Stehekin Airstrip: Remote but Vital

Plane secured after flight at Stehekin Valley Airstrip (Photo Credit Nancy Barnhart)

Overhead this morning, there is a  familiar friendly drone of engines.  Not one or two, but three small planes fly successively over our home. Their landing approach is heard echoing against the valley walls as they swoop onto Stehekin's Airstrip. It is easy to  imagine a group of pilot friends "dropping in" to  have delicious coffee together at the Stehekin Pastry Company only two miles away. A perfect summer morning to fly in over towering Cascades and Lake Chelan.  My suspicions are confirmed when an hour later, just long enough for coffee,  they take turns elevating back into the sky and flying down Lake Chelan together.

Stehekin Airstrip facing northward

I am not a pilot. Let me clarify that right away. I have, though, dropped into the airstrip sideways with my pilot son for a thrilling landing. I have flown to Spokane from this tiny airstrip with my long time pilot brother in law, gazing down at a majestic waterfall on the way out. I have bumpily taxied my way in, after an unforgettable flight with a pilot friend over blue- green glaciers too big to imagine  that only a flight can reveal. I know each pilot to be safe but even more than that, entirely enthusiastic about flying! 

I have lived near the Stehekin Airstrip (2 miles away) long enough to know it is a vital and busy part of the Stehekin Valley. My son, his cousin and his uncle are far more qualified to speak of the importance of the Airstrip, being resident pilots and each one lifting off and landing on this mountain valley strip too many times to count. To them, it is a part of Stehekin life and a carefully considered option of travel.

Mild weather this evening

Airstrip facing north (Photo Credit: Nancy Barnhart)

Many summertime cabin folks fly in, one bringing boards and supplies as he built his beautiful cabin on the lake. One recent flight was a rattle snake bitten dog and her worried owner out to Wenatchee for help before dark. Sometimes a fly fisherman drops in for a cool and relaxing day on the river. 

If you ARE a pilot, you do need to study up on the Stehekin Airstrip idiosyncrasies before even starting your engine. 

(From AirNav.com)

"When you fly into this magnificent country you will be amazed by its beauty. However, the magnificence of the terrain makes Stehekin one of the most difficult airports in the state. It is definitely a strip for an experienced mountain pilot." Good advice for a flight into Stehekin

Close up: Mowed grass, sand and a bit of roughness

The 2,630 foot turf runway is considered "rough." You are not going to be pampered at this location. Here is more first hand advice for approaches and what you can expect to find once landed:

 more good advice

  And finally, DO clean your windshield!! A great article about the Stehekin Airstrip  from "Backcountry Pilot"

With this armory, you can be forewarned, or simply type in "Stehekin Airstrip" into your search engine and enjoy the many YouTube recordings of landing in this rare mountain valley. 

Staging for Lone Mountain Fire: Airstrip 2014

 Recreation would easily be the most used reason  for bumping your way to the tie down after a gorgeous descent. However, the Stehekin Airstrip becomes imperative during emergencies such as fire or life threatening situations where staging is absolutely necessary and wide visibility and clearance required.

Life flight Helicopter:  Emergency response practice, Airstrip 2017 (Photo Credit Nancy Barnhart)

Even if you do not fly,one of the most sweeping and breathtaking views of 8,000 foot McGregor Mountain can be taken in from bottom to top as it rises in the north from the valley floor into the azure blue sky right in front of your eyes. Check for snow free opening dates sometimes as early as April. 

One of the best views of McGregor Mountain

The Stehekin Airstrip may be remote and rough, but it remains an artery for recreation for visitors, a way to commute for residents, and a necessary platform in times of emergency. Drop in some time, but do your homework first!  l.c.

A Refreshing Stop on a Hot Summer Day

View of Rainbow Falls from the parking lot. Any time of year this is a great spot to stop for a time. This time of year, with the rushing cold water thundering off the hillside, it is like you are the only one in the world. Drop your backpack beside an inviting bench and take a deep, refreshing breath and RELAX!

As you start up the trail tot he falls you have a great information stop so you can get a good idea of  the falls.

Full view of the "Lower and Upper" Falls. This is a great spot to sit on a bench and watch the falls in a very relaxed setting.

A close up view of the "Lower" Falls. sometimes folks jump in a swim here but there is still a bit too much water for now.

As you meander up the trail to the  "Upper" Falls The view is spectacular. Well worth the meander!

This spot, at the moment, is a great place to get a real misting. As summer comes on  the falls run a lower amount of water so no mist but now it is a great place to cool off!

Up close view of the pool at the "Upper" Falls. Lots of mist coming off the falls at this time.

Walking back down the trail from the "Upper" Falls. 

Preparing for Emergencies

This time of year, the number of people in Stehekin multiplies. Although there are no roads leading in, the Lady of the Lake and Lady Express bring the majority of visitors, but people also hike in, come on private boats, fly into the airstrip, arrive on a float plane or helicopter. Once in Stehekin they have many activities to choose from - walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, rock climbing. People spread out all over the Stehekin valley and up to the highest heights. 

