Just 10 miles from the Canadian Boarder in the Okanogan Region lies the Sinlahekin Valley and this wild area. The Sinlahekin Natural Area is 14,000 acres that supports a diverse population of birds including grouse and pheasant and it’s several small lakes are teeming with water fowl and rainbow trout. The area also is home to deer and other animals.
Those visiting Sinlahekin Natural Area can enjoy wooded areas with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, as well as various deciduous trees, rolling hills of grassland, surrounded by the steep hills and mountainsides. There are 8 miles of trail, the Dave Brittell Memorial Trail.
In the summer this place would have blue skies reflecting on it’s lakes with steep hills and mountains as a back drop. In the spring it would be green and flowering. Fall would be delightful with many deciduous trees bringing color to the landscape, and in winter it would be a wonderland.
I walked 8 miles of this area in between seasons. Not Autumn, as all the leaves had fallen leaving a earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves hanging in the air. Not winter per se, as there was only a few patches of crisp snow here and there. The low level clouds hung over the valley fogging the appearance of all but the nearest hills or mountain sides at their foot.
So my venture was a quiet walk through a dormant land, void of all sound other than the Sinlahekin Creek. No animals, the lakes were frozen so no jumping fish, or flocks of geese. I did see a bald eagle investigating a small open water section that was not frozen, obviously searching for his next meal. Mine was a nice hike in the country, and a time for reflection, a silent time for ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’.
The frozen lake and the low hung clouds let you know that winter had arrive at Sinlahekin.
“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” -Henry David Thoreau
One thing that is great about nature is how it whispers to you while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. On quiet frozen days like this everything seems asleep and at peace, and the experience really sets you at ease which is exactly what the doctor ordered to bring balance from the stress of our real lives, with do this -do that, be here- be there, rush around, work work work. It is nice to have nature heal us with a quiet walk through a dormant land. For more healing through nature and profound experiences of adventure please: COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW. Please support this site by supporting yourself with a shirt, hat or a beanie that carries the important message for you and all lovers of nature: ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ at SHOP APPAREL. To help you find a special place to find that inner peace checkout the menu to see all the many locations that PBTA ventures to. Keep in mind that each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.
Distance: 7 miles, approximately 2,200’ elevation gain, 3.5 hours duration, rated Hard
Date: 12-2-20
The Palmer Fire of late Summer 2020 devastated the area. If not for the hard work and heroic deeds of the Fire Fighters it could have been much worse. In regards to Palmer Lake, a command post was set up at a residence that had been evacuated along with the entire area. Resident Dale Crandall, familiar with the terrain, notified the Fire Fighters of a trail that moved along the lay of the land heading up the mountain above the lake and the Firemen brought in equipment and went to work widening the trail and cutting it deeper into the hillside.
The break did it’s job as the fire burned right to it and no further. The mountainside of the break was burned. I observed during my hike that the lakeside of the break was unaffected by the flames. The fire break was successful and stopped the fire from continuing to spread, saving many homes and structures. Due to the success of the Fire Fighters the beauty of Palmer Lake remains intact. Thank you Fire Fighters and First Responders! And our thoughts go out to those that lost their homes in the Tonasket and Loomis area.
As far as my adventure hiking up the mountain that looks down at Palmer Lake, the trail was on the sunny side. The neighboring Palmer Mt was covered with snow while I just experienced snow across the trail every now and again. But once I made the ridge line I was in snow over my boots. My climb up to the ridge left the only foot prints in the snow that fell some time ago, that is other than deer, rabbit, and maybe coyote. I spied about a dozen deer, which is nothing new for this area, but what is different is that I saw a couple good size bucks. (Unless I saw the same one twice lol).
I have to say that Layering really works. The temperature was a little above freezing when I started and a little below freezing when I finished. I was wearing my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ beanie, short sleeve PBTA high performance moisture wicking shirt, then on top of that a fleece lined sweatshirt, a fleece jacket and finally a down sweater/jacket, along with fleece lined hiking pants, and wool hiking socks. I think I will have to do a more scientific post on PBTA Hiking and Backpacking 101 in the near future on the subject of layering. The hike was gaining altitude the entire time and sometimes at a pretty good clip. It wasn’t long until I stripped down to just the short sleeve performance shirt and I was still sweating, probably due to the fleece hiking pants, lol. I stayed that way until near the end heading down hill after the sun ducked behind the mountain and then put on the fleece lined sweat shirt.
