Stehekin

You can hike, boat, fly, or ride a horse into Stehekin, at the head of Lake Chelan, but you can't drive there in your car. This wilderness community is 50 miles uplake from 'civilization'. The Stehekin Valley, surrounded by towering mountains, offers an incredible getaway from phones, TVs, and the trappings of civilization in an incredibly beautiful setting. The boat ride from Chelan on the Lady of the Lake II (4 hours, one-way) or Lady Express (2 hours, one-way) takes you to Stehekin Landing where you can visit the Golden West Visitor's Center, rent a mountain bike or cross-country skis and explore the valley, join in on a naturalist program during the summer with a trip to Buckner Orchard or Rainbow Falls, or stay overnight and explore the surrounding mountains on numerous hiking trails. A Park Service shuttle bus runs during the summer and fall which will take you 23 miles to Cottonwood. Reservations are required and a fee is charged. Many facilities are closed during the winter. The main access to Stehekin in the Recreation Area is by boat or float plane from the town of Chelan on Hwy. 97. There is no road access into Stehekin. Service is provided by Lake Chelan Boat Co.. Daily boat service is maintained from April 15 to Oct. 15. From Oct. 16 to April 14, boats go on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no Sunday boat from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14. Air service is available for charter year-round, weather permitting, from Chelan Airways. Visitor Activities Interpretive exhibits, guided and self-guiding tours, picnicking, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and commercial river rafting. Facilities include a picnic area, boat and bicycle rentals, a post office, commercial buses and shuttle bus service. The Recreation Area is always open. Guided walks and programs are held from late June to early September. The shuttle bus operates from May 15 to Oct. 15. Permits, Fees & Limitations No entrance fee. The shuttle bus fee is $10. Reservations are necessary for the shuttle bus. Call 206-857-5700 for information on the shuttle bus and commercial buses operating out of Stehekin. Backcountry permits are required and available at Ranger Stations at Stehekin, Chelan and Marblemount. Special permits are required for livestock use . Camping And Lodging Backcountry, cross-country and trail camping requires a permit. No permits required for boat camps. Reservations are required by mail. Write for more information to North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Wilderness District Office, 728 Ranger Station Road, Marblemount, WA 98267. Lodge rooms and housekeeping facilities are available on a seasonal basis. Contact North Cascades Lodge, Stehekin, WA 98852, phone 509-682-4711. Various private cabins are for rent in the Recreation Area. Other overnight accommodations are available in Chelan. Food & Supplies Meals are served at North Cascades Lodge and other facilities. Supplies are also available at North Cascades Lodge. Food and supplies are available in Chelan. First Aid/Hospital First aid is available at Ranger Stations. The nearest hospital is in Chelan, 50 miles (80.6 km). Visitor Services •Golden West Visitor Center (summer only) •Buckner Orchard •Rainbow Falls •North Cascades Lodge •Silver Bay Inn •Stehekin Valley Ranch

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