Location
There is no doubt that Chelan Summit Trail is a long and challenging hike but once you reach the summit it will have been worth every step. You will get to experience flower filled meadows, rugged peaks, high alpine lakes, golden larches and the North Cascades at your door step.
The Chelan Summit trail is a 38 mile high altitude ridgetop trail between Lake Chelan drainage and the Methow River valley. This trip takes at least 4 days and can be even longer if you decide to hike some of the trails that are connected with the trail. These side trips can lead you to lakes like Surprise Lake that as very good trout fishing or to peaks with amazing views like Star Peak.
Mountain bikes are allowed from South Navarre Campground to Chipmunk Pass, which is the first 11 miles. There are campsites located along the trail.
Chelan Summit
North Cascades
Length
38.0 miles, one-way
Elevation
Gain: 6500 ft.
Rating
Hike by WTA Community: Lace Thornberg
Chelan Summit
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Open map in new windowGetting There
From Chelan, drive north on Highway 97 to Pateros. Turn left onto Highway 153 for 17 miles. Turn Left onto Gold Creek Road for 1 mile. Turn left onto South Fork Gold Creek Road 4330. Continue until the junction of Grade Creek Road 8200 and Cooper Mt. road 8020. Turn right on Grade Creek Road and continue for 11 miles to South Navarre Campground.
