Journey across Lake Chelan aboard the Lady Express to the secluded Stehekin Valley. Take in towering peaks, waterfalls, and pristine trails on this 6.5-hour adventure with a 1.5-hour layover to hike, picnic, or ATV through untouched wilderness.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion needed aboard the boat with optional moderate hiking.
Wildlife
History
Stehekin has long been a remote settlement serving miners, loggers, and now outdoor travelers, with cultural roots linked to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
Conservation
Lake Chelan and Stehekin are part of a carefully managed wilderness area with ongoing efforts to preserve water quality and wildlife habitats amid increasing tourism.
Discover Lake Chelan
Journey across Lake Chelan aboard the Lady Express to the secluded Stehekin Valley. Take in towering peaks, waterfalls, and pristine trails on this 6.5-hour adventure with a 1.5-hour layover to hike, picnic, or ATV through untouched wilderness.
Discover Lake Chelan is a Stehekin, Washington-based tour and shuttle operator that provides scheduled transportation and guided scenic tours throughout the Stehekin Valley. The company runs multiple shuttle services to key trailheads and landmarks, including named departures such as 8AM Shuttle to High Bridge, 11:30 Shuttle to High Bridge, 2PM Shuttle to High Bridge, 5:30PM Shuttle to High Bridge, and evening returns like the 6:15PM Shuttle from High Bridge to Stehekin Landing.
Discover Lake Chelan also offers off-season shuttle options — for example, the 9AM Shuttle to High Bridge (Off Season) and the 2PM Shuttle to High Bridge (Off Season) — that operate by reservation or prior request, giving visitors flexible access when demand is lower. In addition to transfers, the operator leads guided experiences such as the Heart of Cascades Tour and the Rainbow Falls Tour (11:00AM), showcasing local highlights like Rainbow Falls, the Historic Stehekin School, Buckner Homestead Orchard, Stehekin Pastry Company, Harlequin Bridge, and High Bridge.
The company’s clearly named trips and published schedules are geared toward hikers, day visitors, and overnight guests who need reliable connections to trailheads, viewpoints, and village stops such as Stehekin Landing. Reservation-only runs and scheduled departures help visitors plan arrivals, transfers, and sightseeing with predictable logistics. Discover Lake Chelan focuses on practical access and scenic touring within the Stehekin Valley while operating from its Stehekin, Washington base.
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Shuttles and guided tours
Location
Stehekin, Washington
Based in Stehekin, WA
Schedule
Morning–Evening Runs
Multiple daily departure times
Scenic Stops
Rainbow Falls & High Bridge
Historic sites and river views
Book scheduled shuttles, reserve off‑season runs, and join guided tours to Rainbow Falls, High Bridge, and more.
Reserve Can-Am Rentals in Advance
Can-Am ATVs are popular for the self-guided valley tours and require prior booking to ensure availability.
Pack Your Own Lunch
Bring food to enjoy a relaxed picnic by the lake since dining options in Stehekin are limited during short stopovers.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure at Chelan. Plan to arrive with time to spare to secure parking and tickets.
Dress in Layers for Variable Weather
The lake and mountain environment can shift in temperature and wind; layered clothing helps stay comfortable throughout the day.
Layered Clothing
Adjust for changing temperatures and windy lake conditions throughout the day.
Sun Protection
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are crucial under the open sky on the water.
summer
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive footwear works best for trails and valley road strolls during the layover.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring the trails or relaxing lakeside.