Silver Bay Inn Resort is a remote destination in the North Cascade Mountains. Located at the end…read moreof Lake Chelan and the mouth of Stehekin River, Silver Bay Inn has a beautiful view. Four rentals that each offer their own amazing views of Stehekin. Canoeing, bike riding, hiking, and kayaking are a few of the activities to do in Stehekin. Located close to the Landing and the Stehekin Bakery. Stehekin is a wonderful place to step back in time, relax and get away from it all.

From the owner: Enjoy the beauty of nature in luxury at the Silver Bay Inn. Panoramic views of Lake Chelan and…read more7,000ft peaks. Bald eagles, osprey, Great Blue Herons viewing from your deck or kayak in wetlands or bike the Stehekin Valley and stop for goodies at the famous Bakery or hike the trails surrounded by the spectacular views. Some people enjoy the hammocks with a good book, sit around the bonfire or play croquet/bocci ball on the spacious lawn. Sign up for horseback riding, mountain bike breakfast trip, guided fishing, massage or guided kayak tours. The Organic Garden is a fun trip and food tastes great just picked. Stehekin is a special getaway...get there by ferry or float plane.

This July 2012 hike was buried deep in my subconscious…read more On this hike I wished for a quick death to put me out of my misery. I would have been fine being ended by fire or becoming bear food. . But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. . The corgi in a backpack picture of Gunner (& myself) hails from this adventure on the dream-like bluffs above beautiful Lake Chelan. There are hikes and there are hikes which are requirements. The Chelan Lakeshore Trail is the latter. Crystal clear gem waters Icy oasis blue Omnipresent lake The taunting Chelan If there is a Billboard Top 100 for Hikes in the world, the Lakeshore will easily make the Top 10. No one will question the beauty of Lake Chelan. The deep green valley cuts into the Earth yielding the gin-clear glassy waters of the Chelan. Many don't hike the lake. Hordes party in our inland Washington Club Med in the town of Chelan. Thousands take a boat up the 55-mile sliver of a lake yearly. These are all noble and righteous ways to entertain The Lake, but to hike The Lakeshore---that is a memory maker. Just don't do it in the heat of summer (with short-legged doggies more suited for rainy climes). The hike. Yes, the hike. This 17.5 mile hike. The Lakeshore trail requires taking a boat ride. Plop your backpack on the dock, hop on the boat, and enjoy the views. The boat ride in and of itself is stunning. For those backpacking the 17.5, you will get dropped off at Prince Creek. It was eerie to see the boat pull away, and move up-lake like the boat from Apocalypse Now. Foreboding. It was a sunny (hot) August day, but you are on Lake Chelan, you're at the beginning of a legendary hike. Adventure pumps you. Our feet move us on a happy quickstep. The trail points skyward away. Yes for most of the hike, you aren't actually along the shore. With this deep cut gorge, you don't have many flat sandy beaches to walk along. You basically walk along the side of cliff walls and atop bluffs. The lake is close, but painfully and cruelly far away. This made me curse her. But the hike IS beautiful. Those first few miles had me snapping memories and photos. I didn't want to forget Mother Nature's beauty. I'd say after 2-3 miles is when Gunner (corgi #1), expressed issues. He'd simply stubbornly stop and lay down on the (burning) trail. This was not good. We had a 12-mile day. For another mile or so, I was able to coax and scream him to continue, but by Mile 4, his Lakeshore hike was done. What to do. We stopped along the trail under one of the few shady trees. We were all sweating, fatigued, baking. I didn't know what to do. We thought of MacGyver-ing a makeshift gurney, but it woul've only lasted 17 steps. Secretly, I thought of hiking the 4 miles BACK to Prince Creek, setting up tent along the water and waiting for the next boat & calling THAT my Lakeshore hike. We were dead. We had no options. I had to be "the man". Make a decision, damn it! I did. I laid down my ~35-lb pack, I pulled out my Thermarest and gave it to my sister. This freed up space in my pack. Space for a corgi. My 35-lb pack became 70lbs. I had a corgi in a backpack. It was amazing to see how my neurotic Gunner simply let me take his overheated body and place it in my pack with absolute zero fuss. We looked funny & happy (look at the picture). We now had a way to continue. It was funny to have a doggie in my backpack. He'd watch my fellow hikers behind me, and then look over my head forward (dropping slobber on my exposed neck & shoulder). This was fine for 1-2 miles, but then the fatigue began, and my feet began to explode. My joints weren't used to this weight. My feet started blistering. Water was limited. So, I couldn't stay completely hydrated. I needed more water due to the heat, but even more due to the extra load. This is how we went. I'd hike for a mile with a doggie on my back like Luke Skywalker with Yoda on his back in "The Empire Strikes Back". Then I'd have Gunner struggle to walk for a half mile. We alternated our Hells. All the while, Gomez (corgi #2) my other corgi persevered....well for another 8miles. Then he simply stopped. No screams moved him. I now had two nearly dead corgis, and my wimpy self was wishing for a quick death. We still had a couple of miles--nothing you'd say. But for us it was eternity. If it wasn't for my sister & her upbeat-ness, I would not have made it. Then we smelled campfire smoke. We were approaching the Moore Point campsite! Still had a mile to go, but it was downhill, the end was in sight, & the day was almost over. When we made it to Moore, we set up camp & jumped into the ICY water. I decided to end our hike (we'd recuperate and catch the boat in the morning). Some angels of the hike (who helped carry a corgi for a mile earlier), gave us a small bottle of Glenlivet--a wee dram did us good. I'll never forget that evening, that hike, that heat. And, I'd do it again. No question.