It was a great hike to get the heart pumping, breath in some fresh air, stretch the legs, take in wonderful views of Palmer Lake, and get into some of the white stuff. The hike wandered through some upper grassy pastures. Some horses came over to say hello. They probably thought that I was going to feed them. I was rewarded with snow in an wooded area at the top. It was a very nice adventure following the Fire Break to the ridge.
Burned area is making a come back as little shoots of green are sprouting up. The picture on the right shows that the fire burned right down to the fire break, but not beyond.
Live, love, hike. I hiked to find peace. I hiked to feel free. I hiked to feel strong
‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ – Hiking the Palmer Lake Fire Break to the top of the ridge above. Thanks for accompanying me, as it is always nice to hike with someone even if it is just virtual support in spirit. Stay with me by doing each of these important steps: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will see other places throughout the West that are worthy. You read about layering, now mosey over to SHOP APPARELand do some layering of your own.
My sister Peggy, brother-in-law Dale and I started out heading for a snowy summit to try out new crampons in the snow. Turns out the hike we chose had much more snow then we expected and would have called for snowshoes. So we opted for nearby choice #2.
Highland’s Sno-Park is a cross country ski trail in a delightful wooded area, with some peak-a-boo vistas of the surrounding countryside, hills, and distant mountains.
Highland Sno-Park was a nice warm up for future wintery hikes. It was wonderful to be out together in the crisp, fresh 26 degree air, listen to the wind in the tree tops, and to hear the fluffy snow crackle with each fallen foot step.
4WD is recommended for country roads during the winter
“What good is the warmth of Summer without the cold of Winter to give it sweetness” John Steinbeck
Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy, and I as we went on a snowy winter trek ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Stick with us like the little boy who was dared to lick the frozen flag pole bythe these means: FOLLOW, COMMENT, LIKE, and SHARE. The Menu above will give you ideas for your next outing in nature to free yourself, if only for awhile, to delight in nature, to dwell on adventure, and revel in the moment of the journey. Each Menu location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. What do you think of the new PBTA Beanie keeping me warm? You can find it at SHOP APPAREL.
After a most challenging, but fulfilling backpacking adventure along the incredibleLake Shore Trail, my sister Peggy and her husband Dale surprised me with a hotel stay in a pleasant little place in Stehekin. It was a most delightful surprise after couple days of hard backpacking. I was already to start pitching my tent in the campground on the edge of town when they invited me up for wine and hors d’oeuvres on the patio of our modest, but clean and welcoming room over looking the lake. What I really enjoyed was the nice hot shower to wash off the dust, sweat and trail.
Most things were closed up because of the Cov-19 Pandemic, but we could order to go at the restaurant next to our hotel at the Stehekin Landing. We had a delicious meal, sat out on our deck looking at the lake, recanting our wondrous backpacking trip. The next morning we had to catch the Ferry back to civilization. It was leaving just after lunch time which allowed us the morning for exploring the quaint little town and the area.
There are lots of things to do in Stehekin if you are staying for some amount of time, but our adventure was the backpacking to the end of beautiful Lake Chelan and now we had only the morning to see Stehekin. So, if you only have a short amount of time- here is the hot ticket. I first took a little self guided tour of a historic cabin, and then we rented bikes and set out for Rainbow Falls, which is about a 4 mile round trip.
Biking through Stehekin up towards the falls is filled with glorious greenery during early Summer. It was so green and so lush I had to keep taking off my sunglasses to believe how green it really was. Our first stop was at the historic one room school house. Pretty cool to step back in time and see what it was like for country kids back in yesteryear. I am pretty sure it was like this for my parents growing up in Oregon, as I remember they told me how they had to trudge miles through deep snow, uphill both ways.
Then the falls… wow oh wow. Now this is a proper waterfall! Very powerful falls with soaking mist and spray tumbles 312 feet. It was overcast and cool on this morning, so no rainbow effect, but it was astounding nonetheless- framed with evergreens with torrents of water tumbling through the air reaching for the ground below. There is a steep switch back walk way that goes up to a perch for a different view of the falls. But be warned this view should be enjoyed on a hot day in your trunks. I should also say it is not much of a view, not because it isn’t magnificent, but it is hard to keep your eyes open when the wind created by the thundering falls is blasting mist and spray right in your face. I had a rain jacket on, but my shorts were throughly soaked in seconds. So it is more of an adventure than a view. But you know I love adventure!
On the way back from the falls the thing to do is stop by the Stehekin Pastry Co which has been serving up the most delicious, made from scratch, pastries and shouldn’t be missed. Plus they have nice grounds to enjoy with your meal.
There are nice cabins in this area as one might imagine, but one in particular was so outstanding that we had to stop and do a “Cabin on the Lake” photo shoot.
Be sure to checkout the video to see the power and the glory of the falls.
Stehekin Landing, where the Ferry docks. The buildings you see house a gift shop, restaurant, shops, and the hotel in which we stayed.
Historic One Room School House
Dale, Peggy and I at Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls – Stehekin, WA
The grounds at the bakery were lovely and our pastries were so good.
There were lots of cool cabins in Stehekin at Lake Chelan, but our favorite was “Cabin on the Lake.”
A bike ride to Rainbow Falls with a stop at the pastry shop is a must do when in Stehekin, you won’t regret it.
WATERFALL
I was looking for the eternal beauty, which God and Nature may have created on earth? I think I found it, up high in the mountains, in the form of gracious thundering water fall. Originating from the melting snow, or the water parting from the frozen glacier, raging plunge of unlimited water down the cliff, makes the waterfall show off its beauty and grace.
I stand in awe and behold the water fall, an exalted sensation seems to fill my heart, I see the boundless stream of water, splashing on the rocks at the foot of the cliff, and making the shadowy mist around it. The Sun rays cast their reflection, and make the mist appear in cheerful rainbows colors.
The cool breeze mixed with water drops, soothes my mind and cleans up my body and soul.
I can stare at the waterfall for hours and hours, take its pictures or portray its image in my heart and mind. Is it a picture of a mighty reaching for some weakling down below, or some earthly mind trying to achieve the limitless sky of wisdom?
I wonder where the water goes, the foamy and silky waterfront, moves down the creek, in a melodious tune in its eternal path, like a lover searching for the beloved in the unknown paths.
The music of flowing water fills the mountain ambiance with sweet musical harmony, The lovers hear the sweet serenade of their intimate feelings, The separated lovers find their missing emotions, The meditating hearts find the sounds of their soul, The nature lover’s ears ring with melodious sounds of the flowing water, I am positive that one can hear songs of their heart and mind, in the flowing stream of the water fall.
By Jay P Narain
Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy and I at the superb Rainbow Falls “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“. It was a special few days sharing the wilds of Lake Chelan, it’s natural beauty and stunning mountains, and of course it’s breathtaking Rainbow Falls. Please leave a COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. You can have a head band like Peggy’s (which also doubles as a face gaiter to be COVID-19 appropriate), or beanie and performance shirt like mine by going to SHOP APPAREL, which also helps support this blog. Go to the menu above and click on Oregon Hiking to see my next outing filled with adventure seeking balance away from the everyday and mundane. Each location is itself an independent website and needs to be FOLLOWED as a stand alone.
This isn’t just any cabin and this isn’t just any lake. So the title “Cabin on a Lake“ is pretty simple, but perhaps poetic just like this enchanting little cabin at Lake Chelan on the edge of Wilderness.
This charming little cabin with it’s exquisite gardens is a life time labor of love. As we rode by, on the bikes we rented, we just had to stop and complement the owner, a retiree who was up on a high ladder putting wood shingles on his Hansel and Gretel cabin in the woods. I have to say he is a master at what he has created not only for himself and his lovely wife, but for every passerby to ogle over. There are plenty of beautiful cabins in the Town of Stehekin, but this quaint cabin is really special. The detail and love he has put into this home in this peaceful and tranquil setting is something movies are made of. The garden is magical, and of course the view of the lake is one of a kind.
We almost feel guilty taking him away from his work, and I was thinking that during the Summer this place has to be almost a tourist attraction and maybe he doesn’t want to be bothered. But he was eager to talk, as was his bride of many years. He loved to speak about the passion of his project, the town, and the area. In fact, we finally had to cut it off and bid them farewell, as we had a Ferry to catch back to the real world. So we said bon voyage to this bewitching ”Cabin on the Lake” and this captivating fairy tale.
What a lovely Gingerbread House on the edge of wilderness on a lake of dreams.
“This cabin in the woods sets a romantic scene. A vision of contentment a heavenly dream. To be near to nature, the sights and the sounds. Feelings of peacefulness and serenity surrounds. I hear the hoot of an owl, the cry of a fox at night. Birds singing their chorus, in mornings first light.” – Deborah EvansMy sister Peggy and I enjoying Stehekin
Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy and I as we checked out things to do in Stehekin and discovered this gem, “Cabin on a Lake” while “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure“. COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW, and SHARE. The menu has many adventures that you might want to review in your own search for balance. Each is a separate site and should be FOLLOWED independently. Like Peggy’s headband, my shirt, or beanie? They are available at SHOP APPAREL.
