Park Creek
Pass
The Park Creek Pass Trail is highly praised for its alpine scenery,
though getting up there, of course, is not going to be easy. Getting
to the trailhead is an adventure in itself! First, you have to drive
two hours from Marblemount down to the summer resort town of Chelan,
located on the south shore of Lake Chelan. After spending the
afternoon swimming in the lake at the public park, you spend the
night at the Midtowner Motel. The next morning, you get up early to
catch a ferry for the 50 mile boat ride up the lake. Then, from the
tiny town of Stehekin, you have to take a shuttle van twelve miles to
the trailhead. Needless to say, you and your partner are finally more
than ready to hoist your packs and start up the trail...
The first five miles were a steady climb through the forest, but
now you get your first views of alpine parkland. Straight ahead is
Mt. Buckner, with its glaciers reflecting the sun. You check your map
and see that the trail will continue up and to the right of the
mountain, where it will traverse the narrow pass between Mt. Buckner
and Mt. Logan. Except for the annoying presence of black flies and
mosquitos, the day is perfect and you're eager to continue...