Colchuck Lake has been on my list for YEARS and one I definitely considered a bucket list trail. I…read morefinally got the chance to do it this past weekend and it was 100% warranted as as bucket list destination. Doing some research before the hike we learned that the parking lot is pretty much full before 7am. We reached there by around 6:45am and it was entirely full and people were parking down the road. We were even as far as at least half a mile away from the actual trailhead when we actually parked, but luckily the walk is pretty flat. The beginning of the trailhead has a bathroom that will have a lengthy line in the morning, and it is gross. Just be prepared! In total, we clocked almost 9 miles round trip and it took us just shy of 7 hours. That said, we did spend about an hour at the top to take in all of the views and the experience as a whole. I knew this trail would be challenging and I'd say it was probably the second hardest I've ever done (maybe the third), with the first being Mailbox Peak. There are some incredibly tough stretches with steep rock stairs and areas where it feels like you're scrambling a ton. There are moderate breaks where the trail flattens, but it's pretty challenging the entire length of the hike. The end point, the actual lake, is entirely worth the pain and "I don't know if I can do this" moments along the way. Absolutely STUNNING. Probably the most unreal colored water I've ever seen with the shade of blue that it was. The mountains encompassing the lake look fake - literally like AI in real life or something. Truly is a great spot to find a nice rock to sit and relax to enjoy lunch and reenergize for the trek down the trail. After hitting the bottom, it was a loooong walk back to the car with us being so wiped. Much to our disappoint we also discovered that ALL of the cars parked along the road received $100 tickets from the Chelan PD, despite there being no signs that said we couldn't park along the road (just on the bridge, which we weren't on). Overall Colchuck Lake was worth the wait and I'm so glad to have seen it finally - I just don't think I'll ever do it again LOL.

Colchuck Lake is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful alpine lake I've seen. It is…read moreabsolutely worth a hike to get there, and many others would agree, given the often full trailheads early in the morning during nice weather, even on weekdays. You just cannot beat the views and the stunning blue water of the lake. We did an out/back hike, but plenty of others were planning to hike a lot more of the Enchantment Trail. Bring plenty of water, snacks, take breaks as you need it, and enjoy the view (and possibly a dip) at the lake when you get there!

We hiked to Cascade Pass and Sahale Glacier and it is probably one of the best but hardest day…read morehikes I've done. I would read the trail reports ahead of time so you know the conditions before heading out. The road to the trailhead is LONG but doable in sedan although it was a bit questionable at times. So just know your vehicle and have a backup plan just in case! As many others have stated the trailhead parking fills up EARLY. We also started early and are glad that we did to try and avoid hiking too much in the sun later in the day. Be sure to bring enough water and food, as especially the combo Cascade Pass + Sahale Glacier hike is loooong, steep, with quite a bit of sun exposure especially after you get to Cascade Pass. We saw goats, pikas, grouse, and loved that! I really just cannot describe the views, it is hard to believe such a beautiful place exists.

