June, 2021

With distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine reaching more and more people all the time, we are hopeful that we are all truly on a path back towards “normal”. We do of course still want to keep our guests as safe as possible, while also allowing them to enjoy all that the Ranch and Stehekin have to offer. The following will explain our general approach to figuring out how to move forward and balance a high-quality service to our guests with ever changing regulations and safety concerns.

We understand that a big part of why our customers enjoy Stehekin is that we are a non confrontational environment. This results in a relaxed atmosphere, and is highly valued by those who come here.

We also understand that there is a broad spectrum on what people think is an appropriate response to the current situation. We trust our guests to use their own judgement, and will rely on their decency towards others to act appropriately and considerately. We feel that it is an individual’s responsibility to make decisions to put themselves in the situation that they feel most comfortable in. Those who are not ready to leave the isolation and safety of their homes can choose to stay home. Those that are ready to get out of the house and are willing to take responsibility for the risk that goes with that should start getting out and about.

In the end, this comes down to a personal choice, and it is not something we are qualified to advise you for in terms of what is safe and what is not.

That being said, the following filter may help you decide if coming to Stehekin is a good idea or not. If you answer yes to any of the below items, you are probably not ready to come to Stehekin.

• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and are contagious.
• If you feel you are in a high-risk category for COVID-19.
• If you would be uncomfortable if everyone around you is not wearing a mask. We are not saying masks are right or wrong, but many people will choose not to wear them for reasons of their own. We are not going to confront people to enforce their use.

Please also understand that there are many risks involved in staying here that are not within Stehekin Valley Ranch’s control. We cannot control every aspect of your vacation and travel. If you need an absolute guarantee, you probably are not ready for a trip to Stehekin yet.

TO BE CLEAR: WE VALUE AND APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS. YOU ENABLE US TO LIVE IN THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY. WE ALSO VALUE A QUALITY OF LIFE THAT DOES NOT CONSIST OF UNNEEDED CONFRONTATION.

THERE WILL BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO NOT WEAR A MASK. THIS WILL LIKELY BE TRUE EVEN ON BOATS AND BUSES. IF THIS BOTHERS YOU, PLEASE GIVE THIS PLAGUE ANOTHER YEAR TO WORK ITSELF OUT – STAY HOME AND BE SAFE.

For those who do venture to the Ranch this summer, we will do our best to provide a safe environment for you. While things will certainly not be quite the same as they have been in the past, we hope to keep the general feeling of the Ranch the same.

We are taking steps to change our operation to comply with regulations regarding serving meals and social distancing. We are now able to open our dining room (with limited numbers), so guests may choose to eat inside, outside, or take your meal back to cabins. We will leave it up to you as to what you feel most comfortable with. As Chelan County moves forward towards opening fully, we will adapt our operation, and return to as normal a situation as we can within compliance.