Chelan Butte Campout

Ardenvoir, WA Adventure / NWOL Area Coordinator Guided / Guy Miner - 509.885.5905

Yes, I know this is Mother's Day Weekend!

That aside, meet at Cooper's Store in Ardenvoir on the Entiat River Road at 0900:

8855 Entiat River Rd

Entiat, WA 98822

Our exact route will depend on road conditions, but we'll take backroads, mostly dirt, and wander northwards towards Lake Chelan, then to Chelan Butte itself. Chelan Butte has an interesting history. Currently a wildlife area, there is an abandoned homestead we can explore. Wildlife in the area includes a good sized herd of Bighorn Sheep, which we can try to locate. I've also seen black bear, mule deer, coyotes, eagles and osprey in the area.

Opportunities for photographers abound. I'm anticipating spring conditions with wildflowers and green grasses. There are also incredible views of Lake Chelan and of the Columbia River.

A hike is planned, to visit an abandoned homestead made of brick produced on site! The hike is on an old dirt road which is off-limits to vehicles, and is relatively steep. All downhill on the way in, and the uphill route out will be noticed by most of us. Only an hour or so of hiking is needed for the round trip.

Our planned campsite is at a lower level on Chelan Butte, far from the lake. There is no firewood, and no facilities of use to us. A short hike from the campsite will take us to an area where the bighorn sheep are frequently seen. I've even seen them IN our proposed campsite!

Sunday, Mother's Day, we'll have a leisurely morning, then head down off the Butte and go our separate ways.

Road conditions permitting, this route should be fine for stock SUV's, pickups and vehicles such as a Subaru Crosstrek or Forester, given adequate tires. Please have sturdy tow points front and rear, just in case. I'll have my usual Max Trax, Winch, tow strap and tire chains, just in case. Time to time I've come across remnants of an old snow drift, or some very soft conditions on parts of our route. Good tires are a must, as are sturdy tow points.

Attendees:

John Russell

Rich Cronin

Scott Hendrix

Guy Miner

Alexander Moore

Amy Hopkins

Keith Martin

Ole Hellevik