About the Ranch

Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions about Stehekin Valley Ranch:

What is a tent cabin?
Where do I go to the bathroom and shower if I stay in a tent cabin?
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag if I'm in a Tent Cabin?
Where can I plug in a Battery Charger for my Camara if I am in a Tent Cabin?
Why would I want to rent a tent cabin?


Are all my meals included at the ranch for the price quoted?
What food/beverages are not included?
Do you serve alcohol?
Does the Ranch provide wine bottle openers and wine glasses?
What is the best plan for folks with speial diet needs?
Why is the pricing for a kitchen cabin different?
Why would I rent a kitchen cabin?
Can I buy groceries in Stehekin?
Is there TV/phone/internet at the Ranch?
Do you provide shampoo, soap, and hairdryers?
Should I bring a flashlight?
How are the mosquitoes?
If I arrive on the Lady II boat and miss lunch, do I get lunch the day I leave?
We are thinking of bringing some extra guests. Can we pitch a tent next to our cabin?
When is the Ranch open?


What is a tent cabin?

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Seven of our cabins at the Ranch are just simple wood-frame cabins with a canvas roof. There are screened and curtained windows, and a wood door, but no plumbing or heat. Lighting from kerosene and battery operated lanterns is minimal. It is a very comfortable sleeping cabin during the warm summer months.

Where do I go to the bathroom and shower if I stay in a tent cabin?

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All the cabins are within 250 feet of the main cookhouse, which provides bathroom and shower rooms as well. There is also a reading lobby in the main building since lighting is minimal in the cabins.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag if I'm in a Tent Cabin?

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We provide all bedding and towels for our guests at the Ranch, including those staying in Tent Cabins.

Where can I plug in a Battery Charger for my Camara?

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The best place is actually in the shower rooms. If those outlets are full, you can ask the kitchen staff for help. Some people use the outlets in the reading room upstairs, but be advised that those outlets are linked to the light switch, so if someone turns out the lights, your batteries will stop charging. Also, ALL outlets wil be turned off between 9pm and 7am, when our generator is not running. Therefore, don't plan to charge your batteries overnight - you will be dissappointed! (Lights will still work at night, just not power outlets.)

Why would I want to rent a tent cabin?

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They are cool and well ventilated during the warmer months. We have had some folks try both the tent cabin and a regular ranch cabin, and many say they actually prefer the tent cabin because they stay cooler and people slept better. The tent cabin gives the feeling of "camping out", but yet they have regular beds. For those on a budget, the tent cabins are a deal, saving you $20 per person each night.

Are all my meals included at the ranch for the price quoted?

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Yes. With the exception of a kitchen cabin (see questions about kitchen cabins below), all cabins are rented on the "American Plan". This means that the price includes all meals in addition to your cabin. We also throw in transportation on the scheduled bus.

What food/beverages are not included?

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We do not supply all of the drinks for free. Hot beverages are included, but pop, bottled water, and other juices are available at an extra charge.

Do you serve alcohol?

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No. We do not have a liquor license. You may bring your own alcoholic beverages with you if you like. Ice is available for coolers down the road at Stehekin Landing Resort. We find that folks who enjoy alcohol primarily before or during meals fit in well at the ranch. However, if your habit is to get unruly, there is little tolerance.

Does the Ranch provide wine bottle openers and wine glasses?

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We do have bottle openers - just ask one of our friendly kitchen staff. We do not have wine glasses, but you are welcome to our plastic cups if you forget to bring your own!

What is the best plan for folks with special diet needs?

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If you have special diet needs, we will do our best to accomodate. Generally, vegetarians have no problem. If you require special foods, you may want to bring some with you to suppliment what we can provide.

Why is the pricing for a kitchen cabin different?

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The kitchen cabins are not on the "American Plan". They are designed to give you more freedom and be self contained. They do not include meals, but do include a courtesy vehicle, which allows you to get down the road to eat at the Stehekin Landing or Stehekin Pastry Co. if you like. You can also pay separately for meals at the Ranch cookhouse if you like.

Why would I rent a kitchen cabin?

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The two kitchen cabins are perfect for couples. They come with a courtesy vehicle that is yours to use for just the price of the gas you burn. This combination allows you mobility so that you do not need to depend upon the shuttle buses, and also gives you flexibility to eat at your cabin or mix and match with meals at the other eateries with your needs.

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Can I buy groceries in Stehekin?
Yes and No. Stehekin Landing Resort operates a small convenience store which carries an extremely limited supply of grocery items. What they carry is mostly stuff that people often forget. If you are going to be staying in one of our kitchen units, or another cabin in the valley, we highly recommend you bring your supplies with you, as we cannot guarantee that you will find everything you need. If you are looking for beer or wine, it is available at the Stehekin Landing Resort store.

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Is there TV/phone/internet at the Ranch?
No. We enjoy an atmosphere free from the constant bombardment of these technological advancements, and we find that our guests like to get away from it all too. If you have a need to "stay connected", then the Ranch is probably not the best choice for your vacation. However, in case of emergencies, there are ways to send an email, and there is a phone 9 miles downvalley if you need to call someone.

Do you provide shampoo, soap, and hairdryers?

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Yes, we do provide complimentary shampoo and soap. We do not provide hairdryers.

Should I bring a flashlight?

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It does get dark around the Ranch at night, so it is a god idea to bring a flashlight with you.

How are the mosquitoes?

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Generally, the Ranch is not bad in terms of bugs. Their population does vary year to year though, and it is always a good idea to bring bug spray just in case!

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If I arrive on the Lady II boat and miss lunch, do I get lunch the day I leave?
Yes. You may pack a lunch to take with you on your departure day.

We are thinking of bringing some extra guests. Can we pitch a tent next to our cabin?

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NO. While we will do our best to accomidate yoru extra guests, we are not a campground, and do not want tents scattered around our facility. It is one of those "if we let you do it, everyone will want to do it" kind of policies.

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When is the Ranch Open?
We generally open mid-June, and always wrap up our season with the Fall Color trip, which ends October 7. In 2010, we open June 18.