Purple Creek Trail is a good option for getting some elevation at the lower end of the Stehekin Valley. You will get nice views of the lake and surrounding hills, but bring plenty of water, is this trail is challenging and does not have many places to refill water bottles.

Like many of the trails in the area you go as far as you would like to and return since this is not a loop trail. Good views of the lake and the lower valley begin at about 3 miles. For those more ambitious, start early and hike 7.5 miles to 6800′ Purple Pass.

If you still have some energy left, the 360 degree view from Boulder Butte is well worth the extra 1/2 mile of hiking. It is no surprise that this is the location of a former fire lookout.

To find the trailhead, begin this hike on the Imus Creek Trail which starts behind the Golden West Visitor Center at Stehekin Landing. The junction for the Purple Creek Trail is on the right shortly after the first bridge crossing.

NPS trail description