#Chelan Mountains

[eopederson2]

Edge of Alpine Lakes Wilderness, 2019.

Illustration of a frustration, for there was no time to leave the road and hike into the wilderness.

[ancientstarrydynamo]

[rabbitcruiser]

In the evening on December, 14, 1872 a severe earthquake shook the Pacific Northwest in the USA. A giant portion of the hillside of Broken Mountain (WA) fell into the Columbia River that night.

[thegreypedaler]

[mmaxywaxy]

Chelan, WA 03/2023

[samwisefamgee]

Just found out Multnomah Falls are the most visited national recreation site in the PNW and I might flip

[mountrainiernps]

Native American Heritage Month

The first non-Indigenous climbers of Mount Rainier were guided by an Indigenous man called Sluskin. The name appears several times throughout the park’s history, and it actually refers to more than one person. Sluskin aka Saluskin, Sluse-cum, Salooskin, Shu-lu-skin, or Sluiskin, is a family name among the Yakama people. In Mount Rainier’s history the most well-known is the guide Sluiskin, who led P.B. Van Trump and Hazard Stevens during their trip to summit the mountain in 1870. However, there was another Sluskin, who told a story from when he was a young man.

In the summer of 1855, Sluskin and his people were camping northeast of the present city of Yakima when they were approached by two “King George men” (white men) in search of a guide to Tahoma, the “White Mountain.” The men identified themselves as employees of Governor Stevens. Sluskin, who had learned the routes from his father, agreed to serve as their guide. After guiding them to the north side of the mountain, Sluskin’s story recounts:

“Next morning I saw them put lunch in pockets and leave camp. …they start up the mountain. They put on shoes to walk on ice …shoes with nails in two places like this [heel and toe]. They started early at daylight and came back after dark same day. I stayed in camp all day and thought they fell in ice split and died. At night I saw smoke go up from top of mountain, and I heard it like low thunder (probably an avalanche on Willis Wall). The white men told me they went on top of mountain and looked with glass along Cascades toward Okanogan and British Columbia, Lake Chelan and everywhere. They said ‘We find lines.’ They told me they set stick or rock on top of mountain. …They said ‘Ice all over top, lake in center, and smoke [or steam] coming out all around like sweat-house.’”

Despite the unknown identity of the two “King George men” surveyors, it is believed that Sluskin’s account truly documents the earliest known expedition to the mountain’s summit by non-Indigenous people. Records of native guides like Sluskin, who were familiar with routes to the mountain, also attest to Indigenous peoples’ close connection to the mountain, which they travelled to often for food and other resources.

NOTE: Sluskin’s 1855 story was recorded by Luculus McWhorter in 1916. Sluskin account and excerpts are from “Plants, Tribal Traditions, and the Mountain”, G. Burtchard, D. Hooper, & A. Peterson, 2024, pp 35-38. Available at https://go.nps.gov/Plants-TribalTraditionsReport

NPS/C. Meleedy Photo of Mount Rainier from the north side along the Wonderland Trail.

[weather-pnw]

Weather: Pacific Northwest

Report generated at 2024-12-25 16:00:10.377378-08:00 using satellite imagery and alert data provided by the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Warning

WA:

Central Chelan County

Lower Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest

Okanogan Highlands

Okanogan Valley

Olympics

Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest

Waterville Plateau

Wenatchee Area

West Slopes North Cascades and Passes

West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes

West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes

Western Chelan County

Western Okanogan County

ID:

Bear River Range

Big Hole Mountains

Big Lost Highlands/Copper Basin

Blackfoot Mountains

Caribou Range

Centennial Mountains/Island Park

Franklin/Eastern Oneida Region

Marsh and Arbon Highlands

Raft River Region

Sawtooth/Stanley Basin

Southern Hills/Albion Mountains

Sun Valley Region

Teton Valley

Wood River Foothills

Winter Weather Advisory

WA:

