Could this threaten Stehekin as we know it? Inside a remote city’s fight for its future

TONearly two months after massive flooding hit Washington, an iconic trail town is still suffering extensive damage. Residents of the remote community of Stehekin, Washington, have come together to call for action from the National Park Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and local elected officials.

In December 2025, Washington was hit by an atmospheric river phenomenon called the “Pineapple Express,” which dumped extraordinary amounts of rain across the state. Rural and remote Stehekin, a small community located at the northern end of Lake Chelan and accessible only by trail, boat or plane, was especially hard hit. «I wonder if this type of event could, unfortunately, essentially threaten the existence of Stehekin as we know it,» said Chelan County Commissioner Brad Hawkins. said a local news station.

Read next: Iconic PCT Trail town devastated by debris flow

Compounding the damage, the Pioneer Fire of 2024 had already destabilized the landscape. Significant burn scars left the soil loose and vulnerable, contributing to catastrophic landslides throughout the valley during the storm. While the community has spent the past few weeks clearing debris and debris, the long-term impacts of the flooding remain evident.

A river, a road and a community at risk

The main concern is centered on Company Creek Road, an area just off the main Stehekin Valley road. According Stehekin River Emergency RestorationAccording to a website created by local residents, approximately a quarter of Stehekin’s population lives along this road, including almost half of the community’s school children.

The Stehekin River flows from the surrounding peaks through the valley to Lake Chelan. After a levee failed during the December floods, the river was diverted into a new channel directly above Company Creek Road. The road has remained submerged since then, making it nearly impassable and cutting off reliable access to residents.

Who fixes what? Jurisdiction debate

Before repairs can begin, the debate over jurisdiction and funding is posing a major hurdle. The Chelan County Board of Commissioners authorized up to $1 million for possible repairs, citing the importance of Stehekin’s tourism industry to the regional economy. However, because Stehekin is on National Park Service (NPS) land, it is unclear what role the county can play.

Currently, there is no definitive answer as to how Chelan County, the NPS and the Army Corps of Engineers will coordinate restoration efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for diverting the Stehekin River and rebuilding the damaged levee, while the NPS is responsible for maintaining Company Creek Road. To further complicate matters, the Army Corps must receive approval before undertaking projects on NPS lands.

The clock is ticking: take action before spring

Residents urge officials to act before spring runoff begins. As snow melts in the surrounding mountains, increased runoff could lead to additional flooding and more damage to homes, infrastructure and the environment.

«We know the ongoing work will be a slow process, but we are asking all agencies to expedite the work to return the river to its recent historic channel before the spring runoff,» Stehekin resident Patty Wilsey told The Trek.

Community members are hopeful that concrete measures will be discussed during an upcoming multi-agency meeting scheduled for Feb. 10. Officials from the NPS, Army Corps of Engineers, government offices and Stehekin residents are expected to attend.

“Our hope regarding the Feb. 10 meeting is that the agencies with authority over the river (the Army Corps of Engineers) and Company Creek Road (NPS) can talk in person and approve some type of plan to alleviate the damage currently being caused in the Company Creek area,” Wilsey said.

Impacts for PCT hikers and the 2026 season

At this time, it is unclear what conditions will be like along the Pacific Crest Trail through the North Cascades during the 2026 season. On December 16, 2025, the Pacific Crest Trail Association updated an old alert regarding trail conditions in the nearby Glacier Peak Wilderness.

The previous alert recommended extreme caution, noting that large sections of the trail have not been maintained in recent years due to the impact of wildfires. The updated alert cites recent flooding damage on Suiattle River Road. “This will impact access to the Glacier Peak Wilderness and our ability to repair the PCT,” the update states. The trail remains open, but hikers should be prepared for less than ideal conditions.

2025 PCT hikers entering North Cascades National Park after taking the Stehekin Valley Adventures shuttle bus to High Bridge. Photo courtesy of Anna McKinney Smith.

How the public can help Stehekin move forward

Residents encourage the public to contact elected officials and agency representatives to express their concerns. “The congressional staff who will be here have some influence over these agencies, so our approach has been to write to those people,” Patty Wilsey said.

Roberta, owner of Stehekin Pastry Company, echoed that call and urged non-residents to “contact any elected official and request that funds be allocated to repair the Stehekin River and that work on the trail be done as quickly as possible.”

Outside, Jay, a prominent PCT angel, shared a post on a PCT Facebook Group with contact information for representatives, along with a simple script for emails and letters. Roberta provided additional contacts. These resources can be accessed through a linked Google Doc here.

Together we are stronger: why residents remain optimistic

Tourism remains Stehekin’s main source of income and, despite flood damage, residents are optimistic about the 2026 season.

“In terms of the tourist prospects for the Stehekin Valley, I don’t think the floods should have too much of an impact,” Roberta said. «We are very hopeful that the Park Service can find a simple solution to the wastewater at North Cascades Lodge so that the concessionaire can have a few rooms open, along with the restaurant and store. As for the work on the Stehekin River and the road, we are hopeful that the green light and funding will come shortly after officials visit. (this) week.»

A welcome sight for PCT hikers upon arrival in Stehekin. Stehekin is often a hiker’s last resupply before reaching the Canadian border. Photo courtesy of Anna McKinney Smith.

Patty Wilsey also wanted to reassure hikers and potential visitors to the PCT. Lihat juga pdf view. «We get calls all the time from people who think the whole of Stehekin is a landslide and the infrastructure is ruined, which is not true,» he said.

Wilsey told The Trek that Stehekin Valley Adventures plans to operate its High Bridge Shuttle from June to September. Shuttle service is essential for hikers, as the road between the High Bridge trailhead and town stretches for approximately 13 miles. The Stehekin Pastry Company, a favorite of hikers, also plans to open during the tourist season.

“Stehekin is resilient and always will be,” said Kevin McLaughlin, former hiker and seasonal employee at Stehekin Pastry Company. «The floods of late 2025 were devastating, but nothing can stop this community for long. Together we are strong.»

Sunlight frames the famous Stehekin Pastry Company. Photo courtesy of Kevin McLaughlin.