Distance 18 miles, 1800’ elevation gain, duration approximately 12 hours of hiking, rated Moderate to Strenuous
Date: June 17-19, 2020
Nestled in the North Cascades Lake Chelan is 50 miles of Summer. At one end it is a respite from the busy, hectic life in bustling Seattle filled with lakeside homes, cabins and condos, ski boats, swimmers and sun bathers. The other end is quite different. Because of the ruggedness of this area there are no roads to the small town of Stehekin at the far end of the lake. The only way to get there is by boat or float plane keeping this area pristine and majestic.
Lake Chelan is as blue as sapphires and the views along the way compare with picturesque scenes of Norway. The long slender lake reminds me of the fjords in Alaska. Lake Chelan’s idyllic shores are heavily forested with green firs, although the area is also recovering from a damaging fire a few years back. Some of the world’s roughest mountain peaks stand as silent snow capped sentinels keeping watch over this remarkable place.
Lake Chelan, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Washington, fills a valley formed by a glacier that cut through the area making it the deepest gorge in the USA, 8,631’, measuring from the top of Pyramid Mountain to the low point of Lake Chelan 386’ below sea level. Chelan means deep water, in fact it is the 3rd deepest lake in America behind California’s Lake Tahoe and Oregon’s Crater Lake.
We boarded a boat at Fields Point, not far from the city of Wenatchee. National Geographic claims this trip is a “must do” taking about an hour through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. We disembarked at Prince Creek shouldering our backpacks and heading out on this special adventure into the wilderness.
Our trek along the scenic Lake Shore Trail would be 18 miles long and is rated moderate to strenuous with 1800’ of elevation gain. We hiked in mid June, which is not recommended as the Summer months can reach temperatures over 100 degrees, but we had just had some rain and it was unusually cooler than normal, but I will say that even the mid to upper 80’s was quite warm. It seemed we were seldom hiking along a flat plane, constantly climbing or descending. Most of the trail is a couple hundred feet over the lake, but at times drops to within 50 feet of the lapping lakeside. Much of the time you will have a view of the water, and some of the open vistas will take your breath away with the stunning natural beauty of the blue lake, the green forest, hills, mountains, and strikingly rugged snowy peaks.
The vegetation was diverse ranging from ponderosa pine forest, as well as some of the burn area, to dry, hot, grassy and rocky areas. We fording multiple rushing streams and dropped down into green, lush, creek fern grottos. Although we only encountered lizards, a blue grouse, and a deer on our trip the area is also home to black bear, elk, and rattlesnake.
After a long day of hiking at the quick pace, set by backpacking enthusiasts brother in law Dale, and my sister Peggy, we arrived at our camping destination just South of Moore Point. After a bit of bush whacking, in order to find just the right spot, we settled in. Wow, what a place to camp! In the forest, right on a the edge of a little bluff, with a stupendous view of the lake, mountains and peaks. Peggy treated us to a scrumptious homemade camp meal Salmon Curry Couscous. The following day we doctored our sore, blistered feet and continued our journey through this land of wonder ultimately arriving tired yet satisfied at the quaint town of Stehekin.
Crossing log half bridgeIndian Paint BrushPeggy hiking through the ferns.Warning: Don’t Dilly Dally…Oh deer what can the matter be…Diverse vegetation Peggy and Dale making their way across a grassy meadow towards where we will be camping.Dale hikes along historic ruin of rock wall. Peggy and Dale take in the serenity of the moment after a long hot day of backpacking. Dale sets up the backpacking light tentNow this is a view to wake up to…Dale making coffee
Here we are in Stehekin
“Beautiful Lake Chelan! It probably has no equal for beauty and wonderful scenery any where on the habitable glove. Those who come to Chelan are charmed…” – The Chelan Leader 1892Roger, Peggy and Dale on the trail.
It has been said that Lake Chelan’s Lake Shore Trail ranks among the World’s Best, and is certainly a bucket list type of experience. Something to be cherished. Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy and I as we backpacked our way through the wilds of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area while “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”. Take a moment toLIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE. There is more to this adventure and you don’t want to miss it. Checkout the menu above for other locations to ”find yourself” in, they are all separate sites and thus need to be followed individually. If you like the long sleeve performance shirt in the picture of me and the boat or the face gator with the PBTA insignia then visit SHOP APPAREL and get yours today.
Original quote from Roger Jenkins of Pursuing Balance Through Adventure, and important message regarding the Corona Virus, as part of my regular postings. Please Click Below
What a delightful way to spend half a day, paddling a canoe down the Okanogan River. My brother-in-law Dale Crandall was kind enough to drop me and his canoe off before he headed for work at his law practice, North Cascades Law Group. I put in at Ellisforde north of Tonasket. There was a chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon, but I would be off the water well in advance of the coming storm.
