Bench Creek Campground

For those of us in Washington seeking a truly off-grid and serene wilderness experience, Bench Creek Campground in Stehekin, WA, offers a compelling, albeit rugged, opportunity. Nestled within the pristine Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the greater North Cascades National Park Complex, this campground is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of our state. Unlike easily accessible drive-up campgrounds, Bench Creek is a backcountry site, promising solitude and a deep immersion in nature for those willing to venture a little further. It’s a place where the sounds of the creek and the forest replace the daily hustle, inviting a profound sense of peace and disconnection.

The journey to Bench Creek Campground is an adventure in itself, typically involving a scenic ferry ride across Lake Chelan followed by a hike into the wilderness. This very remoteness is what makes it so appealing to dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who value quietude and a genuine connection to the natural world. This article aims to provide our local Washington readers with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Bench Creek Campground a unique and noteworthy destination. We will explore its distinct accessibility, the essential services it provides in a remote setting, and highlight the features that contribute to its "small, quiet" reputation, all while drawing on insights from fellow campers who have experienced its magic firsthand. Prepare to discover a truly wild and rewarding part of Washington State.

Bench Creek Campground is located in the remote Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. Its position within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the North Cascades National Park Complex, dictates its unique and adventurous accessibility. Stehekin is renowned for being one of the few communities in the continental United States with no direct road access from the outside world. This isolation is a key part of its preserved wilderness character.

To reach Stehekin, visitors primarily rely on:

• Passenger Ferry: The most common method is taking the Lady of the Lake ferry, which provides a breathtaking journey along the entire length of Lake Chelan from Chelan. This scenic boat ride is often considered an integral part of the experience.
• Floatplane: For a faster, though often more expensive, option, floatplane services can transport visitors directly into Stehekin.
• Hiking: Experienced backpackers can also hike into Stehekin via various wilderness trails from outside the valley, such as those originating from the North Cascades Highway.

Once in Stehekin, reaching Bench Creek Campground requires further travel on foot. It is a hike-in campground, typically accessed via trails like the Rainbow Loop or parts of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) within the Stehekin Valley area. Campers might use the local shuttle bus for part of the journey along the Stehekin Valley Road to reach a trailhead, and then proceed on foot. While the exact distance from the Stehekin Landing can vary depending on the chosen trail, it is important to be prepared for a substantial hike with all your gear. Reviewers note that reaching Bench Creek might involve traversing areas with less tree cover and potentially encountering snow even in mid-summer, indicating its high-country, rugged nature. The deliberate effort required to reach Bench Creek ensures that it remains a tranquil and less-frequented sanctuary for serious backpackers and wilderness lovers.

As a backcountry campground within a National Park Service area, Bench Creek Campground provides very basic, minimalist services designed to support a low-impact wilderness experience. Campers must be prepared for self-sufficiency.

• Vault Toilet: The campground is equipped with a vault toilet (privy), providing essential human waste management in this remote setting.
• Campsites with Basic Amenities: Each campsite typically features a designated tent pad or area for setting up, and often includes a fire ring. These simple provisions allow for comfortable rest and a traditional campfire experience (when no fire bans are in place).
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to understand that Bench Creek Campground does not provide treated drinking water. Water must be obtained from Bench Creek and then filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
• Bear Wires/Bear Canisters: Due to the presence of bears in the area, proper food storage is paramount. While some older reports might mention bear wires, current regulations in many backcountry areas of the North Cascades require visitors to use approved bear-resistant food canisters. Campers should confirm the latest food storage requirements with the National Park Service before their trip.
• No Trash Service: As with nearly all backcountry campgrounds, there are no trash receptacles at Bench Creek Campground. Campers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, meaning all garbage, including food scraps, must be packed out.
• Limited Sites: Bench Creek Campground is described as a "nice small campground," suggesting a limited number of sites. This contributes to its quiet atmosphere but also means securing a spot may require planning, especially during peak seasons.

These services ensure that basic needs are met while maintaining the pristine nature of the wilderness environment.

Bench Creek Campground, despite its rustic nature, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Washington's adventurous outdoor enthusiasts:

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Described as a "nice small quiet campground," Bench Creek is ideal for those seeking solitude and an escape from crowded recreational areas. The limited number of sites contributes significantly to this tranquil ambiance.
• Creek-side Location: Nestled along Bench Creek, campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water, and have convenient access to a water source (requiring filtration) directly from the campground. Some sites are noted to back up nicely to the creek.
• Access to Expansive Trail Systems: Bench Creek Campground is often part of larger backpacking itineraries within the Stehekin Valley and North Cascades. It serves as a strategic stop along routes like the Rainbow Loop Trail, offering direct access to extensive hiking opportunities into the surrounding wilderness.
• Immersive Forest Setting: Surrounded by dense forest, the campground provides a deep immersion in the Pacific Northwest's natural environment. This offers shade and a sense of being truly "in the trees."
• Proximity to Other Stehekin Attractions: While a hike away, the campground is part of the Stehekin experience, meaning visitors can integrate their stay with visits to other valley highlights like the Stehekin Bakery, Rainbow Falls, or the Stehekin Landing area (via the shuttle and further hiking).
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: Being in a remote wilderness area increases the chances of observing local wildlife, including various bird species and potentially larger mammals like deer or even bears (emphasizing the need for proper food storage).
• Challenging but Rewarding Access: The effort required to hike into Bench Creek means that it attracts a specific type of camper – those who are dedicated to wilderness adventure, contributing to a community of like-minded individuals.
• Free Camping (with Permit): Like many backcountry sites in national parks, camping at Bench Creek is free, though it does require obtaining a wilderness permit from the National Park Service, which helps manage visitor numbers and impact.

As a remote backcountry campground within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Bench Creek Campground does not have a direct phone number for the campground itself. Information and permits are managed by the National Park Service.

For current information regarding Bench Creek Campground, wilderness permits (which are required for overnight stays), trail conditions, and regulations, it is essential to contact the relevant National Park Service office:

North Cascades National Park Complex Wilderness Information Center

Address: 810 State Route 20, Marblemount, WA 98267 (This is typically where permits are picked up or where you'd direct inquiries prior to your trip).

General Phone: (360) 854-7200 (This is the general phone number for the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. You will likely need to navigate through their options to reach the wilderness or backcountry information desk.)

For the most current and detailed information, including specific trail access points, seasonal considerations (such as snow melting dates), and any alerts or closures, checking the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park (www.nps.gov/noca) or Recreation.gov (if permits are booked there) is highly recommended before planning your trip to Bench Creek Campground.

For us, as Washington locals, Bench Creek Campground embodies the true spirit of wilderness adventure that our state is famous for. Its remote setting within Stehekin and the North Cascades means it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who yearn for deep immersion in nature. The journey there, involving a scenic ferry ride and a rewarding hike, becomes an integral part of the experience, stripping away the distractions of daily life and fostering a profound connection with the wild. We value the quiet, small scale of this campground, which offers a genuine respite from the crowded front-country sites, allowing for true solitude and reflection.

The very basic amenities, from the vault toilet to the requirement of filtering creek water, align with our appreciation for self-reliance and Leave No Trace principles. This type of camping strengthens our outdoor skills and deepens our respect for the environment. Moreover, Bench Creek's strategic location along significant trails makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the unparalleled beauty of the North Cascades, from alpine lakes to panoramic mountain views. For Washingtonians who prioritize pristine wilderness, quiet contemplation, and the satisfaction of earning their solitude through effort, Bench Creek Campground is an exceptional destination that truly resonates with the adventurous soul of the Pacific Northwest.

Bench Creek Campground

Stehekin, WA 98852, USA