Park Creek Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
River crossings along Park Creek can be dangerous during snowmelt in June and early July — water levels rise dramatically in the afternoon as glaciers melt, so cross early in the morning when flows are lowest.
The pass is fully exposed above treeline with no shelter. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during summer — start early and plan to be off the pass by early afternoon.
This is active black bear and occasional grizzly country. Bear canisters are required for overnight trips in the Stehekin area, and you should make noise on the trail, especially in the dense forest sections.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Access is via the Stehekin Valley, which means you'll need to take the Lady of the Lake ferry or floatplane — plan your logistics well in advance, as ferry schedules are limited and reservations fill up fast in summer.
Snow lingers on Park Creek Pass well into July most years. Bring microspikes and trekking poles even in midsummer, and check the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount for current conditions before committing to the full route.
The meadows just below the pass on the south side are some of the finest wildflower displays in the entire North Cascades — time your trip for the last two weeks of July for peak bloom, and camp at the established sites to catch alpenglow on Goode Mountain.
Photos
NPS
