Bridge Creek Campground

For Washingtonians who find their true solace on the trails, deep within the state’s most magnificent wilderness areas, Bridge Creek Campground offers an ideal respite. Nestled within the breathtaking North Cascades National Park, this campground isn't designed for drive-up campers, but rather as a cherished haven for hikers, backpackers, and especially those traversing the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It embodies the essence of remote, yet accessible, wilderness camping, providing essential amenities in a truly spectacular setting.

Imagine arriving at your campsite after a day of incredible hiking, surrounded by towering trees that offer abundant shade, with the gentle murmur of a nearby creek as your soundtrack. Bridge Creek Campground provides just that – a well-maintained, comfortable stopover that allows you to recharge and prepare for your next adventure. Its strategic location, close to the PCT and the High Bridge shuttle to Stehekin, makes it a vital link for many outdoor enthusiasts exploring one of Washington's most stunning natural treasures.

Bridge Creek Campground is located in Washington, USA, specifically within the North Cascades National Park Complex. Its precise location is directly on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), approximately 0.5 miles from the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail North (PCTN). This makes it a key stop for long-distance hikers.

Accessibility to Bridge Creek Campground is exclusively by foot. There is no direct vehicle access to the campground itself. The most common access points for hikers are:

• Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): Hikers on the PCT will find the campground directly on their route.

• From Rainy Pass/Highway 20: Hikers can access the PCT from Rainy Pass (off State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway) and hike southbound or northbound to reach the campground.

• From Stehekin/High Bridge: Bridge Creek Campground is not far from the High Bridge shuttle stop, which connects to the remote community of Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan. Hikers can take the shuttle from Stehekin to High Bridge, and then hike a relatively short distance (approximately 2.5 miles) to Bridge Creek Campground. The shuttle provides a convenient way to access this wilderness area without extensive hiking from a trailhead outside of Stehekin.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that this is a walk-in campground and requires backpacking equipment and preparation. Despite its remote feel, its proximity to the Stehekin shuttle route makes it surprisingly accessible for those willing to hike a few miles. Always check current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and shuttle schedules with the National Park Service before planning your trip.

• Designated Hiker Campsites: Bridge Creek Campground features 6 well-shaded campsites specifically designed for hikers. These sites are comfortably spaced out to offer privacy.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for preparing meals, eating, and organizing gear.

• Fire Rings: Fire rings are available at each campsite, allowing for campfires when conditions permit (always check for fire bans, which are common in the dry season, and ensure you have a valid campfire permit if required).

• Bear Boxes for Food Storage: Essential for safety in bear country, bear-safe food storage units are provided. These are shared, typically with one bear box serving two campsites, ensuring proper food storage and protection from wildlife.

• Shared Outhouse Toilets: The campground offers shared outhouse toilets, providing basic sanitation facilities. These are maintained by the park service.

• Accessible Water Source: A reliable water source is available close to all sites and is easily accessible. However, as it's a natural source, all water must be filtered, purified, or treated before consumption to ensure safety.

• Smooth and Level Tent Sites: Reviews highlight that the tent sites are generally smooth with hardly any rocks, making for a more comfortable sleeping surface. They vary in size, offering flexibility.

• Direct Trailside Location: Its prime location directly on the Pacific Crest Trail is a major highlight, making it an ideal overnight stop for thru-hikers and section hikers exploring the North Cascades.

• Abundant Shade: The campground is very well shaded by the surrounding forest, offering a cool and comfortable environment, particularly during warmer summer days.

• Proximity to Stehekin Shuttle: Being "not far from the High Bridge shuttle to Stehekin" makes it highly convenient for resupply, enjoying a meal at the Stehekin Pastry Company, or accessing other amenities in Stehekin village.

• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: As a hiker-only camp, Bridge Creek offers a serene and quiet environment, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural sounds and beauty of the wilderness.

• Creek-Side Ambiance: A small creek divides some of the campsites, adding to the picturesque setting and providing the soothing sound of flowing water.

• Well-Spaced Sites: The campsites are spread out comfortably, offering a good degree of privacy between groups, even in a shared campground setting.

• Group Site Availability: A dedicated group site is available across the path away from the single sites, perfect for larger hiking parties.

Address: Washington, USA (within North Cascades National Park Complex)

Phone (North Cascades National Park Headquarters): (360) 854-7200

For specific information regarding Bridge Creek Campground, including permit requirements (often necessary for backcountry camping in the North Cascades), current trail conditions, and shuttle schedules to High Bridge/Stehekin, it is best to consult the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park or call their Wilderness Information Center.

North Cascades National Park Wilderness Information Center: (360) 854-7303 (often provides more specific trail and camp info)

Reservations for individual sites at Bridge Creek Campground are typically on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins, though group sites might require advanced reservations through the park's wilderness permit system. Always check current regulations.

For Washingtonians who are passionate about backpacking, long-distance hiking, or simply experiencing the profound beauty of the North Cascades, Bridge Creek Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its unique accessibility as a hike-in camp directly on the Pacific Crest Trail makes it a prime choice for locals seeking a true wilderness immersion without sacrificing certain essential amenities. This campground offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and fully embrace the rugged splendor of our state's most iconic mountain range.

Locals will appreciate the well-maintained sites, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and crucial bear boxes, providing comfort and safety in a remote setting. The easy access to a reliable water source and outhouse toilets further enhances the experience, making it manageable for multi-day trips. Furthermore, its strategic location near the High Bridge shuttle means that resupply opportunities in Stehekin are within reach, offering a vital logistical advantage for longer treks. Bridge Creek Campground serves as a quintessential basecamp for exploring the vast network of trails in the North Cascades, allowing Washington residents to truly engage with the unparalleled natural beauty and challenging terrain that define our outdoor heritage. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the best experiences require a little effort, and the rewards at Bridge Creek are truly priceless.

Bridge Creek Campground

Washington, USA