Howard Lake Trail
This popular Stehekin Valley day hike exchanges a little rough terrain and a few short, steep climbs for access to a tranquil mountain lake.
Plan Around Howard Lake Trail
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Howard Lake Trail Details
This popular Stehekin Valley day hike exchanges a little rough terrain and a few short, steep climbs for access to a tranquil mountain lake. From its trailhead behind the ranger station, this surprisingly quiet trail beings a long series of gentle switchbacks to climb through an evergreen forest to wide overlooks that have lovely views of Agnes Mountain. The rest of the short distance to Howard Lake passes quickly, and you'll find yourself on the peaceful shores of one of the North Cascades' small, jewel-like lakes hidden along mountain slopes. Howard Lake is a wonderful example of a subalpine lake ecosystem, and is home to a great variety of flowering aquatic plants, toads, dragonflies, and birds, as well as a family of beavers that has built a small branch and mud lodge nearby. If you look closely, you can also see evidence of beaver-felled trees a short distance away. Camping is strictly forbidden near the lake, but the backcountry Bullion Camps are only a short way from the trailhead. While the lake is the primary attraction for most hikers, you can continue another eight miles up the steep and rugged slopes of McGregor Mountain from the nearby junction with McGregor Mountain Trail. Reach the trailhead via Stehekin Valley Road, or via Bridge Creek from the Old Wagon Trail.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
4 miles
Estimated time
1.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Howard Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Howard Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Howard Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Howard Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Agnes Gorge
Agnes Gorge Trail is an easy Stehekin day hike, and is known for the incredible profusion of wildflowers that bloom here in spring and summer.
1.0 mi away
McGregor Mountain Trail
The especially rugged climb to the summit of McGregor Mountain is worth every second for the expansive views.
1.0 mi away
Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail)
The Old Wagon Trail is a section of the Pacific Crest Scenic Trail that stretches between Stehekin and Bridge Creek.
1.2 mi away
Bullion Loop Trail
The Bullion Loop Trail was once a popular family trail and part of the Pacific Crest Trail, but was washed out by the Stehekin River a few years ago.
2.3 mi away
Stehekin Valley Ranch
Stehekin Valley Ranch is an off-the-grid rustic resort deep in the North Cascades.
