Every Saturday before Christmas
Set sail on Lake Chelan’s festive Santa Express cruise, where joyful mug decorating, warm hot chocolate, and scenic winter lake views combine for a memorable holiday outing. Perfect for families and friends celebrating the season together.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels
Wildlife
History
Lake Chelan became a popular recreation destination since late 1800s with the development of steamboat cruises.
Conservation
The operators encourage environmentally friendly boating practices to protect Lake Chelan’s pristine waters and wildlife habitats.
Discover Lake Chelan
Every Saturday before Christmas
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.
Dress in layers
Lake Chelan winters can be chilly on the water; wear layered clothing to stay warm during the cruise.
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Bring a camera
Capture beautiful winter lake views and your mug decorating creations to remember the experience.
Book in advance
Spaces fill up quickly during the holiday season, so secure your spot early online.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable during the cool, open-air boat cruise.
winter
Gloves
Protects your hands from the cold while decorating your mug.
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Camera or smartphone
To capture the beautiful lakeside scenery and your creative moments.
Comfortable shoes
Recommended for walking around the dock area before and after the cruise.