It was a nice hot day and a canoe trip on the water was just what I was looking for. In the summer the river is not running high nor hard, an easy current. Just a lazy river outing winding through this scenic country. One bend in the river and there would be rugged hillsides nearby, and another bend and it would be farm land. I passed a tree with a rope swing. The Okanogan River has that small town, country feel. Really relaxing. You could float along and let the current carry you, or paddle hard and get some exercise.
There were a couple places on the river with some very mild rapids. They were so fun that I went back and enjoyed them a couple times, as did a few kayakers that I was sharing the river with.
As I mentioned, there was some turbulent weather expected, and the wind started picking up. It wasn’t straight on the nose, but close to it so I had to paddle harder on one side then the other, to keep the canoe on course. The wind continued to increase such that it was windy enough to counter act the current. Suddenly there was no choice but to paddle hard if I wanted to get anywhere. The exercise was welcome and I dug the paddle deep making my way along the banks of the Okanogan River.
After going under the bridge leading into Tonasket, the river got very shallow, so shallow that I was bottoming out, and in one place I actually had to get out and walk the canoe through the area. It was just a short distance so it was no big deal.
Soon afterwards it was time to go ashore beaching my canoe at Chief Tonasket Park, named after the Okanogan Indian Chief that the entire town is named for.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, paddling the Okanogan River in a Canoe is a very delightful experience if you happen to be ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure.’
I put in at Ellisforde as you can see I have my life jacket on, two paddles, always a good idea in case you lose one in a rapid. After all you certainly do not want to find yourself in the proverbial position of “Up a Creek without a Paddle.” I have my day back with which to stay hydrated on this warm summer day, and some healthy snacks. As you can see the river is pretty calm with a gentle current, so the life jacket came off pretty quickly along with the shirt in order to catch some rays. End of Paddle takeout at Chief Tonasket Park”Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?” That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future.” -Hermann Hesse
Thanks for joining me on the Okanogan River as I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure” with a paddle. If you enjoyed this article then you will want to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW, and SHARE so that you do not miss further journeys.
Activity: Canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, boating, wake-boarding, water skiing, biking, fishing, exploring and hiking
Palmer Lake in Okanogan County, near the towns of Loomis and Tonasket Washington, is a beautiful little lake surrounded by grassy hillsides, and rocky mountains. Palmer Lake sports 10 miles of shoreline. One side has houses dotted along it’s beach the other rugged mountain side.
Palmer Lake
There are plenty of activities to keep outdoor lovers enthusiastically entertained. I have enjoyed the hospitality of my sister Peggy and her husband Dale Crandall at their beautiful home over looking this postcard setting on multiple occasions and I can hardly wait to return.
We hiked up above Palmer Lake for marvelous views and enjoyed the serenity of this place. The day hike was a great way to stretch the legs and prepare for our upcoming backpacking adventure.
I love canoeing on Palmer Lake and I went out quite often during my visit. It is usually pretty still in the morning, but the breeze that comes up sometimes in the afternoon and can give you quite a workout getting back. The lily pads are a great place to catch yellow perch. Other fish in this lake are black crappie, burbot, large and small mouth bass, and sockeye salmon. Along the cliff pictured in the background of the picture above left is a great place to find some shade in the afternoon and chill. For those more adventurous there is a great place for jumping off a perch on the cliff side into the cool water.
Similkameen River flows into Palmer Lake
Lots of wildlife in the area
One day I did some exploring by bike, checking out the natural beauty as well as some weathered and rustic old buildings.
Marina models ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Cap. Get yours at Pursuing Balance Through Adventure Shop Apparel
Good times on the lake wake-boarding.
Peggy having a delightful day on the lake slalom waterskiing.
Silhouette of Rattle Snake Wrangler Dale
2 Rattlers found at garage door
I knew that there were animals and reptiles to be wary of in the area such as black bear, cougar, coyote, and rattle snakes, but I did not think that Dale would wrangle a couple for me to checkout close up and personal like this. These two were right out the garage door. He released them up the hill a ways.
Listen to that rattling those snakes are angry.If you are lucky enough to live at the lake, your are lucky enough.
Thanks for joining sister Peggy, brother-in-law Dale, daughter Marina and I ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure Washington State Hiking’. I invite you to checkout some of my other websites for adventures in other areas of the West. If you enjoyed this post then please LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE.
-Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
Washington State Hiking Pursuing Balance Thru Adventure 