High Campground

For those of us in Washington State who truly yearn for an immersive wilderness experience, far removed from the sounds of cars and the constant buzz of connectivity, High Campground in Stehekin offers an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled deep within the North Cascades National Park Complex, at the head of magnificent Lake Chelan, Stehekin is a gateway to some of the most pristine and rugged landscapes our state has to offer. High Campground, specifically, caters to the adventurous spirit, providing a rustic yet essential basecamp for exploring a truly remote corner of Washington.

This article aims to be your comprehensive guide to High Campground, shedding light on what makes this remote destination so special for Washington locals. We'll delve into its unique location and challenging accessibility, the fundamental services it provides to support a backcountry stay, and the distinct features that highlight its appeal. From its position along iconic hiking trails to the sheer effort required to reach it, we aim to provide factual and engaging information to help you plan an unforgettable, off-grid adventure in the heart of our beautiful state.

High Campground is located in Stehekin, Washington, with the address listed as Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. This address, however, is merely a geographical marker for a profoundly remote location. What truly defines High Campground's location and accessibility is its situation at the very end of the Stehekin Valley Road, near the famous High Bridge, deep within the North Cascades National Park Complex. It is important for Washington locals to understand that Stehekin is a unique and car-free community for visitors.

Access to Stehekin, and subsequently to High Campground, is exclusively by foot, boat, or plane. There are no roads connecting Stehekin to the rest of Washington's road network. The most common way to reach Stehekin Landing (the small community hub) is by passenger ferry across Lake Chelan, such as the "Lady of the Lake" or the Stehekin Ferry. Private boats and floatplanes are also options. Once at Stehekin Landing, visitors can reach High Campground by:

• Hiking: It's a significant hike up the Stehekin Valley Road from the Landing to High Bridge, which is approximately 11 miles. The campground itself is located near High Bridge.
• Shuttle Bus: During peak season, a public shuttle bus typically operates along the Stehekin Valley Road, which can transport visitors from Stehekin Landing up to High Bridge, making the final approach to the campground much easier. It's advisable to check current shuttle schedules and fees.
• Biking: Visitors can also rent bikes at Stehekin Landing and cycle up the valley road.

This multi-modal, car-free access immediately sets the tone for a genuine wilderness experience. The journey itself becomes an integral part of the adventure, offering breathtaking scenery along Lake Chelan and through the forested Stehekin Valley, making it a truly unique destination for those seeking a deep immersion in Washington's remote landscapes.

High Campground, as a remote backcountry site in Stehekin, offers fundamental services designed to support self-reliant camping while adhering to national park regulations. Visitors should be prepared for minimal amenities, consistent with a true wilderness experience.

• Designated Campsites: The campground provides designated areas for pitching tents. These sites are typically rustic, offering a cleared space for camping with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. While specific details on size aren't always provided, they are generally designed to accommodate small groups.
• Pit or Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities, typically in the form of pit or vault toilets, are usually available at backcountry camps like High Campground. These are essential for proper waste disposal and maintaining sanitation in remote areas.
• Natural Water Source: Located in a valley with creeks and rivers, High Campground likely offers access to a natural water source (e.g., a nearby creek or the Stehekin River). However, all water from natural sources MUST be filtered or treated before consumption to ensure it is safe to drink. This reduces the amount of potable water campers need to carry in.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: As High Campground is situated in bear country within the North Cascades, it is highly probable that bear-resistant food storage options are provided or required. This could include shared bear boxes or the need to bring and use personal bear canisters to protect both human visitors and wildlife.
• Fire Rings: While fire bans are common during summer months in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, when allowed, designated fire rings are typically available at campsites for safe campfires. It's crucial to check current fire restrictions before planning to have a fire.
• Backcountry Permit Required: For overnight stays, a free backcountry permit is required. While not a "service" in the traditional sense, obtaining this permit is a necessary step to utilize the campground and helps the park service manage wilderness use. Permits are often available from the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin.

High Campground in Stehekin offers unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for experienced campers and adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Washington State. Its allure stems from its challenging accessibility and its position as a gateway to iconic hiking routes.

