Day Rides in Stehekin
Enjoy a guided trail ride to Howard Lake, (previously named Coon Lake) Bridge Creek or stay in the ring with a lesson.
Ride Horses in Stehekin
OVERVIEW:
A 7 mile round trip adventure to Howard Lake (previously named Coon Lake) from Stehekin Valley Ranch or a 14 mile journey to Bridge Creek for an all day experience with lunch included.
DESCRIPTION:
Our wrangler will meet you at the corral and introduce you to the horse that will carry you. Our pre-trip talk will go over general riding style and how to control your horse. The ride is a single file, walking only trek that will get you some gorgeous views of Agnus Mountain and glacier. We’ll stop half way at Howard Lake so you can stretch out your legs and take a quick walk to the water. The half day ride will head back to the corrals at this point while the all day ride will continue on to Bridge Creek for lunch and about an hour break to explore the area. Then riders will mount up early afternoon to enjoy the trek home.
SUMMER SCHEDULE
- Half-Day
Ride to Howard Lake$150. Per person + taxHalf day roundtrip ride from Stehekin Valley Ranch to Howard Lake on gentle trail wise horses. Enjoy breathtaking views. Transportation from Stehekin Landing to the Ranch is available.- Leaves daily 8:30 am and 2:30 pm *Ride will wait to depart if there are riders coming on shuttle bus
- Limit: 6 riders, minimum 2
- Please inquire about groups
- Full-Day
Ride to Bridge Creek$275 - $325 Per Person +TaxSpend the day riding the 14 miles round-trip to Bridge Creek. Add a tasty lunch from the Stehekin Pastry Company before winding your way back to the Ranch.- 2 riders: $325/person plus tax
- 3 riders: $300/person plus tax
- 4+ riders: $275/person plus tax
- Stehekin Pastry Lunch: add $30/meal
- Limit: 6 riders
GENERAL INFO
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
A ride of a lifetime aboard a gentle trail horse.
- The horse of course.
- A guide that will help you along the way.
- Beautiful scenery.
WHAT YOU PROVIDE:
An adventurous attitude and a desire to have fun.
- Yourself
- A bottle of water, camera, long pants, and smooth soled shoes.
- A willingness to have an incredible experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a reservation?
Call us at 509-682-7742
Winter Office hours are Monday – Friday 9-4
Summer Hours: (mid-May through mid-September)
Monday – Friday 8-5
Saturday 8-5
Sunday 12-5
Email us anytime: StehekinReservations@gmail.com
What do I need to bring?
We ask that you wear smooth soled, closed toe shoes to come riding. NO FLIP FLOPS PLEASE! Your toes will never be the same if a horse accidentally steps on you.
Long pants are encouraged as well as a brimmed hat or sunglasses.
Water bottle. Our ride is a mix of sun and shade, it gets hot when we’re out from under the shade.
A long sleeve or rain jacket is a good idea on the afternoon rides as it can start to get chilly on the way home.
Camera to record memories.
Do I need Experience?
No, that’s the best part. Riders of all ages have swung into our saddles for their first ever riding experience. Our horses know the trail and take great care of our guests.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, Riders must be 8 years old and accompanied by an adult until 18. Children must have their parents sign a waiver form for them. For younger riders, we have hour long lessons and pony rides available.
Can we trot and canter?
Sorry, but no and I know this takes a lot of fun out of the ride. Once aboard and out on our trail though you will understand that the terrain is best suited to a walk. This is also an insurance requirement so there is no wiggle room.
I’m Robust, is there a weight limit?
Yes, we have a 220 lb. weight limit for our ride. Because the ride is 2 1/2 to 3 hours long this is as much for your comfort as that of our horses. You need to be able to mount up both at the corrals and the lake. Please talk to our staff if you are above the weight limit.
Can we ride double?
Unfortunately, no. Every person must have their own horse and be able to perform basic commands such as stopping and turning. But don’t worry, we’ll help guide you through the steps and our horses are great listeners.
Do we need to wear helmets?
We get this question a lot and although we recommend a helmet you are not required to wear one. Should you chose to wear one we offer Troxel brand vented helmets with a brim that are comfortable and fit just like a bike helmet. Our horses are extremely gentle and trail wise but you are still getting on an animal that will rely on instinct over training when put in certain situations. When it doubt, it is always better to be safe.
Are the horses safe?
Our animals are incredible. However, a horse is still an animal with its own brain that relies on its instincts when faced with adverse situations. Horses also rely on the herd’s response to danger and our horses are not easily spooked, they have spent their lives doing this job and are familiar with wildlife, traffic and people.
Can I cancel if I can’t make it?
Try as we might, life sometimes throws changes at us and we need to change our plans. We’ll ride in the rain but if mother nature throws some thunderstorms or other nasty weather at us, we will do our best to reschedule you but if we have to cancel the ride, we’ll refund your money.
When you book your ride with us, we reserve the horses and wrangler for you. The nature of our business is to take reservations well in advance. Cancelling a ride leaves us with a hole in our schedule we may not be able to fill, especially if we’ve turned guests away already. If you need to cancel your trip with us 14 days or more before you are scheduled to ride, we’ll refund 75% of your money. 25% of your payment is non-refundable. If you cancel within 14 days or are a no-show for your ride, your money is non-refundable.
Difficulty Level?
Whether you grew up riding horses or have never been astride one of these tremendous animals you are sure to enjoy your ride with us. There’s no experience necessary to ensure a wonderful time.