Lady of the Lake Ferry
A scenic ferry ride on Lake Chelan to the remote, car-free community of Stehekin, offering stunning mountain views and a unique escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, best views
Lady of the Lake Ferry
Best Time
Calm waters, best views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic ferry ride on Lake Chelan to the remote, car-free community of Stehekin, offering stunning mountain views and a unique escape.
"It was amazing to be on the lake with great views of peaks and Mountains along the lake."
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Secure your spot on the Lady of the Lake ferry, especially for the 'Lady Express,' by booking in advance.
🥾 Plan for Stehekin's Remoteness
Stehekin has limited lodging and dining. Consider an overnight stay or pack accordingly for day trips.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 635 reviews
Type
Tour Agency
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Chelan Cruise
Lake Chelan
Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and the deepest gorge in North America on this stunning ferry ride.
Stehekin Valley Exploration
Stehekin
Discover the remote charm of Stehekin, with options for tours, electric bike rentals, and visiting local spots like the bakery.
Rainbow Falls Tour
Stehekin
A popular excursion from Stehekin, offering a chance to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Remote Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Secure your spot on the Lady of the Lake ferry, especially for the 'Lady Express,' by booking in advance.
🥾 Plan for Stehekin's Remoteness
Stehekin has limited lodging and dining. Consider an overnight stay or pack accordingly for day trips.
How do you lake chelan?
Lived in Wa my whole life and never made the <5 hour trip to lake chelan. I'm hoping to go (for swimming) some time in august but I don't want to stay at any big resort, how do you guys do Lake chelan trips? Is lake access totally fenced off by whatever hotel?
🎧 Listen to Narration
Enjoy the points of interest along the lake. Move downstairs for clearer audio if the upper deck is noisy.
🚲 Rent Electric Bikes
Explore Stehekin at your own pace with electric bike rentals for a fun way to see the valley.
Things to do/Where to go in Lake Chelan
Hi, everyone. I'm going to Lake Chelan for the first time for the weekend. Seeking any and all tips to have a great time hosting friends there. Where are the best places on the lake to float and swim? Best places to eat? Things to do? Please share your experiences. Thanks!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Ferry Tickets Early
Secure your spot on the Lady of the Lake ferry, especially for the 'Lady Express,' by booking in advance.
🥾 Plan for Stehekin's Remoteness
Stehekin has limited lodging and dining. Consider an overnight stay or pack accordingly for day trips.
🎧 Listen to Narration
Enjoy the points of interest along the lake. Move downstairs for clearer audio if the upper deck is noisy.
🚲 Rent Electric Bikes
Explore Stehekin at your own pace with electric bike rentals for a fun way to see the valley.
☕ Visit the Stehekin Bakery
Don't miss a stop at the famous Stehekin Bakery for delicious treats during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Lady of the Lake ferry for its breathtaking scenery and the unique experience of reaching the remote Stehekin. The journey itself is a highlight, offering stunning mountain vistas and a sense of adventure. However, some visitors find the limited time on day trips to be a drawback, and the remote nature of Stehekin means limited dining and lodging options.
"One of the great experiences
on The Cascade Loop with
a ferry ride on Lake Chelan
to the remote town of Stehekin.
I boarded The Lady Express
in Chelan for a two and half
hour ride to Stehekin with
several stops along the way.
It was nice to learn about
the points of interest along
the lake including the narrowest part of the lake.
It was amazing to be on the
lake with great views of peaks
and Mountains along the lake.
The ferry has a restroom and
and a snack shop on board.
I booked the Rainbow Falls
tour with a stop at the bakery
and a great experience in
Stehekin.
Stehekin has one restaurant
and limited lodging options,
but there are a number of tours of the lower valley
that will not take all day.
Located at the Lake Chelan
Boat Company on W Woodin,
which is US-97 Alt in Chelan.
A great place to take a ferry
on Lake Chelan to a remote
town with a number of tour options and amazing views of the deepest Gorge in North America."
Ed Lee
"From Chelan, we rode the Liberty to Stehekin. Spent our day checking it out, but the ride home on the Express was a blast. What a hot rod. Lake was smooth enough it was a hour and half ride.
We will go again.
I didn't get a photo of the express, just the video of the ride."
John Peluso
"It was a great ride to Stehekin, we did the 1.5 hour layover but when we do it again I will do the 3 hour, we could have spent more time."
Cassandra Manning
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Stehekin from Chelan is by taking the Lady of the Lake ferry. You can choose between the 'Lady Express' for a faster trip or the 'Lady Liberty' for a more leisurely journey with stops. The ride offers stunning views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding mountains.
The Lady of the Lake ferry operates a schedule that varies by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date Lady of the Lake ferry schedule, as it can change.
The ferry ride duration to Stehekin varies depending on the vessel and stops. The 'Lady Express' can take around 1.5 hours, while the 'Lady Liberty' might take longer, around 2.5 hours, with several stops along the way.
No, the Lady of the Lake ferry is a passenger-only service. You cannot take your vehicle to Stehekin on the ferry.
Stehekin is also accessible by floatplane, though this is generally more expensive than the ferry. For those who enjoy hiking, there are backcountry trails, but these are strenuous and require significant preparation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry ticket prices for the Lady of the Lake vary based on the route and vessel. It's recommended to check the official Lake Chelan Boat Company website for current pricing and to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
You can purchase Lady of the Lake ferry tickets online through the Lake Chelan Boat Company's official website or in person at their ticket office located in Chelan. Booking ahead is advised.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Lady of the Lake ferry tickets in advance, particularly during the busy summer months, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
The operating hours for the Lady of the Lake ferry are seasonal and depend on the specific schedule. Always consult the official Lake Chelan Boat Company website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours.
Information on discounts for the Lady of the Lake ferry is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with the Lake Chelan Boat Company or check their website for any potential offers or group rates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
In Stehekin, you can explore the valley by renting electric bikes, visit the famous Stehekin Bakery, take a tour to Rainbow Falls, or simply enjoy the serene, remote atmosphere. Overnight stays offer more time to explore.
Yes, Stehekin is a popular day trip destination. However, be mindful of the ferry travel times, as a 1.5-hour layover might feel short for some. Opting for a longer layover or an overnight stay is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Lodging in Stehekin is limited and includes options like the historic Lodge at Stehekin, cabins, and campsites. Booking well in advance is crucial due to high demand.
Dining in Stehekin is primarily limited to the Lodge's restaurant and the Stehekin Bakery. For more extensive options, visitors often pack their own food or plan their meals around these limited choices.
Yes, there are hiking opportunities around Stehekin, including trails leading to Rainbow Falls. For those seeking more challenging backcountry hikes, permits and thorough preparation are necessary.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire ferry journey offers incredible photo opportunities. Capture the majestic mountain peaks, the vastness of Lake Chelan, and the unique landscape as you approach Stehekin. The narrowest part of the lake is also a scenic spot.
In Stehekin, picturesque spots include the waterfront, the historic buildings, the trails leading to Rainbow Falls, and the surrounding natural beauty. Renting an electric bike allows you to discover many scenic viewpoints.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography on Lake Chelan, with softer shadows and warmer hues. However, the dramatic mountain scenery is impressive throughout the day.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks and wilderness areas. Always check current regulations before flying a drone in the Lake Chelan area or Stehekin to avoid fines.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both the expansive lake views and closer details of the mountains and Stehekin. A wide-angle lens is also great for landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit