| Bridge Creek/Stehekin River — Rainy Pass to Stehekin Landing™ © |
Class V (VI)
26Miles
Avg Gradient 120 fpm
Max Gradient 200 fpm
Play Rating (1-10): 8
River Mapplet
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Gauge Information (Professor Paddle updated levels from STEHEKIN RIVER AT STEHEKIN, W at 4/30/2025 7:25:28 PM)
| Gauge |
Forecast |
Height |
Current Flow |
Authority |
Physical Update |
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STEHEKIN RIVER AT STEHEKIN, W
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NWRFC | FC Page |
21.13 |
2970 cfs
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USGS - NWIS |
2025-04-30 18:30:00 |
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Minimum Recomended Level: 1500 cfs Maximum Recomended Level: 4000 cfs
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AccessFrom Hwy 20 hike south on the Pacific Crest trail, following Bridge Creek from it's tiny origins. A trail and road follow this stretch in its entirety, although gaining access from river level, at times, can be challenging. Make sure to obtain a back country permit for the group and ferry tickets at least 24 hours in advance. |
Putin DetailsStart hiking from the parking lot on Hwy 20, near Rainy Pass, where the Pacific Crest Trail turns south and begins following Bridge Creek. If the Stehekin is reading under 3000 (and it's a warm day), put in at Hideaway Camp, 4.5 miles in. Over 3k, but not "real high", put in at Fireweed Camp for less walking but more wood dealing. Lower flows or cooler days may mean more hiking to get to reasonable flows. It doesn't take the Bridge too long to get some good water, though and views can be had periodically from the trail. |
Takeout DetailsThere is a road from Tumwater Campground to Stehekin Landing should problems arise, but the standard takeout is the boat ramp at the south end of Stehekin Landing. Call The Lady of the Lake (509-682-4584) ferry service at least 24 hours in advance to book the trip back to Chelan. |
 River Alerts ( Add Alert ) |
Pinned Forum Threads |
 Plenty of new wood on the run. A dozen or so wood portages before the NF confluence. - Posted by: water wacko on 7/1/2016 12:18:00 AM -
[Remove Alert]
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There are no forum threads pinned to this run.
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Other IssuesMake sure and pre-arrange backcountry permits through the Marblemount Ranger Station (360-854-7245) and ferry tickets (509-682-4584) at least 24 hours in advance. This is bear and mountain lion country, be very smart with food storage. Fire ants might get ya too if you camp in the wrong spot. |
Fun FactsStart to finish, rapids the whole way. As volume builds so does the intensity. Surprising lack of wood, 3 portages in July 2014. A+ scenery and weather. The daily rise and fall of this river is more than 1000 cfs. Unique way to end the trip, shuttling down a 55 mile natural lake on a ferry boat out of a relic community from the past. Come back for Tumwater Canyon when the level drops. |
Run Description [Season: Summe, fall rains possible]
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