| Long, lean, and lovely best describes Lake Chelan; from Chelan's northeastern shore, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness rears rapidly skyward to the crest of bold Sawtooth Range, which cuts diagonally through the area, rising serenely from the south to fall off dramatically on the north faces. Northeast of the crest, the terrain drops into the valley of the Twisp River only to climb again into a subrange. Wolf Creek and other creek drainages have cut deep ravines through much of the area, with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to 9,000 feet. Visitors will find 63 lakes, many too small to have ever been named, often tucked into scenic cirques in the high country and without trail access. A pleasant forest covers the ground below the tree line, home to bears and mule deer. Winters are colder and summers hotter than in western Washington. All trailheads on the south side, on Lake Chelan, must be gained via a regularly scheduled ferry boat or a private craft. Trails entering from the west first cross North Cascades National Park or Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Trails from the north and east cross miles of national forestland before entering the Wilderness. Parklike ridges and open forests encourage you to leave the trail for relatively easy bushwhacking travel. A high-quality Wilderness experience awaits. |
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