Whether you're in the valley for whitewater on the Wenatchee or Methow Rivers or just planning your Eastern Washington getaway, here are some helpful ideas and links to get you started...
Blue Sky Outfitters (of course!) - The Methow River boasts Class 3-4 rapids with spectacular views as you thunder through the Methow River Valley. Also the Wenatchee River is one of the top ten rafting trips in the country and is easily accessible, just an hour and a half away.
Blueberry Hills Farms Manson, Washington Phone: 509-687-2379 A small, family owned & operated, working 8+ acre pick berry farm & country restaurant that specializes in down-home, scratch country cooking.
Slide Waters Lake Chelan Waterpark Chelan, Washington Phone: 509-682-5751 Acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and sparkling, heated water compliment the fantastic waterslides. While taking a break from activities, you can bathe in the warmth of the desert sun or relax in the grove of shade trees.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind while hiking:
Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.
Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.
Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hiking trip, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.
Additional Resources: For maps of North Cascades National Park or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI. For park passes, visit Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit. Be sure you need the pass or permit before you buy it. For any other questions or for more information, contact the Chelan Ranger Station.
Recommended: Stehekin Hiking Trails Length: 0.5-9.0 miles Directions: Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to several trailheads. About: Ideal day hikes for families, this handful of trails circles the magnificent and remote Stehekin Valley. Amongst your options are: Agnes Gorge Trail: 2.5 miles up and across a creek, through a chasm, and over a serene waterfall. Rainbow Loop Trail: 5 miles on the eastern ridge above Stehekin, with views of Lake Chelan. Bullion Loop Trial: 6.5 miles past Coon Lake to Bridge Creek Camp. Horseshoe Basin Trail: 1.5 miles with more than 13 waterfalls! Feel free to check out Chelan's chunk of the Pacific Crest Trail too, the 2,650 mile journey from Mexico to Canada!
McGregor Mountain Length: 15.4 miles Directions: Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to High Bridge Trailhead. Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail for 1.3 miles before turning east onto the McGregor Mountain Trail. About: Rumor has it that the McGregor Mountain Trails are the steepest in the state, climbing a wicked 6,300 feet from head to tail! Open meadows laden with fieldstone and fresh grasses characterize most of the trek, while the short water supply up there requires toting plenty of your own. If you intend to glimpse the majestic, 360 degree views from the peak, plan to set aside a couple days.
Company Creek/Devore Peak Loop Length: 27.5 miles Directions: Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to Company Creek Trailhead. About: Traffic is light on this valley trail where jagged peaks and Washington's characteristic pines cut the skyline. Miles and miles of raw wilderness lead from Company Creek to the Devore Peak trailhead; distant shots of bears and coyotes complement wide panoramics from peaks along the way. Five miles in, the hiking trail requires fording Company Creek, making an opportune 180 for day-hikers.
Lake Chelan Winery 3519 State Route 150 Chelan, WA Phone: 509-687-9463 At the southern tip of Lake Chelan, this estate winery specializes in rich and elegant Pinot Noir, intricate Syrah, and bold Cabernet wines. Take a tour of the vineyards or hang out from 4-8pm for their daily barbecue of ribs, salmon, and delicious caesar salad.
Nefarious Cellars 495 S. Lakeshore Road Chelan, WA Phone: 509-682-9505 A young label with 6 vineyards throughout Washington state (and one in Oregon), Nefarious Cellars produces luscious Viognier, bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, as well as earthy Syrah. Visit the tasting rooms from 11-6pm and indulge in their wickedly good wine.
Hard Row to Hoe 300 Ivan Morse Rd. Manson, WA Phone: 509-687-3000 Formerly known as Balsamroot Winery, Hard Row to Hoe is a small boutique winery on the north shore of Lake Chelan in picturesque Manson, Washington. All wines are handcrafted at the winery itself, where the emphasis is on quality and not quantity. Try their new favorite, Miss de Miner, a red blend from grapes off the Wahluke Slope.
Tsillan Cellars 3875 Highway 97A Chelan, WA Phone: 877-682-8463 On the southern banks of Lake Chelan, some say the gorgeous estate is "likely to create the illusion that you’ve been transported to a Tuscan villa from heaven.” Winners of 90+ point awards in consecutive years, their Riesling and Pinot Grigio are a must-taste. For you red lovers out there, try the exceptional Merlot and Syrah wines.
Recommended: Bear Mountain Ranch Voted by PGA Pros as one of six best new golf courses in America! 18 holes Phone: 887-917-8200 1050 Bear Mountain Ranch Rd Chelan, Washington
Recommended: Desert Canyon Golf Resort The #1 Golf Course in Washington! 18 holes Phone: 800-258-4173 1201 Desert Canyon Boulevard Orondo, Washington
Highlander Golf Club 18 holes Phone: 509-884-4653 2920 8th Street SE East Wenatchee, Washington
Darell and Dad's Family Guide Service Phone: 866-360-1523 This family-owned, family-oriented outfit provides fun, safe, and comfortable fishing trips on beautiful Lake Chelan. They'll also brine, smoke, or vacuum-seal your catch-of-the-day on the spot!
Columbia Kings Phone: 509-679-9577 Columbia Kings are the premier anglers for chinook salmon on the Mid-Columbia River. Book a trip here to wrestle your own catch of a lifetime!
Not far up the road from Methow lies the lovely town on Winthrop, Washington. In the heart of the Methow Valley, Winthrop's small-town charm coupled with the wild beauty of the valley make it the perfect stop-over on the way to or from your Methow rafting adventure.
Pearrygin Lake State Park Winthrop, Washington Directions: At the four way intersection in Winthrop (on SR20) turn up the hill toward the ambulance garage and town maintenance shop. Follow Main Street north until it becomes East Chewuch Road; turn right onto Bear Creek Road and follow the signs from there to one of several park entrances. About: Pearrygin Lake gives you an opportunity to play in more placid waters. With over 11,000 feet of waterfront, you'll find ample opportunity for swimming, boating, fishing, or just relaxing with the family on the lovely lawn areas shaded by ash and waterside willows. Just four miles outside of Winthrop, the park may be enjoyed alike by campers and customers at one of Winthrop's lodging places.
Alta Lake State Park Pateros, Washington Directions: Just West of Pateros, Washington, turn off WA-153 onto Alta Lake Road. Follow this road until you see Alta Lake. About: Alta Lake State Park sits in a cozy valley and is a beautiful camping park where the mountainous pine forests meet the desert. The park offers good trout fishing during summer months and the water is pretty warm, a great place to swim and play after a great day of rafting the Methow.
Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso 2341 Hwy 97 Orondo, Washington Phone: 509-682-1514 A wonderful stop. Located just outside of Orondo in between Wenatchee and Lake Chelan, Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso offers many interesting local products. Take a break and enjoy a local or regional wine, an espresso, gourmet candy, fresh fruit or a delicious slice of apple pie.
River Rafting
Before you embark on any hiking adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never go hiking alone.
Recommended: Stehekin Hiking Trails 