Cascades of Lane County

Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties

North Oregon Cascades

Northeast Mountains

Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon

Northwest Blue Mountains

South Washington Cascades

Upper Columbia Basin

OR:

Baker County

Cascades of Lane County

Cascades of Marion and Linn Counties

East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades

North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County

North Oregon Cascades

Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon

Northwest Blue Mountains

Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades

South Central Oregon Cascades

South Central Siskiyou County

South Washington Cascades

Upper Weiser River

Western Siskiyou County

ID:

Arco/Mud Lake Desert

Baker County

Bear Lake Valley

Beaverhead/Lemhi Highlands

Boise Mountains

Camas Prairie

Central Panhandle Mountains

Eastern Magic Valley

Frank Church Wilderness

Lost River Range

Lower Snake River Plain

Northern Clearwater Mountains

Northern Panhandle

Shoshone/Lava Beds

Southern Clearwater Mountains

Upper Snake River Plain

Upper Treasure Valley

Upper Weiser River

West Central Mountains

Western Magic Valley

CA:

Greater Lake Tahoe Area

Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties

Mono

North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County

Northern Trinity

Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades

South Central Oregon Cascades

South Central Siskiyou County

West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada

Western Plumas County/Lassen Park

Western Siskiyou County

NV:

Greater Lake Tahoe Area

Northern Elko County

Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range

South Central Elko County

Southwest Elko County

Coastal Flood Warning

WA:

Central Coast

Coastal Flood Advisory

WA:

Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca

North Coast

South Washington Coast

Western Strait of Juan De Fuca

High Surf Advisory

WA:

Central Coast

North Coast

South Washington Coast

OR:

Central Coast of Oregon

Clatsop County Coast

Tillamook County Coast

CA:

Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands

Coastal Del Norte

Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore

Los Angeles County Beaches

Malibu Coast

Mendocino Coast

Northern Humboldt Coast

Northern Monterey Bay

San Diego County Coastal Areas

San Francisco

San Francisco Peninsula Coast

San Luis Obispo County Beaches

Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches

Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast

Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast

Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast

Southwestern Humboldt

Ventura County Beaches

High Wind Warning

WA:

Admiralty Inlet Area

Central Coast

Clatsop County Coast

North Coast

San Juan County

South Washington Coast

Western Skagit County

Western Whatcom County

Willapa Hills

OR:

Central Coast of Oregon

Central and Eastern Lake County

Clatsop County Coast

Curry County Coast

Modoc County

Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County

South Central Oregon Coast

South Washington Coast

Tillamook County Coast

ID:

Orofino/Grangeville Region

CA:

Central and Eastern Lake County

Coastal Del Norte

Modoc County

Northern and Eastern Klamath County and Western Lake County

Wind Advisory

WA:

Admiralty Inlet Area

Bellevue and Vicinity

Bremerton and Vicinity

Central Panhandle Mountains

Coeur d'Alene Area

East Puget Sound Lowlands

Everett and Vicinity

Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington

Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon

Hood Canal Area

Idaho Palouse

Lower Chehalis Valley Area

Lower Garfield and Asotin Counties

San Juan County

Seattle and Vicinity

Southwest Interior

Spokane Area

Tacoma Area

Upper Columbia Basin

Washington Palouse

Western Skagit County

Western Whatcom County

OR:

Central Oregon

Eastern Curry County and Josephine County

Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington

Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon

Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon

Grande Ronde Valley

Jackson County

North Central Oregon

ID:

Central Panhandle Mountains

Coeur d'Alene Area

Idaho Palouse

Lewis and Southern Nez Perce Counties

Spokane Area

Washington Palouse

CA:

Central Siskiyou County

Del Norte Interior

Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area

Interstate 5 Corridor

Northern Humboldt Coast

Northern Humboldt Interior

Northern Ventura County Mountains

Northern Washoe County

Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains

Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast

Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range

Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range

Southern Humboldt Interior

Southern Ventura County Mountains

Southwestern Humboldt

Surprise Valley California

NV:

Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area

Northern Washoe County

Surprise Valley California

Hydrologic Outlook

WA:

Grays Harbor

Flood Watch

WA:

Clallam

Flood Warning

WA:

Mason

High Surf Warning

OR:

Curry County Coast

South Central Oregon Coast

Lake Wind Advisory

NV:

Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake

[exitrowiron]

Beth and I did the 42 mile Lake Loop of the Chelan Rotary Ride. They probably had a few hundred riders doing the variety of distances. The views were spectacular and the route even included a pontoon boat ‘ferry’ courtesy of Rotary members. Beth rode her new e-assist mountain bike which meant I could go as fast as I wanted; unfortunately her battery ran out of juice with a few miles to go. Fortunately she is a good biker and the electronic shifting still worked.

[eopederson2]

End of a road leading to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Chelan County, 2019.

Sadly on our 2019 trip this was as close to the Enchantments as I could get as we had to be in the BC Gulf Islands two days later.

[primordialsoundmeditation]

Before you sleep tonight,

Consider all

the night-blooming flowers

opening this moment

before the moon.

Consider all the owls

leaping off their branches

to fly on silent wings

into the night.

Consider the earthen majesty

of the combined dreams

of the forest.

Consider the light exchanged

between the stars

in their great web

of the night.

Consider the sentience

within each living thing~

everything alive

with reverence.

Consider the ancient temple

of the hills

and the monks

that are the mountains

donning their silhouetted robes

to hold vigil for you

each night.

Consider all

the god inside of you tends to

while you sleep

with such tenderness

and incredible intelligence~

organizing your whole

inner life,

soothing its edges,

doing all it might

to make you more

hospitable to love.

Consider, the whirlers

up all night to dance

their prayers

while the dervish planets

do the same.

Let the lullaby of the worldwide

chorus of crickets

wrap itself around you tonight.

Be held

by the blanket of stars.

Sleep well, my dear.

All existence is spun of magic

and you are outside

of nothing.

Receive all the blessings this earth

is perpetually trying to give you

And rest soundly

on a deep bed

of awe

and thanks.

By Chelan Harkin

Artist Franz von Stuck - Shooting Stars, 1912

The Heirloom Gardener John Forti

[rabbitcruiser]

Earthquake Point/Broken Mountain, WA

Take a step back in time to December 14, 1872 in what was at that time Washington Territory. Ulysses S. Grant had just been elected president for his second term, and Boston was still recovering from the Great Fire that destroyed much of the city in November of that year. You had to draw water from a well, light your cabin with oil lamps, and typically folks would retire for the night shortly after sundown, when the evening chores were completed, and supper dishes were cleaned.

On that night, at almost 10pm, folks across the region were awakened by a massive earthquake. Contemporary accounts describe the earth rolling from North to South, no jolting bumps, just the feeling like walking on the deck of a ship in rough seas. 

The earthquake impacted an area of the Pacific Northwest over 625,000 miles – from Salem Oregon in the South, to Victoria, BC in the North, across Idaho into Montana and much damage was sustained in the populated areas west of the Cascades. In Seattle buildings rocked, trees shook, items and fell off shelves. Pendulum clocks were stopped by the offsetting rocking, or started up again, if they had been stopped. Plaster walls cracked and lamps tipped over. 

Prior to the event, Lake Union had been flat calm, but the quake caused a tidal wave several feet high. In Olympia there were reports of fireplaces crumbling.

Jack Splawn (also known as Moses Splawn) was a cowboy and resident of Yakima City at that time. He explained that he and the other cowboys on the ranch had just completed the year’s branding and were celebrating at the Sagebrush Saloon, when the building began rocking and they ran outside to see what hoodlums were trying to tip the house over. 

While some folks dealt with milk sloshed out of the pail, and knickknacks falling off the shelf, the residents of North Central Washington, especially indigenous tribes who lived along the Columbia river near Chelan witnessed a far more catastrophic event. It is known locally as “the night the mountain fell.”

