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,658 ft to 5,597 ft over 17.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.1 mi · 42%
- Downhill 8.3 mi · 49%
- Flat 1.6 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Chelan Lakeshore Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Chelan Lakeshore Trail scores 26/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Chelan Lakeshore Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Chelan Lakeshore Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 17.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail?
The Chelan Lakeshore Trail climbs roughly 4,350 ft total — about 253 ft per mile, topping out near 1,709 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.