Tag Archives: Washington

Rainbow Falls

August 8, 2020 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

LAKE CHELAN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

THINGS TO DO IN STEHEKIN, WASHINGTON

Activity: Sightseeing, Biking

After a most challenging, but fulfilling backpacking adventure along the incredible Lake 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

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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Cabin on a Lake

August 8, 2020 Roger Jenkins 1 Comment

LAKE CHELAN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

STEHEKIN, WASHINGTON

Activity: Sight Seeing

Date: June 24, 2020

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 Evans

**My 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.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Lake Shore Trail

July 9, 2020 Roger Jenkins 4 Comments

LAKE CHELAN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

SAWTOOTH WILDERNESS

OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Backpacking

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.

Peggy and Dale take in the serenity of the moment after a long hot day of backpacking.

**“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 1892**

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 to LIKE, 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.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Okanogan River

December 4, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

TONASKET, WASHINGTON

Activity: Canoeing

Date: August 2019

Distance: 6 miles, duration 3 hours

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.

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Palmer Lake

December 2, 2019 Roger Jenkins 7 Comments

Loomis/Tonasket Washington

Fun Things to do around Palmer Lake

August 2019

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.

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

**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

Silhouette of Rattle Snake Wrangler Dale

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

Uncategorized

Whistler Canyon Trail

December 1, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

WHISTLER CANYON-FROG POND-BLACK DIAMOND LAKE TRAILS

Orville, Washington

Activity: Day Hike

Distance: 9 miles, over 1500’ elevation change, duration 5 hours, rated Moderate

Whistler Canyon Trail near Orville Washington, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, is actually a 14 mile trail that encompasses an elevation change of 3,776’ and is used by hikers, rock climbers, horse back riders, and just simply nature lovers. This area has all kinds of wildlife such as wild turkey, hawk, eagle, vulture, rattle snake, big horn sheep, mule deer, bear, marmot, coyote, moose, and cougar. There are sweeping vistas of the Okanogan River and Valley, the town of Orville, Osoyoos Lake, and Canadian mountains in the distance.

I bundled three trails in my day hike excursion: Part of the Whistler Canyon Trail, the Frog Pond Trail, and a portion of the Black Diamond Lake Trail.

If you only have a couple hours or so then the Frog Pond Trail might be a fun hike to do. Starting at the Whistler Canyon Trail you climb pretty quickly in elevation then off to your left you will find the sign to the Frog Pond Trail which is a delightful hike through an Ponderosa Pines wooded area with rocky cliffs on both sides. There is a great overlook that is not to be missed with super views of the Okanogan River and Valley. Finally you will arrive at the Frog Pond. When I was there in late August there was no pond only a grassy area surrounded by lovely Aspen, Birch, and Cottonwood Trees. I assume that the “pond” takes on a different look in the Spring.

After enjoying the Frog Pond I rejoined the Whistler Canyon Trail and headed up. It climbs 1000’ in the first two miles. I ventured off to the Black Diamond Lake Trail and went as far as the Overlook that once again had fantastic views, but this time wrapping around a little further north.

I really enjoyed this hike, and hopefully I will get the chance to go back and hike further into this area as the highlands above looked intriguing.