Rainbow Falls
Up valley from Stehekin Landing is a beautiful 312-foot waterfall. Spring is the best time of year to see the falls.
During the thaw from April to June the water flows like liquid thunder, misting its visitors. Winter visitors occasionally enjoy the crystal blue ice of a frozen waterfall.
A new ADA accessible trail was built in 2011, and offers views for visitors in a wheelchair. A second viewpoint was also constructed at a location higher up the falls, and there is now a better experience for everyone visiting the falls. The bus used on the Rainbow Falls tour is ADA accessible as are all of the shuttle buses.
Flightseeing
An air tour will give you a “bird’s eye” view of over 110 miles of unspoiled wilderness and the translucent waters of Lake Chelan.
Cradled in one of the deepest gorges in North America, Lake Chelan begins deep in the heart of the North Cascades and extends 50.5 miles into the desert of North Central Washington, offering a spectacular contrast in geography and topography. Air tours are a photographer’s paradise.
Tour packages are available and include flying up the Stehekin Valley to Cascade Pass and Trapper Lake in the heart of the North Cascades and views of Rainbow Falls from the air. Flightseeing tours are arranged on an individual basis.
Bicycle
Stop in at the National Park’s Golden West Visitor Center for a bicycle map of Stehekin and a self-guided bicycle/ walking tour to many Stehekin points of interest including the Pastry Company, Stehekin’s One Room Schoolhouse, Rainbow Falls and Historic Buckner Orchard.
Complimentary bikes for guests at the Silver Bay Inn Resort or rent a bike at Discovery Bikes.
Electric Bikes
Exclusively at Stehekin Valley Ranch, these electric pedal assist bicycles will give you the freedom to explore Stehekin on your own schedule. Combine the fun of bicycling with help motoring up the hills for a perfect day in the mountains!
Massage
Take time to relax and enjoy a fabulous massage at Stehekin Valley Ranch – the perfect addition to your Stehekin vacation.
Horseback Riding
Daily guided horseback rides are offered at the Stehekin Valley Ranch. 2 1/2 hour round trip ride from the Ranch to Coon Lake on gentle trail wise horses.
Guided Kayak Tour
Kayaking and paddleboards are available for guests at the Silver Bay Inn Resort, while the Lodge at Stehekin rents out kayaks and canoes!
Offered every morning, mid-June through mid-September, the guided kayak tour takes you on a scenic paddle over old Stehekin and the site of the “Field Hotel” as you travel on to see the native pictographs along the western lakeshore.
For more information on guided kayak tours, visit Stehekin Valley Ranch.
Polaris Rangers
Want the freedom to tour the Stehekin Valley on your own schedule? Rent a Polaris Ranger. With seating up to six people, you can take the whole family and see all that Stehekin has to offer. Contact stehekinreservations@gmail.com
Electric Boats
These simple electric boats can give you a firsthand experience on the lake without having to paddle or swim anywhere. Head up to the mouth of the river, tour the marshlands and see the pictographs. They fit 2 adults per boat or 2 adults and 2 children.
Contact Stehekinreservations@gmail.com
The Garden
Grown with Love and All Organic, The Garden is a must see stop on your way up the Stehekin Road. Karl welcomes you in with a warm smile and hand picks any garden vegetable you would like to take with you. Homemade goat cheese is a favorite along with honey and maple syrup straight from the Stehekin maple trees.
Stehekin Valley Adventures
Come fish the Stehekin River with the experienced guides at Stehekin Fishing Adventures. Your guide will meet you at the dock when the “Lady Liberty” arrives in Stehekin, get you outfitted with gear, and you’ll be on the river by 10 for 5 hours of fly fishing on the secluded Stehekin River. Your trip includes fly fishing gear, and lunch from the Stehekin Pastry Company. Beginners and experienced anglers are welcome. Lady Liberty tickets sold separately.
Stehekin Outfitters
Family owned since 1947, the Courtney family specializes in High Country Adventures. Not only will you see these horses for a daily horseback ride, but you can have a chance to experience the backcountry like no other way.
Hikers can enjoy a “Hike and Like it” trip where the Stehekin Outfitters provide the camp, meals and the horses will carry all your gear. No more heavy backpacks while trying to escape into the backcountry, let the horses do it for you so you can enjoy the freedom and hike with just a day pack.
These trips allow hikers to relax on the trail and get deeper into the scenic views that the majestic peaks around you have to offer. After a long rewarding day of hiking, come back to camp where dinner will be waiting for you.
The Craft Shop
Also known as the “House that Jack Built”, don’t forget to stop in on your way to see the Golden West Lodge and see all the crafts and art that Stehekin Locals have created.
Buckner Orchard
The historic Buckner Orchard apple trees are 125 years old and still producing delicious apples you can pick yourself today! Take a self-guided tour through the orchard and learn about the early homesteading in the Stehekin Valley. Don’t forget to ask around about “Buckner Lane” before you head there!
Get The Guides!
Amazing experiences and great deals inside! Click on the guides below to download. These exclusive guides will help you get the most out of your visit to Lake Chelan.
