How much does it cost to hike from Cascade Pass to Stehekin?

The cost to hike from Cascade Pass to Stehekin without support is approximately $101-$221 for a solo traveler. The cost of parking and backcountry permits can be split among group members to reduce the costs. If you don’t have a car shuttle, the minimum transportation cost is $75-$125. See below for a full explanation of permitting and transportation costs. Food, fuel, gear, and additional non-backcountry accommodation are not included.

For more information about hiking Cascade Pass and backpacking in North Cascades National Park, check out our guidebook, North Cascades Backpacking Adventure Guide Notes. It includes detailed information about the logistics involved with planning your Cascade Pass to Stehekin hiking trip.

North Cascades National Park Backpacking Adventure Guide Notes Summary

If you think this article is helpful, you will definitely appreciate the North Cascades Backpacking Adventure Guide Notes. We provide even more information about planning your hiking adventure from Cascade Pass to Stehekin.

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Permits for North Cascades National Park Backcountry Camping

Backcountry Permits ($26)
Permits are required to camp in North Cascades National Park. All permits are $20 plus a non-refundable $6 transaction fee.

Parking Pass ($30-$80)
The America The Beautiful Park Pass and the Northwest Forest Pass are annual park passes. One of these passes is required for parking at the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

Transportation Schedules and Additional Cost for Hiking from Cascade Pass to Stehekin

Stehekin is a remote town on the shores of Lake Chelan. Most people reach Stehekin by boat, but there are a few intrepid adventures that hike into town. Because the route from Cascade Pass to Stehekin is a one-way adventure without road access, there are extra steps to complete your journey. In a perfect world, you could get a friend to drop you off at the Cascade Pass Trailhead and pick you up in Chelan. However, the drive from Cascade Pass to Chelan is 4+ hours in good road conditions.

Stehekin Bus ($10)
During the summer, Stehekin Valley Adventures operates a shuttle service 3 times a day from High Bridge to Stehekin. It is about a 1-hour ride with multiple stops along the way. Alternatively, you can walk 9+ miles from High Bridge to Stehekin along the road.

July-September Schedule: 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm
October 1st-16th Schedule: 9:30 am, 3:00 pm

Lake Chelan Ferry ($40-$45)
Stehekin Landing to Chelan is a 1.5-hour ferry ride. Two ferries service Stehekin daily: Stehekin Ferry and Lady of the Lake.

Lake Chelan Ferry Schedule: 10:00 am or 10:40 am

The cost of hiking from Cascade Pass to Stehekin - Lake Chelan Ferry

Bus and Train ($25-$60+)
From Chelan, take the free Link Transit bus to Wenatchee. Depending on your timing and the transportation schedules, you can take the bus from the Columbia Station (WEC) or the Amtrak Empire Builder train back to Seattle (or another destination). Stations are unstaffed and do not have ticket kiosks, so you need a plan. Both options are 4-4.5 hours to Seattle’s King Street Station (SEA).

Amtrak’s Empire Builder Train Summer Schedule from WEN to SEA: 6:50 am
Amtrak’s Link Transit Bus Summer Schedule from WEC to SEA: 12:25 pm

Learn more about the North Cascades National Park Backpacking Adventure Guide Notes