high hunt out of lake chelan........

[high country]

I have another question that really has strong influence on my dedicatio to the area..................what is the availability of water on the hike up? not too sure about hauling a weeks worth of water up a cliff that is a mile high.

[Little Fish]

I've contemplated doing what you are talking about for high buck. After talking with a game bio he suggested I try a couple other areas that have higher animal populations since the areas around the lake have seen population declines in recent years. With that said I will probably give this hunt a try in the future because it looks like a great adventure. I was also told there are quite a few bear around the lake so I'd be prepared for taking a bear if the chance arose.

My loose plan would be to launch at 25-mile creek campground (or farther up the lake if I can find a launch), run up the lake and tie up at one of several docks along the lake and hike my way into the wilderness for a week or so. I haven't pinpointed which dock to use, but there are 15-20 federal camp areas along the lake...some have docks, some don't. I was in this area last weekend at 25-mile creek and can confirm it is a long steep hike from the lake to the top of the first ridge. I did see several creeks/waterfalls flowing into the lake so I don't think water would be a problem. Weather/water wise it was flat calm 3 out or 4 days, but blew up on the 4th day. I could have run my 16' boat in the water but it would have made for a bumpy ride. I would be reluctant to run something smaller however. I think the safest thing to do would be to build some time into your schedule for weather delays in case you have to wait an extra day going in or coming out.

[ICEMAN]

I have hunted this lake about five seasons, and my family over 30. This lake can be a killler. We took a rogue wave over a 21foot deep hulled boat that could would have swamped a boat with a walkthru... Wave crashed over our windshield. Be careful.

Also, not the best rifle hunt if no snow. Bring your trout gear...

[Muleyslyr]

Pope just to let you know be very cautious about having a rifle with you when bow hunting deer.  I had a buddy go through the ringer with a local warden about that.  He did not get a ticket but the warden was trying to trap him.  I myself would not have a rifle in my hands with an archery deer tag during the season.  I know you would do anything bad but just a warning.

 

[popeshawnpaul]

I wasn't going to carry a rifle and bow at the same time.  I was going to have a rifle in the boat in case I saw one and went and put a stalk on them.  I figure as long as I don't have a bow in my hands, I'm good to go.  I have seen them along the lake from the boat.  I'll have to check, but I think I can even shoot them from the boat if the engine is off and not moving.  My wife would just LOVE that...   

[Caseyd]

I think the VERY STEEP Country has been established. I have not hunted this area but have done some hiking in these parts. Most have been from getting dropped off in the north cascades then reaching the lake in a couple days(depending on which trail you take and pace).


If you are establishing a base camp for the week you could bring a weeks worth of water and take with you what you need for the day. If you will be on the move for the week i would recommend a water purifier with you, the process of filling a bottle will take a couple minutes but in the end it will save you time and strength vs. lugging around all that weight(8lbs per gallon)

Good luck!! I would like to hear about this hunt once you have returned!!

[75johndeere]

i planned out a hunt up there for this year and my buddy backed out  but you can take the ferry up to stehiken as well all you have to do is have the captain hold your rifle for the ride. They had no problem with bringing a deer on board either. It will be boned out and in your pack anyways. Pick up a good topo program like garmin mapsource or something like that and it has most of the hiking trails on it and if you plan a route you can know approximately how far your going to be hiking, where streams are at, etc.  From the info i got you have to get a permit to camp and be in a designated area but I'm not 100% positive on that.

[chukarchaser]

I have hunted this area a few times, both from the top down and bottom up.  There is not as much water as one mite think.  the biggest problem is the no water zone between the top and bottom.  Its very hard to pack enough on your back.

Good advice on the purifier