Other Stehekin Questions
Here is a list of other important questions folks have asked us about Stehekin:
How do I pay for things in Stehekin?
How do I get around in Stehein?
How's the weather?
Is there air-conditioning anywhere in Stehekin?
If we are experienced kayakers, can we kayak the Stehekin River?
How do I pay for things in Stehekin?
While Stehekin Valley Ranch accepts MasterCard or Visa, many businesses in the valley prefer to have payments made with cash or a check. This is due to the expensive set up and processing of credit cards from such a remote area. Be sure to bring some cash with you to spend at the Bakery and the gift shops! Also, if you need to ride the Stehekin Shuttle, it's good to have some spare change. There is NO ATM in Stehekin.
How do I get around in Stehekin?
A shuttle bus runs 4 times a day during the summer, and is a great option to get you where you need to go. Click here for a complete schedule and prices.
Another option which gives you more freedom is to rent a bike from Discovery Bikes.
How's the weather?
In the springtime we usually experience some windy conditions and the mornings and evenings are still cool with the days warming up to 50-70 degrees. Summer is very comfortable for most — late July and August start to get warm (80 and 90 degrees is normal) and is when most people enjoy having the river and the lake to play in. Fall is traditionally magical with its crisp, clear days and then cold mornings and evenings. Winter finds the valley with an average snow level of 4-6 feet and can drop to below zero temperatures. We recommend you keep all weather conditions in mind no matter what time of year. Don't be shy about asking for weather up dates- although we can't predict the weather we can sure tell you how it's been lately. Though it's rare, we have even experienced snow conditions in summer- especially in the higher elevations.
If you are traveling by private boat to Stehekin and are unaware of the moody winds of Lake Chelan, then we highly recommend being prepared to pull in to a safe harbor should you need to in case of high winds or a break down. Have some food, shelter options, sleeping bags and any medications just in case. It's a good idea to have a flare or something bright to get the attention of the passenger boat or the seaplane in case you are in any trouble also.
You can find a decent weather report from the National Weather Service.
You can also check out the Stehekin webcam at www.golakechelan.com.
Is there air-conditioning anywhere in Stehekin?
No.
If we are experienced kayakers, can we kayak the Stehekin River?
Not with our equipment. If you bring your own, it is up to you. It has been run from High Bridge down. Above that, there are blind canyons, and the general consensus is that it would be grade A stupid to run because there is no way to scout it. Please be extremely cautious if you do run any part of the Stehekin River! This river floods pretty regularly, and there is a LOT of wood in it. Be sure to scout your whole route before attempting it.
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