• Gateway to Legendary Hiking Trails: High Campground's proximity to High Bridge is a major highlight. High Bridge serves as a crucial access point for some of the most renowned and challenging hiking trails in the North Cascades, including the trail to Cascade Pass, Sahale Arm, and potentially connections to the Pacific Crest Trail. This makes it an ideal basecamp for multi-day backpacking trips.
• Profound Remote Wilderness Experience: As a car-free destination only accessible by foot, boat, or plane, High Campground offers an unparalleled sense of remoteness. This allows for a deep immersion in nature, far from the sounds and light pollution of urban areas, providing true solitude and quiet reflection.
• Stehekin Valley Charm: While remote, the larger Stehekin Valley offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness and limited community services. Campers at High Campground can experience the best of both worlds – the peace of the backcountry, with the option to access amenities like the Stehekin Bakery, Buckner Orchard, and even a shuttle bus (seasonal) down to Stehekin Landing.
• Scenic Journey to Access: The journey to Stehekin itself is a highlight. Traveling by boat across the 50-mile-long Lake Chelan offers breathtaking views of deep blue waters and towering mountains, setting the stage for the wilderness adventure ahead.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote setting increases the chances of spotting local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and potentially even bears (emphasizing the need for bear-aware practices).
• Authentic Backcountry Feel: Unlike highly developed campgrounds, High Campground provides a more primitive camping experience, with basic facilities. This appeals to campers who prefer a less manicured and more authentic connection with the natural environment.

High Campground, being a remote backcountry campsite within the North Cascades National Park Complex, does not have a direct phone number or staffed office at the campground itself. All essential information and booking procedures are managed through the broader park system.

The general geographical address is:

Address: Stehekin, WA 98852, USA

However, it is vital to remember that this address refers to the remote Stehekin community. For all planning, reservations, and crucial updates, Washington locals should utilize the official resources of the National Park Service or entities that support the Stehekin Valley. Key contact points include:

• National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov): Many campgrounds within federal lands, including some in Stehekin, are reservable through this system. While High Campground may be a walk-in or wilderness permit site, checking Recreation.gov for availability and booking procedures for Stehekin area campgrounds is always a good first step.
• North Cascades National Park Service - Golden West Visitor Center (Stehekin): For wilderness permits, trail conditions, and general park information specific to the Stehekin area, contacting the visitor center is paramount. Their phone number is typically associated with the main park information line. While a specific direct number for the Golden West Visitor Center isn't always widely published for direct calls, the park's main information lines can direct you.
• Stehekin Valley Shuttle Bus or Stehekin Ferry: For transportation within the valley or across Lake Chelan, check their respective websites or contact them directly for schedules and fares. The Stehekin Ferry (509-682-4584) or Lady of the Lake (509-682-4500) are key contacts for boat transport.
• Stehekin Reservations/Log Office: For general inquiries about activities and accommodations in the Stehekin Valley, a central reservation office (e.g., Stehekin Reservations at 509-669-5045 or 888-682-4584) can often provide valuable local insights.

Always plan well in advance and confirm all details, as facilities and services in remote Stehekin can be limited and seasonal, and cell service is generally unavailable.

For Washington locals seeking a truly authentic and challenging wilderness escape, High Campground in Stehekin is an exceptionally suitable and rewarding destination. It offers an experience that deeply resonates with our state's appreciation for pristine natural beauty and adventurous exploration.

Firstly, the unique multi-modal access to Stehekin—by foot, boat, or plane—is a significant draw. For us Washingtonians, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, offering breathtaking scenery across Lake Chelan and through the remote valley. It immediately sets the tone for an unplugged experience, far removed from the everyday.

Secondly, High Campground's position as a gateway to iconic North Cascades trails like Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is a major appeal for our local hiking and backpacking community. It provides a strategic and fundamental base camp for tackling some of the most stunning and challenging routes in our state. The sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching such a remote location and then exploring its surrounding trails is unparalleled.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of the campground, with its basic amenities, perfectly aligns with the self-reliant spirit of many Washington outdoor enthusiasts. It encourages true immersion in nature, where the focus is on the environment, the stars above, and the sounds of the wilderness. It’s a place where you can genuinely disconnect and recharge, surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of our state's crown jewel, the North Cascades.

In conclusion, High Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an invitation to embark on a quintessential Washington wilderness adventure. It’s ideal for locals who cherish solitude, embrace challenges, and seek a profound connection with the spectacular natural landscapes that make our state so unique.

High Campground

Stehekin, WA 98852, USA