As you drive along Highway 97A just past Entiat on your way to Chelan, there is a roadside pullout and marker explaining “Earthquake Point.” Here you can view what the native people named “Ribbon Cliffs”. A giant portion of the hillside of Broken Mountain fell into the Columbia river that night. Of course, the river was not as high then as it is now, as the hydroelectric projects along the river have raised it, however, the amount of earth and granite that fell blocked the river and flooded the lands behind it, including the ranch of the Wapato family. You might recognize that tribal name from the peninsula of land at Lake Chelan, called Wapato Point. 

At some point the following day the water broke through the earthen dam, the flood receded, and the river began to flow again. It must have been a sight to behold if you lived in Wenatchee to wake up to a dry riverbed! Witnesses to the event reported that it took several days for the earthen dam to break up and the river to return to its previous level. 

While there was no seismologic equipment in place seventeen years before Washington became a state, experts studying the damage and geologic features believe the quake was between 6.5 and 7.5 in magnitude. That makes it one of the largest on record in the state. 

For 143 years it was a mystery where the epicenter of this earthquake could be found. In 2015 geologist Brian Sherrod painstakingly surveyed a canyon between Chelan and Entiat, where he found a fault and was able to definitively prove it to be the source of the quake. 

Source

[ceekbee]

Before you sleep tonight,

Consider all

the night-blooming flowers

opening this moment

before the moon.

Consider all the owls

leaping off their branches

to fly on silent wings

into the night.

Consider the earthen majesty

of the combined dreams

of the forest.

Consider the light exchanged

between the stars

in their great web

of the night.

Consider the sentience

within each living thing~

everything alive

with reverence.

Consider the ancient temple

of the hills

and the monks

that are the mountains

donning their silhouetted robes

to hold vigil for you

each night.

Consider all

the god inside of you tends to

while you sleep

with such tenderness

and incredible intelligence~

organizing your whole

inner life,

soothing its edges,

doing all it might

to make you more

hospitable to love.

Consider, the whirlers

up all night to dance

their prayers

while the dervish planets

do the same.

Let the lullaby of the worldwide

chorus of crickets

wrap itself around you tonight.

Be held

by the blanket of stars.

Sleep well, my dear.

All existence is spun of magic

and you are outside

of nothing.

Receive all the blessings this earth

is perpetually trying to give you

And rest soundly

on a deep bed

of awe

and thanks.

By Chelan Harkin

Artist Franz von Stuck - Shooting Stars, 1912

[mmaxywaxy]

Chelan, WA 03/2023

[gvbzdfdfdb]

Discovering Cannabis Culture: Exploring Wenatchee and Chelan County Pot Dispensaries

The cannabis industry in Washington State has grown considerably since the state legalized recreational cannabis in 2012. Wenatchee and Chelan County have become hotspots for cannabis tourism and consumption as attitudes toward cannabis have shifted, transforming dispensaries into valuable hubs of wellness, education, and relaxation.Wenatchee dispensary outlets are particularly noted for their focus on creating safe and welcoming spaces, while Chelan County pot dispensaries emphasize the area's natural beauty, drawing cannabis enthusiasts who are also outdoor enthusiasts.

In Wenatchee and the surrounding Chelan County, these dispensaries are becoming more than just retail locations—they are cultural centers where visitors can explore a wide range of cannabis products, learn about different consumption methods, and connect with like-minded individuals. Many of these dispensaries have cultivated knowledgeable staff who are well-versed in the medicinal and recreational applications of cannabis, guiding both beginners and seasoned users through their purchases.

Product Variety: What Wenatchee Dispensaries Offer

Cannabis products available at Wenatchee dispensary locations range widely to cater to various preferences and needs. Traditional offerings include popular items like flower strains, pre-rolled joints, and edibles, while more specialized options like tinctures, topicals, and vape cartridges cater to those seeking alternative consumption methods.

