A Historic Lakeshore Hike with Rustic Camping Options
Box Canyon Trail was originally built in the 1930’s but recently restored by the United States Forest Service, LCTA, and other local entities. It offers views, elevation, lake access, and rustic camping options. The lake can be reached in four miles, the end of the trail in six. Enjoy peaceful vistas and the calming sounds of Lake Chelan.
TRAIL HISTORY
In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration created the Civilian Conservation Corps designed to help the United States recover from the Great Depression. The CCC built the original Box Canyon Trail but the trail fell in to disuse and eventually became landlocked by private property. In 2010, Recreation Lead for the Chelan Ranger District (USFS), Paul Willard, took an interest in the trail and began to imagine a way to resurrect its use. He built on work done in the early 1990’s by Rick Acosta. After a decade of visioning, planning, and outreach, construction on the trail project launched in 2022 and completed in 2025. Some ninety years after its original creation, the trail to Box Canyon was once again opened for public enjoyment.
TRAIL GUIDE
This is a 12 mile round-trip hike with 1,359’ elevation change. The lake can be reached in four miles. Three rustic camp sites exist along the trail.
TO TRAILHEAD
Directions:
Drive S. Lakeshore Road to 25 mile creek
Turn left on Shady Pass Road and travel 1.1 miles.
Take a sharp right on Breezy Heights road (USFS 1416) and travel 0.25 miles to the USFS helipad parking lot (stay right at road fork).
Park next to the gravel pile and walk across Breezy Heights to the trail.
TRAILHEAD IS STILL UNDEVELOPED. PLEASE STUDY TRAILHEAD MAP BELOW.
