Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

Long, lean, and lovely best describes Lake Chelan. From Chelan's northeastern shore this secluded Wilderness rears rapidly skyward to the crest of the bold Sawtooth Range, which cuts diagonally through the area, rising serenely from the south to fall off dramatically on the north faces. Northeast of the crest the terrain drops into the valley of the Twisp River only to climb again into a subrange. Wolf Creek and other creek drainages have cut deep ravines through much of the area, with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to 9,000 feet. You'll find 63 lakes, many too small to have ever been named, often tucked into scenic cirques in the high country and without trail access. A pleasant forest covers the ground below the tree line, home to bears and mule deer. Winters are colder and summers hotter than in western Washington. One appealing aspect of this Wilderness is its lack of direct road access on the south and west sides. All trailheads on the south side, on Lake Chelan, must be reached by a regularly scheduled ferry boat or a private craft. From the roadless town of Stehekin, the northern terminus of the ferry, the Lakeshore Trail follows the lake south for 18 miles, 14 of them within the Wilderness. Trails entering from the west first cross North Cascades National Park or the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, while the Twisp River road offers easier access from the east. Park-like ridges and open forests encourage leaving the trail for relatively easy bushwhacking. A Recreation Pass is required at some trailheads. The Wilderness is in Washington, is managed by the Forest Service, was designated in 1984, and borders the Stephen Mather Wilderness to the northwest.