Last week during my Chelan-Wenatchee trip, I took the Lady of the Lake (or Lady Express, I'm not sure which) to Stehekin, the tiny 80-some resident community that's the very definition of off-the-beaten path. It's located 50-plus miles up the incredibly beautiful Lake Chelan gorge by the headwaters of said lake. (Interestingly, Stehekin is less than 15 air miles from Washington Pass and much closer to Winthrop than it is to Chelan.)
The mountain views are tops--reminds me of the Inside Passage minus the orcas and humpback whales.
The boat trip was 2-1/2 hours each way, with an hour layover in Stehekin. During the summer (or maybe even right now since it's after May 1; see info here), there's a slower boat that takes four hours each way with a 90-minute layover.
One of the countless waterfalls streaking down the mountainside.
Cool reflection.
Very Alaska-y, as I said.
We saw a bear! Hold on, I'll zoom in ...
... OK, it's blurry, but it's still a bear.
Mountains near the Port of Holden Village, a religious retreat.
A bustling hub of activity at the Stehekin dock.
Some of the rolling hills that make for great riding above Manson, as seen from the boat. The prominent bump there in the center is where Echo Valley ski area and the Echo Ridge trails are. I was able to ride my 'cross bike to just below the summit of that hill, elevation: about 4,000 feet.
Wow - very nice. I've heard of this place, but have never been there. Thanks for the pics.
ReplyDeleteCool pictures Mike. I am planning to do the Echo Valley 30 mile mountain bike race / ride on June 9th. Chelan is a cool place
ReplyDeleteEric Hanenburg