Join the Crew

Working in Stehekin

Getting Here:

We are located in Stehekin, Washington at the head of 55-mile-long Lake Chelan. To find us you must first get to Chelan, which is 36 miles from Wenatchee, approximately 180 miles from Seattle and approximately 160 miles from Spokane. The city of Chelan is accessible by car or bus (link transit). Stehekin, however, is only accessible by boat. The most economical means to reach Stehekin is by the public transportation system provided by the Lake Chelan Boat Company (“Lady of the Lake” and “Lady Express”) or the Stehekin Ferry. Boat schedules can be found by visiting www.stehekinferry.com or www.ladyofthelake.com. Routes to Chelan using public transportation can be found at www.linktransit.com.

Barging your vehicle? Contact: Mountain Barge Service, (509)-682-2493. If you are in need of parking in Chelan, Field’s Point Landing is your best option. Long-term parking is available for a fee, and you can catch the Lady of the Lake boats from there. For more information, please call the parking lot at 509-687-3093 or Google directions using the address 17100 S Lakeshore Rd. Chelan, WA 98816. $180 for 6 months parking.

In Stehekin:

We have one main road (12 miles) that winds up the Stehekin Valley. Only 7 miles of this road is paved. There is only calling card pay phone, which is located near the Stehekin Landing. Television and Internet service can only be obtained by personal satellite service. The Primary mode of transportation for non-permanent residents is by bicycle or bus service provided by a local operator. Seasonal employees can ride the shuttle bus for free. Vehicles can be barged up, but for temporary workers it is often not worth the expense and vehicle parking is limited. Many of our staff members choose to bring a bicycle instead to still ensure transportation. The area offers many hikes and outdoor adventures for you on your time off.

YES!!! Do bring a bicycle to Stehekin. It is the best mode of transportation for most people. The road is paved for the first four and a half miles before turning to dirt, so Mountain bikes are more suitable for the terrain up here. Your bike can be transported on the “Lady of the Lake” passenger ferries. The applicable charges are $12.00 one-way or $24.00 round trip (see www.ladyofthelake.com ) If you do not have a bicycle you can rent one from the bike stand for around $100 for the summer.

Stehekin has many variations in temperature between June and October. Bringing “layers” (t-shirt, shorts, long pants, sweatshirt, down vest, rain jacket, hat and gloves,) is a good idea along with sandals, tennis shoes, hiking boots and good work shoes.

We do have occasional power outages (Stehekin has its own hydo-electric power plant). Bring a flashlight or head-lamp for early mornings and late nights. Do bring a laptop and ipod, books, etc. Not enough band-width for downloading so don’t plan on that or streaming internet. You will be able to check your email at most. Internet has improved a lot in the last few years but it will probably not be anything like you are used to. Most people learn to enjoy not being in constant contact with the world and enjoy writing letters to old friends and making new ones.

There is a small Country store at Stehekin landing (they sell chips mostly) but we suggest that you order by email from one of the local grocery stores in Chelan, it’s expensive and very limited. This can be accomplished easily by sending a detailed list to Safeway (extra 15% charge) or Chelan Market (509.682.4521) in Chelan, you can set up an account with the store using a credit card or debit card, do this before you arrive! They will shop and box your groceries for you and Lake Chelan Boat Company will pick the order up and deliver it to Stehekin for a minimum charge of around $12 (this is the charge for up to 75lbs). Please come to Stehekin prepared. You will need food, sundries and personal care items. We provide linens and kitchen stuff.

There is one pay phone in Stehekin, but no other phone service including signal for cell use. Wi-fi calling when you are around the home internet.

You may obtain a post office box for mail. UPS delivers to the Boat Company and we get Amazon deliveries just like everywhere else.