Lady of the Lake pulling into Lucerne on the downlake voyage - showing a portion of the vast area at the head of Lake Chelan. [picture taken from LifeFlight Helicopter 6/30/2017 by George Templeton, RN, and Customer Service Manager for LifeFlight (Brewster)] 

During the summer there are a lot of active people participating in inherently risky adventures, however, very few need medical assistance. It's the goal of all who provide opportunities in Stehekin to keep the participants safe. But, like anywhere else, accidents happen. 

NPS employees, Lake Chelan Community Hospital EMT and Lifeflight paramedic talking about the coordination necessary to provide the best patient care.

Members of the community -private sector and NPS alike- work throughout the year to keep their skills up to date, and their certifications current: in the event of a medical emergency, the patient has the best chance at a good outcome. There is a level of cooperation and coordination that benefit all involved in an emergency.

Last week there was a training session in Stehekin. LifeFlight's helicopter and medical team flew into Stehekin for the day. They did a refresher about how to get the systems working optimally. Good communication among all caregivers is essential. [There are many behind-the-scenes scenarios of which the public is unaware. Stay tuned for future postings about these.]

LifeFlight membership: It's $65 annually, and has benefited people in Stehekin  - a drowning accident, a premature labor, a seriously burned child. LifeFlight offers an irreplaceable service, and peace of mind for visitors. LifeFlight website states - "No out-of-pocket expenses for medically necessary emergent flights if flown by Life Flight Network, even if your insurance does not cover the cost."

The arrival of highly-trained medical personnel with the medications and equipment can be lifesaving. Be prepared. (www.lifeflight.org)

Stehekin Heritage receives no compensation for promoting LifeFlight. 

~mc
StehekinHeritage.com

Kayaking Upper Lake Chelan...well worth the trip!

For many years Stehekin Valley Ranch has offered "Guided Kayak Tours" to the guests visiting the area. They have both single and double kayaks so folks can go it alone or travel with a friend. Check out their website or contact Nick at the Log  Office to make reservations and get more information.

Here a guide is instructing the new kayakers on the process to have a fun safe trip.  How to paddle so you can move forward, back and turn your craft around if need be. 

Getting ready to head over to the grassy area at the head of the lake. 

Lots of great kayaking no mater what the weather as the grass at the head of the lake affords you some great kayaking and opportunities so see lots of birds and wild life as you move quietly through the water.

The lady in the front of the kayak is 84, in this picture, so age is really  not a factor. I promise it will be well worth your while to see Lake Chelan from this prospective.

Weather permitting the guide will lead the folks across the lake to the Pictographs. These are across from the Landing and the guide will follow the edge of the lake down to them. Always interesting to wonder how they actually got where they are.

Here is a group who was just at the pictographs just heading out for some middle of the lake time

Kayaks out in the lake on a calm day. Weather permitting this is a fun thing with some spectacular views. Well worth the trip!

Here are the girls heading in after a fun Kayaking trip around the head of Lake Chelan

July 4th Weekend

Flag flying amidst the Ponderosa.

There are flags flying here in the valley this weekend. July 4th is Tuesday and the barge will head downlake to become the staging area for fireworks shows in Manson and Chelan. 

While we enjoy the festivities of the July 4th weekend, it is hoped we understand the uniqueness of the Declaration of Independence and the form of government crafted by the those who conceived the United States Constitution. 

Governance evolved from rulers venerated as progeny of the Sun such as existed in Egypt to the divine rights of kings, queens, rajas and other nobilities ruling societies across the continents. 

America was seen as a place where individuals could be separated from singular crowns of authority. A study of history brings to light the incredible effort exerted to create a new method of governance following the signing of the Declaration Independence and the American Revolution. 

Some may watch the fireworks on the lower end of the lake on Tuesday. For those who do, and to all across the nation, Stehekin Heritage wishes everyone a wonderful July 4th holiday. 

Additionally, we hope a part of your reflection will include the path of governance from the pyramids to today's system of checks and balances represented by the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government. Fireworks are an apt symbol of the revolutionary method of governance created by those who fought in and supported the American Revolution and those who conceived and constructed the United States Constitution. 

Wishing you a joyous and reflective July 4th!

Looking for a Sign?

One of the appealing things for visitors to Stehekin is the opportunity to explore independently. There are many different experiences to pursue, and discovering them can be part of the adventure.
You may not find the sign you're looking for, but the signs you do find might help you on your journey, and lead you to some pleasant surprises!

This sign can be found 1.5 miles up the road from the landing.

A friendly greeting to all visitors

not too far up the road from the landing - handy to be able to mail your postcards

a few strides up the road from the Post Office - a short and interesting little stroll

 

This one could use a little touch up, but this picnic area is about a mile up the road from the landing, and is a nice spot to relax and enjoy the lake 

not much more than 1/2 mile from the picnic area - a lovely stop on the way up the road

while exploring please abide by our speed limit!

just two miles from the landing - a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike

generally kids don't see-saw in the road, but it's good for drivers to be aware that there are children out and about

about 1/2mile further up the road from the bakery

just across the road from the lower Rainbow Trailhead

When school is not in session, visitors are welcome to pop in and take a look at the school.

Of all the signs here, this is probably one of our favorites - at the Stehekin Pastry Company (AKA: the Bakery).
We hope you can come and discover some of the wonder of Stehekin, and maybe you'll even find the sign that you've been looking for!