Stehekin on Lake Chelan

Washington (July 2006)

My parents journeyed with us up lake from the town of Chelan to the town of Stehekin, accessible only by boat, plane, or backpacking. Stehekin is about as close as they come to modern day pioneer families in these parts, complete with a one room school house, horse transportation, orchards, and an emphasis on self-sufficiency. It's also a nice place to truly get away from mobile phones and e-mail, just to relax.

The Bay Cabin at the Silver Bay Inn, where we stayed. Karen and I watched the deep cloudy Milky Way and meteors from the lawn hammock here at night. Our canoe was tied up to the dock just off the right edge of this picture.

 

Dad canoeing in front of our cabin, with a neighbor's cabin behind

 

Scott and Karen kayaking on Lake Chelan, with our cabin on the left behind us

 

Kayaking on Lake Chelan near Stehekin. We paddled across to a cliff wall where Native American petroglyphs were visible just above the water.

 

Dad and Mom journeying out onto the lake

 

Dad and Mom canoeing up past the flood-caused timber driftwood into the Stehekin River from Lake Chelan

 

Rainbow Falls, a couple miles by bike from our cabin

 

Mom and Karen at the base of Rainbow Falls

 

The original one room log cabin school house of Stehekin

 

The historic Buckner Orchard is maintained by the park service as a working orchard. Every year the local community gets together here for celebration ,harvesting, and apple preparation.

 

Agnes Gorge, reached by a pretty hike through a forested river valley

 

Karen napping at High Bridge by the horse corral, waiting for the local school bus shuttle back to town

 

The view from Buckner's Point, looking south down Lake Chelan. Our cabin was located on this side of the rightmost peninsula (with the visible cabins on it).

 

Proof that Scott and Dad trudged up the steep hike to Buckner's Point!

 

Enjoying the view and fine furniture. Where's that beer?

 

 

Strawberry Island and Orcas Island kayaking