Flood damage limits services at Stehekin Landing for 2026 summer season

STEHEKIN — Visitors heading to Stehekin this summer will still be able to camp, hike and explore the remote upper Lake Chelan community, but services at Stehekin Landing will be sharply limited after severe winter flooding damaged the area’s wastewater treatment system.

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex announced on May 7 that because the wastewater plant at Stehekin Landing was left inoperable following historic flooding in December, major changes are coming to summer operations for 2026.

As a result of the damage, North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin will not provide its usual public services this season, including lodging, restaurant operations, retail sales, fuel, laundry or public showers. The landing’s wastewater system supports not only concession operations, but also park infrastructure, employee housing, marina facilities and other visitor services.

National Park Service officials said temporary fixes were explored, but none could support full summer operations safely or reliably. Crews and contractors continue working toward restoring wastewater service, and the lodge could potentially offer limited services later in the season if conditions allow.

Even with those limitations, Stehekin will remain accessible to visitors throughout the summer.

Ferry service to Stehekin will continue operating, along with private shuttle services and tours, including trips to Rainbow Falls. Lakeview and Purple Point campgrounds will remain open on a first-come, first-served basis and will be free of charge. Potable water and vault toilets will still be available for campers.

Visitors will also continue to find recreation opportunities throughout the valley, including hiking, biking, rafting, climbing, backpacking and horseback or llama packing trips offered by permitted outfitters.

Officials cautioned that some trails may still contain flood debris or damage from winter storms and are continuing to assess and repair affected areas.

Additional lodging, food and visitor services may still be available through Stehekin-area residents and businesses operating independently from the lodge facilities.

More information about Stehekin conditions and visitor services is available at https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm.

A list of permitted outfitters and operators can also be found on the park service website at https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/commercial-use-authorizations.htm.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media