The land was blanketed in snow, and the edge of the lake
was iced over—it was absolutely magical. ❄️✨ We rode snowmobiles
for the first time, saw a dozen bald eagles perched on a river log 🦅,
and had two unforgettable meals (plus we bought a whole heavenly blueberry pie 🥧)
at a charming spot called Blueberry Hills Farm & Restaurant. It was also where I
first tried Eggs Benedict—with the most amazing, lemony Hollandaise sauce—and
fell in love. 💛🍳
 |
| Perfection! |
On Sunday morning, we made our way back to Blueberry Hills
Farm for breakfast. The first thing I noticed was a Veterans Only
parking spot and a glass roll-up door honoring those who’ve served our great
country —a beautiful touch. The inside looked just as we remembered it, though
much busier this time around. We again ordered Eggs Benedict at the counter and
found a spot at one of the family-style tables. We briefly chatted with a
friendly trio before they left.
 |
| My dad would have loved the planes on display and they were the first things I noticed. I didn't even see the fishing poles, but they were the first thing Todd noticed! |
 |
| Who didn't have a View Master? So many memories at Blueberry Hills |
 |
| I still have a collection of 45s! We had a dial phone like the one above, but ours was blue. |
And yes… the Eggs Benedict did not disappoint. 😍
We left with more of that legendary blueberry pie (just a slice each this time)
to enjoy later. Because let’s be honest—some things are worth the extra Weight
Watchers points and the added steps! 🚶♀️🚶♂️💙
 |
| Do NOT leave without a slice of pie! |
FYI: This is a dog friendly restaurant
with a patio for your pooch… and I read on their website that they might even
have a nice goodie for your fur-baby!
👉
Blueberry
Hills Farm
 |
| I wanted to try this SO MUCH, but stayed strong(ish)! |
🚤 Lake Chelan Adventure: Stehekin Bound! 🏔️
 |
| Our boat was at the end of this dock. |
Before each new stop, I dive into local events and hidden
gems 🕵️♀️📍—and one of the best choices for this
leg of the trip was booking a scenic boat ride with Lake Chelan Boat Co.
The plan? Cruise up the spectacular, snake-like Lake Chelan to the remote
village of Stehekin. 🛥️💙
 |
| There it is! |
Lake Chelan stretches 50 miles long and narrows to just 1
to 2 miles wide, covering a whopping 33,340 acres! According to Wikipedia, its
deepest point reaches 1,486 feet—so deep that parts of it lie 436 feet below
sea level. 😲
That makes it the third-deepest lake in the U.S., right behind Crater
Lake (1,943 feet) and Lake Tahoe (1,644 feet). 🌊⛰️
 |
| My ever so photogenic husband! |
While staying toasty in the enclosed cabin we traveled
between snow-covered mountains, it felt like gliding through a dream.
 |
| We tried to brave the outdoors, but I really recommend sitting inside the warm cabin. |
Now, this isn’t your typical narrated tour boat—it’s a working
water taxi. That means no scripted commentary, but we lucked out
with a front-row seat near Captain Chris, a 20-year U.S. Coast Guard
veteran who now captains in the Lake Chelan area. He chatted with Todd and I during
the ride up and back and shared loads of fun facts and local stories, making
the trip even more special.
 |
| Captain Chris keeping us on course. |
Along the way, the boat made a few surprise stops! 🛑
At one, we watched passengers and employees form a "bucket brigade"
up the dock to unload supplies for a remote retreat. Others hopped off to begin
hikes—some as long as 30+ miles! 🥾💪
It was fun to watch so many head off to their adventures.
 |
| Food supplies for one of the remote retreats along the way. |
 |
| Bucket brigade lining up. |
 |
| Everyone working together made short work of unloading the luggage and food supplies. |
Stehekin itself is incredible—Washington's most
remote town, only accessible by boat, floatplane, or foot. 🗺️
It has just 50–100 year-round residents, plus a general store, restaurant,
bakery, and lodge. An interesting tidbit is that Stehekin is part of both
the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the North Cascades National
Park Complex! 🏞️✨
 |
| Arriving in Stehekin. |
Since we visited in the off-season (boats only run
Mon/Wed/Fri this time of year), the town was calm and quiet—just how we like
it. 😌🌲 We opted to skip the bus ride to
Rainbow Falls and instead enjoyed our packed lunches on the outdoor restaurant
patio, surrounded by misty mountain views and a gentle rain. 🌧️💚
 |
| Our view while dining on our packed lunches. |
Later, we wandered the village, admired an old cabin, and
explored a bubbling creek tumbling down the hillside. A self-guided tour was
cut short by the creek, but honestly, we were content just soaking in the
peaceful beauty. We made a stop along Lake Chelan to take in the view of
Stehekin Valley, absolutely gorgeous.
 |
| A glimpse (left) of the McKeller cabin built in the early 1930s. |
 |
| Todd looking up the Stehekin Valley. |
🧳
A quick stop at the gift shop scored me adorable stickers for my travel journal
(more on that later!) and postcards for the grandkids. 💌
We certainly made the most of our hour and a half layover in Stehekin.
 |
| Every beautiful stop we make Todd will take a moment to take it all in. |
🐶
What about Rascal? We didn’t bring him this time since I read dogs had
to be crated—and he’s never been in one. I didn’t want to cause him stress.
BUT… there were at least four dogs aboard, none crated! So yes—the
boat is dog friendly! 🐾
Just something to keep in mind for future trips with your pup!
 |
| A dog friendly cruise: Lola in front and Juno in back. |
 |
| Juno and her gracious owners kindly posed for a beautiful photo. |
💙
We absolutely recommend this peaceful, off-season ride to Stehekin. It's
scenic, relaxing, and a great way to explore Washington’s hidden gems. Pack a
lunch, bring your dog, and enjoy the ride!
More info here:
👉 Lady of the Lake - Lake Chelan Boat
Company
More Photos: 👇
Blueberry Hill Farm & Restaurant:
 |
| This is the Stehekin gift shop. The restaurant is off to the left. |
 |
| The Stehekin Post Office...which appears to also be a residence. |
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| Lola and her people disembarked at a remote location to hike one of the many trails. |
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| I was very surprised at the number of cars in a location with no roads to the outside world! They're brought in by barge. |
 |
| This was my first peek at Lola! |
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| Todd at the McKellar cabin. Look at that view! |
 |
| Todd spent a lot of time looking for fish. |
 |
| This is a collector's item! One of the very few photos you'll ever see with me in it! 😂 |
✨ This was a grand adventure, and we absolutely loved it! I highly recommend breakfast at Blueberry Hills Farm & Restaurant 🥞💙 and a cruise up Lake Chelan 🚤🏔️—you won’t regret it!
Safe travels, and I look forward to sharing our next adventure right here on...
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