Oh yes, yes, yes! I absolutely loved Cascade Pass Trail. For sure it was one of the best hikes…read morehikes I completed during my time at North Cascades National Park. Okay...it was a relatively difficult hike but I knew this ahead of time so I was prepared. I actually afforded myself the entire day to explore so no worries for me....I simply took my time and enjoyed the views. My one and only "grrrr" moment and frustration aspect in regards to this Cascade Pass Trail was the drive to get here. Oh wow...for me, I hate driving on dirt/gravel roads...especially when I'm on vacation. Because...what happens if I have a flat tire? Who's going to rescue me? But...I was so intrigued and wanted to witness what Cascade Pass was all about that I held my breath and bravely drove the rough/bumpy/hard 13 miles along the dirt/gravel road to get here. And once I finally arrived at the parking lot....kaboom! The scenery was smack in my face. The mountains were overwhelming that before I even started hiking....I was off and taking pictures outside the parking lot! How funny. I hung out in the parking lot for a few moments simply to appreciate the mountainside being so close in view. I just knew...I anticipated good things were to come from hiking up to Cascade Pass. Now...when I started at the trailhead...it's not just Cascade Pass that you can venture off to. Even further away was Sahale Glacier which at the last moment I had heard from other hikers along the way offered even better scenery than Cascade Pass. And in fact....the hikers that I passed and or did come in contact with were all headed up and down the trail for overnight camping. Yeah that's offered with a permit. But for me...I was just here for day hiking. So...Cascade Pass Trail is a 7.4 mile round trip hike gaining about 1700 feet in elevation. I knew I'd at least be here half the day. And for those interested in exploring further....checking out Sahale Glacier was a 10.4 mile round trip hike gaining a stunning 3900 feet in elevation. Wow...that's crazy 3900 feet! Okay so Cascade Pass was good enough for me. I'd say a good portion of the first part of the hike was obviously uphill and through a lot of switchbacks up the mountain. But eventually...the forest finally parted away and then the views got serious...seriously good! I'd say about halfway up the mountain scenery turned dramatically. I was so high up and level with the shear faced cliff walls...I had to stop often to take photographs! Also, I visited on a relatively dreary/cloudy day. But actually, this was good...because along my way up the trail...I was walking parallel to the clouds...and in perspective...it sort made my photos with the clouds shifting in and out of the background quite dramatic! I appreciated having some clouds. Who would have thought? But yeah, continuing on....I can't say it enough that the dramatic background and valley views were epic! There was snow in and around various parts of the jagged terrain. Combined with the clouds continuously shifting....it made for some pretty great "wow" moments. And before too long, I made it to Cascade Pass. Yeah Cascade Pass was pretty much the pinnacle of it all. With the mountains being so up close beside me and the majestic, rugged snow-capped mountains featured in the distance....I felt quite humbled and grateful to be here and in the moment. If I had to compare the views from Cascade Pass....they reminded me of some of the best aspects along hikes at Glacier National Park. And Glacier NP is one of my favorites out there. I ate my lunch here at Cascade Pass, just soaking up the views before heading back down the mountain. I was intrigued to see what Sahale Glacier was all about but I just wasn't mentally prepared to hike an additional 4 miles along with trekking up a lot more elevation...especially when most hikers camp out for the night while at Sahale Glacier. So...I was definitely content with the views and perspectives I received at Cascade Pass. I was ready to hike back down. And on the way down...again the views were so tremendous...that I had to stop for more pictures. Actually, at that point in time most of the clouds had disappeared and I had virtually all of the Cascade Mountains within close viewing range. How cool. This hike and trail was so worthwhile. Finally when I made it back to the bottom and the parking lot in early afternoon, I bravely drove back the 13 mile gravel road into town. I then had a fulfilling dinner at a charming little quaint restaurant called Marblemount Diner. This was a terrific way to end an inspiring day exploring the wondrous mountains and scenery of Cascade Pass Trail.

Beautiful park - Please note that there are several closures as of 4/4/26 but still lots of hiking…read moreoptions before the closure! Lakes are stunning!

Amazing, breathtaking, incredible - words cannot describe the beauty of the PNW…read more How lucky are we that we get to live in a world with such wonders? Pictures are from the Maple Pass Loop during larch season :)

Trailhead not well signed and directions confusing, but we parked a mile away and had a beautiful…read morewalk to the trailhead past the lake. Highly recommended as the views on the way in were worth lingering over, including mullein so huge it looked like a saguaro cactus! We took an SUV, but saw some sedans make it past enormous potholes, so it is possible to get there in your Corolla with care, defensive driving and a bit of risk. There were some drop off's and it was hairy encountering other vehicles heading the opposite direction on the single track road, but we managed, and people were polite. The hike was gorgeous and I don't know if this is considered the end of the season or not, but it was cool and cloudy and we did encounter a rattlesnake on the trail just at the edge of the woods where it opens into the valley. It rattled and coiled at us but did not strike. Moving through the clumps of tall grass was a bit nerve wracking after that, but we swished the bushes with a stick and encountered nothing but wasps nesting in an old combine toward the edge of the valley. It was beautiful and we didn't die and we will go back and not die again.

