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Stehekin

Traveling to Stehekin by ferry from Chelan is the most popular option by far and provides for an unforgettable journey that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. There are two companies operating ferries to Stehekin, and both are owned by the same company. The Stehekin Ferry leaves from Field Point, which is situated 15 miles uplake from Chelan on the south shore, providing convenient access via Naverre Coulee if coming from the Puget Sound. The Lady of the Lake departs from Chelan and operates 3 boats during the summer, with their fastest boat The Lady Liberty offering day trips to Stehekin. The schedules vary depending on the time of year, but during the summer months there are boats operating every day of the week.

It's possible to charter a private trip on a float plane to Stehekin, courtesy of Northwest Seaplanes. They offer one-way trips, as well as day trips and are based out of Lake Washington in Seattle. The plane will land in Lake Chelan next to Stehekin and dock at the landing. Of course, if you are lucky enough to have your own float plane, the dock can accommodate private planes!

Stehekin is often an ending point for multi-day backpacking trips in the area. The most common option is the Lakeshare Trail, where after getting dropped off at Prince Creek via ferry, people spend a couple of days hiking the Lakeshore trail before ending in Stehekin. Other options include taking the ferry to Lucerne and the bus up to Holden and then using the trail network to reach Stehekin, or spending a couple of days coming in from the north via Cascade Pass and the Pacific Crest Trail. There is an extensive trail system surrounding Stehekin and Lake Chelan, with many options for backpacking. Just note, there are no day hikes that can take you to Stehekin.

Lake Chelan Helicopters has a couple of day tours to Stehekin, allowing visitors to quickly get up the lake and enjoy some of the more popular activities like Rainbow Falls or dinner at Stehekin Valley Ranch.

Hiking in Stehekin offers a range of experiences, from easy family-friendly walks to immersive backcountry adventures deep in the North Cascades. A favorite short hike is the short trail to Rainbow Falls, where families can enjoy a quick stroll to an impressive waterfall tumbling 312 feet from a hanging valley. For a longer and more rugged outing, the Agnes Gorge Trail follows Agnes Creek into North Cascades National Park, winding through forested canyon walls and offering a true taste of wilderness solitude. The Lakeshore Trail is a popular multi-day adventure, but also provides a nice day trip, tracing the edge of Lake Chelan with scenic water views, quiet beaches, and opportunities to spot birds and wildlife. Beyond these, hikers can venture farther up valley routes toward High Bridge, backpack into alpine basins, or connect to iconic routes like the Pacific Crest Trail, making Stehekin an exceptional base for exploring both casual trails and demanding mountain terrain.

Fishing in Stehekin is a peaceful, scenic experience set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Chelan and the surrounding North Cascades wilderness. Anglers can cast from the shoreline or a boat on the lake for species like trout and salmon, or try their luck in the Stehekin River and nearby creeks, where clear, cold water and quiet forested banks create ideal conditions for a relaxing day outdoors. During the summer months, guided fly fishing trips are available, offering visitors the chance to learn local techniques, access prime waters, and gain insight into the area’s ecology from experienced guides, making Stehekin a rewarding destination for both seasoned anglers and beginners.

Biking is one of the most popular and practical ways to get around Stehekin, where quiet roads and a relaxed pace make cycling an ideal form of transportation. Visitors can easily rent bikes by the hour or for longer periods through Stehekin Discovery Bikes, making it convenient to explore the valley without a car. It’s also possible to bring your own bike on the ferry, though an additional fee applies. While some select trails in the area allow mountain biking, most trails are primarily designed for hiking, so bicycles are generally used for getting from place to place—whether riding to trailheads, historic sites, or scenic viewpoints—making biking both a fun and functional way to experience Stehekin.

The Rainbow Falls hike is one of Stehekin’s most popular and accessible outings, offering a rewarding waterfall experience with minimal effort. Visitors can take the Stehekin shuttle bus, which drops hikers off near the trailhead, or enjoy a reasonably short and scenic bike ride from Stehekin Landing along the valley road. The well-maintained trail is only .5 miles round trip with 120 feet of elevation gain, and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the powerful falls as they cascade through a narrow gorge, making it an ideal option for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking to experience Stehekin’s natural beauty without committing to a long trek.

Visitors can explore the town’s rich history by stopping at the old schoolhouse, where you can learn about early life in this isolated valley, and wandering through Buckner Orchard, a reminder of the area’s once-thriving apple industry and pioneer roots. Outdoor adventure is a major draw in Stehekin, with hiking and backpacking especially popular in the spring and summer, when trails open up to forests, wildflower-filled meadows, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain scenery. Learn more about things to do in Stehekin.