Flick Creek Campground

For those of us in Washington who cherish pristine wilderness and a genuine escape into nature, Flick Creek Campground in Stehekin, WA, offers a truly remarkable experience. Situated along the stunning Lakeshore Trail within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, part of the North Cascades National Park Complex, this campground is a testament to the raw beauty of our state's remote landscapes. Flick Creek is not a typical drive-up campground; it's a small, walk-in or boat-in site, promising breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere for adventurers willing to embrace its unique accessibility.

The journey to Flick Creek, whether by ferry and foot or by private boat, is an integral part of its appeal, leading visitors into a secluded paradise. This article aims to provide our local Washington readers with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Flick Creek Campground a distinctive and highly desirable camping destination. We will explore its unique accessibility, the essential services it provides in a remote setting, and highlight the remarkable features that contribute to its "beautiful scenery" and "amazing views," all while drawing on insights from fellow campers who have experienced its magic firsthand. Prepare to discover a truly serene and rewarding part of Washington State.

Flick Creek Campground is located in the exceptionally scenic and remote community of Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. Its position within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and along the Lakeshore Trail is key to understanding its unique accessibility. Stehekin itself is famously isolated, meaning there are no direct public roads connecting it to the broader Washington road network. This intentional remoteness helps preserve its pristine wilderness character.

To reach Stehekin, visitors primarily utilize:

• Passenger Ferry: The most common and picturesque method is taking the Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan, which traverses the entire length of the magnificent Lake Chelan. This multi-hour boat ride offers stunning views and is an experience in itself.
• Private Boat: Visitors with their own boats can access campsites like Flick Creek directly from Lake Chelan, making it a popular boat-in camping destination. A federal dock permit may be required for motorboats during peak season.
• Floatplane: For a faster option, floatplane services can transport visitors directly into Stehekin.
• Hiking: Adventurous backpackers can hike into Stehekin via various wilderness trails from outside the valley, a multi-day trek that offers profound wilderness immersion.

Once in Stehekin (if arriving by ferry or plane), reaching Flick Creek Campground requires further travel. It is a walk-in campground, located approximately 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing along the northeast shore of Lake Chelan, directly on the Lakeshore Trail. This means visitors will need to hike to the campground from Stehekin Landing, carrying all their gear. The trail is generally considered easily accessible on foot, making it a popular stop for hikers traversing the Lakeshore Trail. For boaters, it offers direct lake access. The combination of water and foot access contributes to its serene atmosphere, ensuring a quiet camping experience removed from vehicle noise, though campers should be aware of potential winds coming down the mountains, especially in certain seasons like late March.

Flick Creek Campground, as a backcountry or boat-in site within a National Park Service area, offers essential, minimalist services designed to support a low-impact wilderness experience. Campers should be prepared for a rustic stay and to be largely self-sufficient.

• Vault Toilet: The campground is equipped with a vault toilet (privy) for human waste management. While a review notes it's in the "middle of multiple campsite areas and is not very private," its presence is crucial for sanitation in a remote setting.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: Critically important for safety in bear country, bear-proof food lockers are available. Campers are advised to use these to securely store all food and scented items, as mice can also be an issue.
• Small Shelter with Picnic Table: A unique and highly valued amenity, the campground features a "small shelter with picnic table." This provides a communal, covered space for dining or protection from the elements, which is a significant convenience in a backcountry setting.
• Dock: For boat-in campers, the presence of a dock offers convenient lake access. While one review mentioned it being "a bit sketchy, but not dangerous" in another similar camp, its utility for water access and potentially for small boats is a key feature.
• Lake Access for Water: Campers can obtain water directly from Lake Chelan. However, it is paramount to note that this water is untreated and must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption. The access to the lake for water is described as "neither steep nor far," making it practical.
• Campsites: Flick Creek has a limited number of sites, noted as "2 sites" or able to accommodate "4-5 tents." This small size contributes to its quiet atmosphere. Campsites are generally undeveloped but offer space for tents and hammocks.
• No Potable Running Water: There is no treated, potable water supply at the campground.
• No Direct Trash Service: As is standard for most backcountry sites, there are no trash receptacles. Campers are required to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all garbage.
• No Fire Pits: While some information might conflict, generally for boat-in/backcountry sites like this, campfires are not allowed, or fire pits are not provided at individual sites, to minimize impact and wildfire risk. Campers should confirm current fire restrictions with the NPS.

