Desert, Forest and Ferries

Chelan, Bay View and San Juan Island- Washington State 

Traveling through Idaho and East Washington State 

Canola fields 

We were surprised to find that West Washington is a desert Biome. 
This is caused by the Rainshadow of the Cascade Mountains. 

Chelan, Washington and Chelan National Recreational Area 

First stop is Chelan where we stayed at the Chelan Lakeshore RV park.  This centrally located park led us to the River Walk, Gorge Road, wineries, and a ferry ride to Stehekin.   

Riverwalk 

Gorge Road 

Chelan Butte Trailhead

We took a late afternoon hike down to the Chelan River.  This 4 mile river connects Lake Chelan to the Columbia River.  The lake and rivers are used for irrigation for the orchards and wineries in the region. 

Lady of the Lake and Stehekin (Sta-HE-Kin)

Lake Chelan is a 50 mile, crystal blue, glacier fed lake.  The best way to see the whole lake is to take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin, as small, isolated town at the north point of Lake Chelan.  

Stehekin is an isolated community at the head of Lake Chelan.  The only way to get here is by foot, boat or plane.  Stehekin is also part of the Lake Chelan National Recreational Area, North Cascades National Park, and is adjacent to Stephan Mather Wilderness Area and National Forest Wilderness Area.  

Our ferry picked up fire fighters to take them north on Lake Chelan. They work 2 week shifts. We also picked up another group on the way back.  It was really interesting talking to them and learning about the fires in the region. 

We saw some of the fires not too far from Stehekin. 

Made it to Stehekin National Recreational Area 

Can-Am Off Road Vehicle Rental

We were technically here in the off-season, and were limited to only one option of visiting Stehekin for the day.  We took the Lady of the Lake the 2.5 hrs north but only had 1.5 hrs before we had to catch the ferry back to Chelan. (Other times of the year there are longer layover times).  We rented a Side-by-Side to help us maximize our visit.  

Stehekin Pastry Company 

Stehekin School 

Rainbow Falls 

Bay View State Park and San Juan Island 

After Chelan, we traveled over the Cascade Mountains and stayed at Bay View State Park for 3 nights. We left the desert and entered the rainy Pacific NW. 

From here we took the ferry to San Juan Island.  It is the second largest island in the group of The San Juan Islands off the western mainland coast of Washington, State. 

This state park made Bucky a Bark Ranger! 

Padilla Bay 

Tidal Basin, tide was out. 

Vendomi, Lummi, and Samish Islands 

San Juan Island 

We took the 6:15a ferry to San Juan Island.  

That's us in line next to all the tractor trailers and construction vehicles. 

English Camp San Juan National Historic Park; 1850-1862

In the 1850's, both England and America laid claim to San Juan Island.  The English Camp in the north part of the island and the American camp in the south.  It was a fight over the killing of a pig that almost brought the two countries to war and finally decided that San Juan Island would belong to America. 

Lime Kiln Point State Park 

When the tide goes out it reveals a tidal basin full of unique sea life. 

Hello Canada! 

San Juan Island National Historical Park- American Camp 

Bucky didn't like the pig statue at all! 

The story of the pig. 

Fox were introduced to the island to help control the overpopulation of rabbits, of which we saw a ton! 

South Beach 

Orca off the coast of South Beach 

Cattle Point 

Friday Harbor

We are three weeks into our trip.  Time is going so fast but we are seeing so many wonderful places.  Moving on to North Cascade National Park tomorrow! 

Total Campgrounds: 12

Total miles hiked: 39.5