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Friday morning, we made the long drive (slightly more than 3 hours) from
Seattle to Chelan. There are basically two routes from Seattle to Chelan.
We took Interstate 90 east. There wasn't much traffic, and it's probably
the faster route of the two (I'll mention the other on the return trip).
In Chelan, we just had enough time to eat lunch before heading to the
ferry dock. I'd made reservations for the 1:30pm Lady Cat, a fast boat that
makes the trip across the 55 mile long Lake Chelan in less than 90
minutes. Compare this to the other two boats which take 2 1/2 or 4 hours.
It's a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth the cost. Reservations
are recommended. Early in the season, it's possible they might not even
run the ferry, so your reservation makes sure the do; in mid-season, it's
possible it could get full. When we went, there were only 10 passengers on
the boat.
We parked our car in the long term lot (it's not a car ferry, and you don't
really need one in Stehekin). The ferry took us up the lake. As we went
further, the number of human structures dwindled. The terrain on the Chelan
side of the lake is much drier than the terrain on the Stehekin side. The
boat stopped briefly so we could take pictures of a waterfall flowing into
the lake. While the lake is 55 miles long, it is only about 2 miles wide,
so it resembles a fjord in New Zealand.
Falls into Lake Chelan viewed from the ferry
Once at Stehekin, we checked into the North Cascades Stehekin Lodge, where
we'd be staying for 3 nights. Your choices of lodging in Stehekin
(steh HEE kin) are limited. The lodge is the most convenient, as it is
right by the dock. The view is also unbeatable. We walked into our humble
cabin and looked out the window. My immediate reaction is that I wished
we were staying long than 3 nights. The lake sits peacefully outside,
a mere 50 yards or so from your deck, only some tall conifers standing in
your way. On the opposite shore, the mountains rise steeply up, framing
the lake.
Stehekin Dock
Stehekin is a tiny community of only about 90 residents. Pretty much the
only jobs there are taking care of one of the few lodging or restaurant
options, or the National Park visitor center near the dock.
Stehekin Valley Road
We briefly rested from our long day of travel, then ate dinner at the lodge
restaurant. The portions are generous, and most of the food is decent.
However, I must admit that the meat was on the dry side (both the chicken I
ordered the first night, and the steak I ordered the next). A better option
for dinner is the Stehekin Valley Ranch, which I'll describe in a couple days.
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