These services prioritize environmental protection while providing basic necessities for a wilderness stay.

Flick Creek Campground, despite its minimal services, offers several standout features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination for Washington's outdoor enthusiasts:

• Spectacular Views: A consistent highlight from visitors is the "amazing" and "beautiful scenery," with "nice views up and down lake." Situated right on the shore of Lake Chelan, the campground offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountainous terrain of the North Cascades.
• Easily Accessible (for a remote campground): Described as "easily accessible on foot" and "only a couple of miles from Stehekin," Flick Creek is a relatively short and manageable hike (3.5 miles) from Stehekin Landing. This makes it an ideal overnight stop for those hiking the Lakeshore Trail or for a quick overnight trip from Stehekin.
• Small and Quiet Atmosphere: With only a couple of sites, Flick Creek provides a highly sought-after sense of solitude and peace. It's perfect for those looking to escape crowds and immerse themselves fully in the sounds of nature.
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers & Shelter: The provision of bear-proof food lockers is a crucial safety feature. Additionally, a "small shelter with picnic table" offers a rare convenience in a backcountry setting, providing a covered space for cooking, eating, or taking refuge from the elements.
• Lake Chelan Access: Direct access to Lake Chelan means opportunities for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the pristine waters. The ease of access to the lake for water collection is also a practical benefit.
• Strategic Location on Lakeshore Trail: For hikers tackling the Chelan Lakeshore Trail, Flick Creek Campground serves as an excellent, well-placed stop, offering amenities (for a backcountry site) and stunning views along the route.
• Unique "Boat-in" Option: For those with private boats on Lake Chelan, Flick Creek is an accessible boat-in camp, providing a direct and scenic way to reach the site.
• No Backcountry Permit Required: Unlike many backcountry sites in the North Cascades Complex, Flick Creek typically does not require a specific wilderness permit for overnight stays, simplifying the planning process for short visits. (Always confirm current NPS regulations).

As a remote backcountry/boat-in campground within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Flick Creek Campground does not have a direct, dedicated phone number for the campground itself. All inquiries and information regarding camping in this area are managed by the National Park Service.

For current information regarding Flick Creek Campground, trail conditions, any fire restrictions, or 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 the primary location for wilderness permit issuance and general information for the park complex, although Stehekin is the direct access point for Flick Creek).

General Phone: (360) 854-7200 (This is the main 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, or to speak with staff familiar with the Stehekin area.)

For the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, any alerts or closures, water access details, and especially current fire bans, checking the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park (www.nps.gov/noca) is highly recommended before planning your trip to Flick Creek Campground. Information about the Lady of the Lake ferry schedule and tickets can be found on their respective websites.

For us, as Washington locals, Flick Creek Campground truly captures the essence of a quintessential Pacific Northwest outdoor adventure. Its location within the pristine Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, accessible via a stunning ferry ride and a manageable hike (or by boat), offers a unique blend of scenic journey and tranquil destination. This isn't just a place to set up a tent; it's an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the majestic beauty of the North Cascades, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

We particularly appreciate its "small" and "quiet" nature, providing the solitude often sought after in wilderness camping. The "amazing views" of Lake Chelan from the campsites are simply unparalleled, making every moment a postcard-worthy experience. The thoughtful provision of bear-proof food lockers and a communal shelter speaks to a commitment to both visitor safety and environmental preservation, aligning with our values as responsible outdoors enthusiasts. Whether for a peaceful overnight stop on the Lakeshore Trail or a secluded boat-in escape, Flick Creek Campground offers an accessible yet profoundly wild experience that resonates deeply with the adventurous soul of Washington, inviting us to reconnect with the raw beauty of our home state.

Flick Creek Campground

Stehekin, WA 98852, USA