For day by day itineraries click on the links just above.

All of the trips described are in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington State, an area that surrounds the Stehekin Valley and the north end of Lake Chelan. This is a part of the earth so outstanding as to merit three wilderness areas, two national recreation areas and a national park. These designated places and a lot of the area around them contain some of the most scenic and wild country found anywhere. In the midst of all this untamed grandeur of meadows and crystal clear sparkling lakes are spots where you and I can make our snug camp and be part of it.

The Stehekin community and our little ranch are right in the middle of this great mountain country.

We offer the "Hike and Like It" trips for an unparalleled outdoor adventure that make them suitable for people of all ages. Our experienced guides have scouted the most beautiful areas. We offer you a large choice of routes (usually making a loop to avoid backtracking). We have had some of the same people hiking with us for forty years. We will carry all of the camp gear and supplies on our trusty horses.

We furnish roomy sleeping tents, duffle bags, for your personal gear, camp showers for lay-over days, as well as the rest of the outfit for a comfortable camp. Our wranglers are experienced horsemen, competent people trained in their field and mountain first aid.

We furnish all food with a variety of fresh ingredients. Hearty and wholesome camp style meals prepared by experienced hands. We can also accommodate special diets.

With only your lunch and a few things you may need in our day pack, you set your own pace through valleys, meadows and passes. Lay over days are yours to relax or make side trips. Routes are well described and most of the time you will be hiking without a regular leader, but we will be along if you need help. We hope we can enhance your experience of this lovely area, so please join us for a relaxing wilderness adventure.

Qualifications

You don't have to be the world's best hiker or rider to join our trips.
We often have beginners. Reasonably good health and desire to be in the mountains are the main qualifications. We have an upper age limit, but expect you to know what you should undertake. Many of the camps and trails are at high altitudes, so if you have any doubts about your ability to exertion under these conditions, please have a check-up. Conditioning helps of course, and if your habit is regular exercise you will enjoy things more.
We try to start trips with fairly easy days and allow time to be unhurried and relaxed. Singles, couples and families are welcome. We ask that children under age sixteen be with a responsible adult. On horseback trips we have a twelve-year age limit, but it can be waived under certain circumstances.

Be sure to read: What We Furnish - What to Bring

Also see an article about Hiking in the Stehekin Valley by Cliff Courtney that appears in the Stehekin Guidebook.