High Bridge Campground

For Washington locals seeking a truly immersive wilderness experience, High Bridge Campground in the remote Stehekin Valley offers an unparalleled opportunity to unplug and explore the heart of the North Cascades. Unlike easily accessible roadside campgrounds, reaching High Bridge is an adventure in itself, primarily involving a scenic ferry ride across Lake Chelan followed by a shuttle bus or a bike ride up the valley. This historic campground provides a fundamental yet comfortable base for hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts eager to delve into one of Washington's most breathtaking and isolated regions.

High Bridge Campground is a no-frills destination, designed for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the wilderness over extensive amenities. While it might lack the privacy of more dispersed sites, it compensates with its prime location as a gateway to countless trails, including the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Guests can expect clean facilities, essential bear-proof storage, and a genuine connection with the surrounding old-growth forests and majestic peaks. This article will provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of High Bridge Campground, covering its unique location and accessibility, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's such an ideal destination for Washington locals yearning for an authentic and unforgettable outdoor escape.

High Bridge Campground is uniquely situated in the Stehekin Valley, within the vast expanse of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, specifically associated with Stehekin, WA 98852, USA. What truly sets its location apart is its inaccessibility by private vehicle. There are no roads leading into Stehekin or the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

For Washington locals, accessing High Bridge Campground is an adventure in itself, primarily by one of these methods:

• Ferry: The most common way to reach Stehekin is via passenger ferry (like the Lady of the Lake or Stehekin Ferry) across the 55-mile-long Lake Chelan from Chelan or Fields Point. This scenic boat ride is a significant part of the experience.
• Stehekin Shuttle Bus: Once at Stehekin Landing, campers take the Stehekin Valley Shuttle Bus approximately 11 miles up the Stehekin Valley Road to High Bridge. The bus operates on a schedule, with multiple daily runs during peak season.
• Biking: Many visitors opt to rent bicycles at Stehekin Landing and cycle the 11 miles up the paved and graveled road to High Bridge. This offers flexibility and a chance to explore at one's own pace.
• Hiking/Backpacking: High Bridge is a major trailhead. Experienced backpackers can hike into Stehekin via various wilderness trails from different parts of the North Cascades, eventually reaching High Bridge.

This remote access ensures a pristine environment and a truly "off-the-grid" feel. The campground is nestled at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, surrounded by rugged terrain, dense forests, and stunning mountain views, including Mt. McGregor. Due to the travel complexities and the nature of the campground, it is not suitable for RVs or large trailers; it is primarily a tent-camping site. This controlled access helps preserve the delicate ecosystem and the quiet, wild character of the Stehekin Valley.

• Tent-Only Campsites: High Bridge Campground is designed for tent camping. While it may not offer extensive privacy between sites, it provides serviceable and comfortable spots for an overnight stay.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Vault Toilets: The campground features remarkably clean and well-maintained vault toilets. Reviewers frequently commend their cleanliness and lack of odor, a significant plus for primitive camping.
• Bear Boxes (Food Storage): Essential bear-resistant food storage lockers (bear boxes) are available at the campground. Given the active wildlife in the area, using these for all food and scented items is highly recommended.
• Potable Water Source: A water source is available fairly close to the campsites, crucial for hydration in the remote environment.
• Level Tent Sites: Campers appreciate that the tent sites are typically very level, making for a more comfortable night's sleep.
• Community Shelter: There is a shelter available, which can be useful for gathering, cooking, or seeking cover from weather.
• No Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities at the campground.

• Gateway to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT): High Bridge is a major access point for the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a popular stop for thru-hikers and a fantastic base for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips along this iconic trail.
• Exceptional Hiking Opportunities: Beyond the PCT, numerous other trails branch out from or are easily accessible from High Bridge, including the Agnes Gorge Trail, Bridge Creek Trail, and trails leading towards Cascade Pass. These offer diverse scenery, from old-growth forests to alpine meadows and stunning mountain views.
• Proximity to Natural Wonders: Nearby attractions accessible via the Stehekin Shuttle or hiking include Rainbow Falls (a spectacular 312-foot waterfall) and the historic Buckner Orchard, adding to the cultural and natural exploration.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife. Reviewers have reported sightings of deer (including fawns) and black bears, emphasizing the need for proper food storage and bear awareness.
• Scenic Views: The campground offers excellent views of surrounding peaks, notably Mt. McGregor, providing a picturesque backdrop to your camping experience.
• Rustic and Historic Ambiance: As a historic campground in a remote valley, it offers a genuine sense of being "off the grid," appealing to those seeking a true wilderness escape.
• Access to Stehekin Valley Amenities: While High Bridge itself is basic, campers can easily take the shuttle bus back to Stehekin Landing, where they can access amenities like the Stehekin Pastry Company, the Garden (for fresh produce), and various small shops and services.
• Tranquil Environment: Despite its popularity as a trailhead, the overall remote nature of Stehekin ensures a relatively peaceful and quiet camping experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature.

Address: Stehekin, WA 98852, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the National Recreation Reservation System number, which can be used for general inquiries and reservations if applicable for other sites in the complex. For specific local information, contacting the National Park Service offices that oversee the North Cascades National Park Service Complex or the Stehekin Valley Ranger Station might be more direct.)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

For Washington locals, High Bridge Campground in Stehekin offers a unique and highly suitable opportunity to experience the wild, untamed beauty of their state in a way that few other destinations can provide. Its inherent remoteness, accessible only by ferry, bus, or trail, serves as a natural filter, attracting those who truly value a profound connection with nature and are prepared for a more self-reliant adventure. This isn't a drive-up, car-camping experience, which for many Washingtonians, is precisely its appeal.

The lack of extensive privacy at the campsites is often outweighed by the unparalleled access to some of Washington's most spectacular hiking and backpacking trails, including the revered Pacific Crest Trail. For local outdoor enthusiasts, High Bridge serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the vast North Cascades, from day hikes to multi-day wilderness treks. The presence of consistently clean vault toilets and secure bear boxes, coupled with a reliable water source, demonstrates a commitment to basic comforts and safety in a primitive setting. Moreover, the chance to spot local wildlife like deer and even black bears (from a safe distance, of course, thanks to proper food storage) offers an authentic wilderness encounter that is deeply enriching. High Bridge Campground allows Washingtonians to truly escape the urban grind and immerse themselves in the raw, majestic landscapes that define their home state, fostering unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the wild heart of the Pacific Northwest.