In recent years, Wenatchee dispensaries have also broadened their selections to include organic and locally sourced products, supporting Washington's broader movement toward sustainability and eco-consciousness. Many customers are drawn to these dispensaries for their commitment to quality and safety, knowing that products are rigorously tested for purity and potency before reaching the shelves.

CBD products, which are non-psychoactive but have wellness-promoting properties, are also a major feature in these dispensaries. They appeal to individuals seeking relief from ailments like chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders without the high associated with THC. This diversity in offerings highlights the versatility of cannabis, accommodating a spectrum of consumer preferences and health needs.

The Chelan County Pot Dispensary Experience: Embracing Nature and Wellness

Chelan County’s dispensaries are unique in their approach, often blending the cannabis retail experience with the area's stunning natural landscapes. With the backdrop of scenic Lake Chelan, rolling orchards, and mountainous terrain, Chelan County pot dispensaries offer a tranquil setting for exploring cannabis.

One defining characteristic of these dispensaries is their strong focus on wellness. Many pot shops in Chelan County prioritize a relaxed and spa-like environment, catering to visitors who seek cannabis as a complement to their wellness journey. Staff members frequently educate visitors on the therapeutic aspects of cannabis, helping them choose products that align with their personal wellness goals, whether it’s for relaxation, pain relief, or enhancing outdoor activities in the region.

Supporting Local Community: The Economic and Social Impact of Dispensaries

Both Wenatchee and Chelan County pot dispensaries contribute significantly to the local economy and community, with revenues from cannabis sales funneled back into public services, infrastructure, and educational programs. Local governments benefit from the tax revenue generated by dispensary sales, allowing for improvements in healthcare, education, and recreational facilities.

Moreover, dispensaries in Wenatchee and Chelan County often host events to engage the community, such as educational workshops on cannabis benefits, art showcases, or outdoor activities that pair cannabis with adventure tourism. These events not only foster community engagement but also contribute to the local economy by drawing visitors who may stay in nearby accommodations, dine at local restaurants, or participate in other recreational activities.

Cannabis Tourism: A Growing Attraction in Washington State

Cannabis tourism is an increasingly popular reason to visit Wenatchee and Chelan County. Tourists often come to the area to enjoy the natural beauty, from hiking trails to scenic vineyards, and many now include a stop at a Wenatchee dispensary or a Chelan County pot dispensary as part of their itinerary. For visitors from states where cannabis remains illegal, Washington's legal dispensaries offer an opportunity to try cannabis in a safe and regulated environment.

To support this trend, many local dispensaries offer tourist-friendly services, such as detailed consultations, takeaway menus, and even cannabis education sessions to familiarize new users with safe and enjoyable consumption practices. The presence of these dispensaries has added a new dimension to the area’s tourism sector, attracting visitors with a range of interests—from wellness and relaxation to adventurous outdoor exploration.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Dispensaries in Wenatchee and Chelan County

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Wenatchee and Chelan County are well-positioned to expand their offerings and enhance the customer experience further. Dispensaries in the area are expected to continue focusing on wellness and sustainability, integrating these values into their products and services. Additionally, technological advancements, such as online ordering and curbside pickup, are making it more convenient than ever to purchase cannabis from these locations.

With increasing acceptance of cannabis and its potential benefits, these dispensaries are likely to see continued growth, further establishing their place in both local culture and the economy. By maintaining a focus on education, quality, and community involvement, Wenatchee and Chelan County dispensaries are setting a high standard for cannabis retail and ensuring their lasting appeal to both residents and visitors.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Cannabis in Central Washington

Exploring Wenatchee dispensary options and Chelan County pot dispensaries provides an immersive look into the evolving cannabis culture in Central Washington. As these dispensaries continue to grow, they are not only meeting the needs of cannabis consumers but are also enhancing the area's appeal as a destination for wellness, relaxation, and nature-based tourism. Through quality products, educational experiences, and community-focused initiatives, Wenatchee and Chelan County's dispensaries are redefining the role of cannabis retail, establishing themselves as essential destinations in the region’s rich tapestry.