This is a short little hike to a couple of waterfalls on Cedar creek. Roundtrip it's about 3.5…read moremiles if you just go to the falls. Elevation gain is approximately 500 feet. There are views of the surrounding North Cascades mountains and you'll enjoy the sounds of Cedar creek for most of your hike as it flows just below most of the trail. If you're a more ambitious sort, you can continue up the creek and over the ridge eventually connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn left for Mexico, right for Canada.

The views on this hike warrant a five star review for sure! Loads of waterfalls, mountains, and of…read morecourse trees and flowers to see on this route up to Rachel Lake. The problem? Not a clear trail at all. My hiking group and I found ourselves asking, "Is this trail?", numerous times on this extremely strenuous seemingly endless uphill trek to the lake. Now, granted, some of our group was in better shape than others and managed the physicality of the trail better than others but still we all agreed it was extremely hard. First you drive up a gravel road approximately 6 miles to get to the parking lot. One bathroom is available there which wasn't too gross. Once you enter the trail it starts heading up. And up and up and up. It is seemingly endless. I believe it about 4 plus miles up. The trail starts out fairly marked and easy to follow. Then it doesn't. Unfortunately I got separated from my group for a good portion of this hike due to my attempt to stay with the "faster" ladies, lol. I just kept going up. Thank goodness a few other people passed me to let me know I was on the right track. No trail at all really for a good portion and I merely followed a dry creek trail. Extremely rocky and loads of bushwhacking. I had to stop every five to ten feet to catch my breath. The steepness reminded me of a hike in Big Sur called Garrapata which after I competed that one I said I would never do again, lol. Now to the good parts of the hike. Gorgeous scenery beyond words! Loads of amazing waterfalls as you are following a creek flowing from a lake high above. The lake was outstandingly beautiful. I took a quick dip in the icy water at the top! Quickly it changed my outlook on the hike and cooled me off. Will I do it again? Maybe, but next time. I will bring more snacks for the hike that give me energy. I will start out slower and take more frequent deliberate breaks. And please please don't forget your mosquito repellent! Also, long pants as a large portion of this hike you go through tall grasses and overgrowth. I consider myself an experienced hiker when I was in CA, but here in WA, I am a beginner for sure. Stay hydrated and go at your own pace. This is worth it at least once. SYOY and No FOMO for me here! Lol.

Lake Rachel is a great hike if you're looking for a beautiful end view and lots of fun sights along…read morethe way. Unfortunately, the trail is not marked well and we went off path and up towards different falls a couple times but going off trail was worth it for the extra couple views we saw! Be prepared to get your feet wet and be careful climbing over the slippery rocks.

Gorgeous place! We were able to go snowshoeing for free! Plenty of parking on the side of the road…read more Highly recommend bringing hiking poles since it's super icy this season!

Definitely arrive early because the lot with fill up fast! A NW Forest pass is required for…read moreparking. This trail is very rocky so make sure to have good hiking shoes and trekking poles. There was also lots of bugs on this trail so definitely pack bug spray as well. The view is beautiful, a little crowded but I came around 7:30am so it wasn't too bad.

When looking for things to do, sleigh rides popped up. Yes,horses pull the sled, not reindeer. When…read moreits your turn you hop up into the sleigh & are given blankets. The person pulling the sleigh gived you a little background on the ranch & horses. Thought it was cool that most horses come here from Montana & will go back after the season is over. It was a magical experience. There hadn't been much snow fall recently, but there was still enough for it to feel like a winter wonderland. After the ride is over, youre free to take photos with the horses & then head inside to get some hot cider & coffee. All the workers were really nice & welcoming. The one who was with us was born & raised in Hawaii, so it was nice to have a little piece of home with us on this ride. Such a cool experience, highly recommend.

We were in town for Christmas and all of the sleigh rides fully booked. I emailed Eagle Creek Ranch…read moreand they contacted me early the next day and we were able to set up a sleigh ride on Christmas Day :) They provide blankets on the ride. Just bundle up if it's snowing. They have a warm waiting room with coffee and hot cider. All the staff was great and informative