...a valley beginning at the head of Lake Chelan and winding into the Cascade Mountains to Cascade Pass.
...a river flowing from the high mountain glaciers and snowfields down this narrow valley, gathering water from other streams along the way until it reaches Lake Chelan.
...a community of households scattered over the lower nine miles of the valley.
...a way of life revolving around the, seasons and valuing a simple lifestyle.
...a recreational area of national significance and notoriety, bustling with recreation-seekers in the summer.
... quietly snow-covered in the winter.
... a step back in time.

Seasonal visitation to the Stehekin Valley dates back over 100 years when early visitors were brought 'by steamer up ' Lake Chelan to the Argonaut Hotel, run by George Hall. This hotel was later bought by M. E. Field and enlarged into the 50-room, 100-guest Hotel Field. Hotel Field operated over 20 years before being removed due to the raising of Lake. Chelan to provide hydroelectric power to the city of Chelan. Parts of Hotel Field were used in the construction of the Golden West Lodge, which now serves as a visitor and information center.

Before tourists discovered Stehekin and its isolated beauty, there came in succession: Indians, surveyors, prospectors, and homesteaders, The name "Stehekin" is an Indian word meaning "the way through." This no doubt came from following the east-west route over Cascade Pass that provided relatively easy passage for them. Later, railroad and. U.S. Army surveyors came charting routes through the Cascade Mountains. Prospectors were next, staking claims on the North Fork of Bridge Creek and in Horseshoe Basin.

Then came the homesteaders and. the beginning of Stehekin's people history. Many names, including Buzard Buckner, Field, Purple, Moore, Maxwell, Weaver, Courtney, Lesh, Byrd and Blankenship, have taken on historic significance, providing the heritage for, present Stehekin generations. This heritage is very evident in the lifestyle of residents today. There is a physical as well as mental challenge to be met in providing for yourself by your own hands. Stehekin requires independence of its people as they meet the everyday challenge of life in this. isolated area.

As you visit Stehekin today, step back in time and share the physical beauty that has remained unchanged for centuries. Look also at, its pioneer lifestyle and its heritage that has been handed down through the generations.

Stehekin Is ...	Community	Points of Interest
Rainbow Falls	The Old School House	Valley Road
Recreational Activities	Fishing	Winter
Riding/Hiking	Hikes	Fjord Horses
Buckner Orchard