Stehekin

 

The name "Stehekin" is based on a Salishan word meaning "the way through." The Stehekin valley has long served as a passageway for travelers, linking Washington’s interior wilderness to the rugged Cascade Mountains. Today Stehekin offers vistors an escape from the hustle of the modern day world. Nestled at the headwaters of Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in America, the Stehekin community lives life a little slower.

There are no roads into Stehekin. Connected to the outside world only by foot, boat or plane, the voyage to Stehekin is part of the experience and once you’ve arrived, a variety of historical, cultural, and outdoor activities will connect you with the majestic surroundings. Stehekin serves as a hub to explore the 61,949-acre Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and a gateway to the rest of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Stephen Mather Wilderness, and adjacent National Forest Wilderness Areas.

Things to Know Before you Come

• There is no cell phone reception. Bring a calling card to operate the public phone located near the landing. Calling cards are also available for purchase at the store located at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin.
• There are limited grocery and food services available in the summer and none in the off-season. With limited trash services, consider Pack It In/Pack It Out.
• There are no ATM services available in the valley.
• It is highly recommended to make reservations for lodging before arriving in Stehekin. Most private lodgings, the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, and Stehekin Campgrounds require advance reservations from April to October.

The park is open year-round with recreation opportunities - hiking, fishing, boating (fall and spring) and ski or snowshoe and wildlife viewing (year-round). There are limited services outside the park operational season. From October-May, the Golden West Visitor Center is closed and there is no shuttle.