The ranch dog had more personality and people skills than the person guiding/leading the ride.read more

The only reason I added an extra star to the lowest possible rating is because the snowmobile ride…read moreitself on the trails was very enjoyable. Wonderful weather, great time in the mountains. The rest of this review is focused on my interaction with the owner Don, and not the guides (who were very pleasant fellas). Don handled the paperwork and showed my partner and I how the snowmobiles worked. Then we got on our own snowmobiles to get started, and this is when Don started yelling at me. First of all, to start this snowmobile you have to pull up the kill switch. Those little knobs pull up by like one tiny centimeter and maybe if you rode it everyday you can tell by eye if the kill switch is up or down. Well I couldn't tell and I assumed I had to pull up the knob so I tried, and Don started yelling at me IT'S ALREADY UP WHY ARE YOU PULLING IT, IT'S ALREADY UP! Then I tried to turn the key in ignition but it didn't start because I didn't flip the parking brake. Then Don started yelling again "YOU ARE STILL IN PARKED, FLIP THIS THING. DON'T YOU LISTEN?!!" Now, in Don's instructions he said almost in his exact words" this is the parking brake and you don't have to worry about it". So hey Don I listened to you and didn't worry about it, guess you need better instructions. Maybe Don had a bad day and was frustrated, but no amount of frustration justifies yelling that way at others. Oh and we paid for a 4 hour ride but got only 3 hours of actual ride time. And no we weren't late. If you really want to go snowmobiling, I'd recommend checking out options near Leavenworth. The prices are similar if not cheaper than Chewack, views are just as good and the staff a lot more pleasant and professional.

This campground is a hidden gem if your looking for a real camping experience--not a crowded RV…read moreparking lot with generators humming all night? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that's the real deal. Whistlin' Pine Ranch sits at the quiet end of Alta Lake, just one mile past the State Park. This four-generation, family-run ranch and campground was started by my girlfriend's grandparents and lovingly restored by Tara, who grew up hunting, fishing, and outfitting with her dad, Brian Varrelman. Many of you will remember Brian as the heart behind Sawtooth Outfitters, leading generations of families on unforgettable trail rides and backcountry hunts. This isn't just any trail ride. It's access to untouched wilderness--no joggers, no mountain bikes, no barking dogs. Just you, a sure-footed horse, and views so breathtaking they'll leave you speechless. If you're lucky, you might even spot the ranch's resident bear stretched out sunbathing by the pond. Whistlin' Pine is the kind of place that reminds you what camping should feel like--peaceful mornings, paddleboarding on the lake, fishing at sunrise, and star-filled nights. Tara has done an incredible job honoring her family's legacy while giving the ranch some love and new life. So if you're craving the real outdoors, not the Instagram version--this is it. Book a site, saddle up, and go make some core memories.

We first visited WPRSO about ten years ago, shortly after the fire that decimated the nearby Alta…read moreLake State Park. At that time we met Brian, the owner/outfitter, and were impressed with what he had to offer though we were just passing through at the time. We learned from his sidekick that the only reason the beautiful homes, cabins, and ranch at the south end of the lake weren't destroyed in the fire is that Brian and some helpers stayed to keep things watered down when official help wasn't. That's true grit. Fast track to now, and we were planning on staying in Chelan (about 40 minutes away) and I wanted to do some trail riding. I found the newly updated website (really well done - AltaLakeRanch) and contacted Tara, Brian's daughter, who has taken the reins of the ranch now that the Covid issues have passed. She returned my message immediately, something that sooooo many other riding places seem unable to do. She answers her phone. Long story short, we got two rides scheduled for early in the week. She does have a two rider minimum, like so many trail riding places. First two-hour ride ended up being just the two of us, and since I've had horses about forever we could take some of the steeper and rockier trails. This time I rode Bella, a draft/Friesian cross and a giant horse. These trails weren't the easiest, yet she never missed a beat. Since Bella hyper-enjoyed the spring grass, Tara did have to get off her horse to adjust (tighten) up Bella's cinch a few times around her round belly. Otherwise, the saddle fit me well. Tara was riding a young horse that wasn't "string" ready yet but still seemed very well trained to me. Dog Rip, already a great trail dog for his age, joined us. Second two-hour ride we had another person join us, not a regular rider though very fit. Tara asked if I wanted to ride her horse June from the day before (guess I passed the riding test!) so I rode third with her. Once she is on the official string she'll be a favorite as she is nicely trained, moved off the leg really well, was also very sure footed, and just was a pleasure to ride. Well, that plus she isn't a mile high like Bella. Tara rode June's sister, also a young horse in training, and she did great too. Got to add here that Tara knows her horses' quirks well and has appropriate tack for each horse and rider combo. It's awful trying to ride hilly ground on a saddle built for a giant that you slosh around in. This time we took different trails which were more suitable for less experienced riders and really enjoyed the scenery and mountain wildflowers. With 500 acres in this three-generation ranch and adjacent state land to ride on, there are lots of choices for riders from beginners to the more experienced. Reminder to people who don't ride regularly: don't start out with a long ride as you'll be using muscles you never thought you had. You'll realize that in 24 hours and beyond. I found two hours to be perfect for me. We haven't stayed in their campground or attended any equestrian events so I can't comment on that, though Tara is making improvements to the camping area and has more she is exploring. I'll be back to ride again and check on her upgrades as some of them sounded pretty cool.

Had a quick but wonderful ride with Judy, who was so accommodating in setting our time up on short…read morenotice. Would love to come back for an overnight trip and just really enjoyed the ride, her friendliness, her grandkids who were helping around the barn and overall experience. Highly recommend for anyone to book here.

Early Winters Outfitting is a joke.......Don't waste your time and money! I booked a fully guided…read morehunting trip for my son, who drew a once-in-a-lifetime mountain goat tag. We were promised a horseback style backcountry hunt with wall tents. Two days before our hunt was supposed to start, Early Winters postponed our hunt, and one week later they completely canceled our hunt with zero explanation what so ever. Save yourself bunch of time and headache, and spend your hard earned money elsewhere. These people are a complete joke and their customer service is the worst I have ever dealt with.

While visiting Stehekin, we went horseback riding and fly fishing. I will review both…read more Brittney was our horseback riding guide. She explained all the basics and covered all safety guidelines. She kept a close watch on all of us, especially the inexperienced riders. All the horses were very well trained and were in good weight and health, with proper fitting tack. The trail was well groomed and easy to navigate. Brittney was great!! We also went fly fishing. Our guide was named Thomas (Tom). Being as this was my very first time doing this activity, he took great care to explain all the safety precautions needed to have a wonderful experience. He knew where all the best fishing spots were and fish were caught in every one of them. He was an outstanding guide!!

I am very disappointed in this outfitter, especially with regard to their customer service. I paid…read morein full (almost $500 - when only a $135 deposit was necessary) for a trip scheduled in late May, 2019, as I fully expected to go. Approximately 6 weeks before the trip date, I had to cancel. I called and was told I would only receive the deposit amount ($135) back. I would assume that 6 weeks prior, the outfitter had not turned other people away or invested in my attendance - costs that justified their keeping almost 75% of my payment. I wrote a letter in late April, asking for consideration of more of a refund, and that letter was never answered. I called them today and was again refused any more than a 25% refund. Yes, their website recommends travel insurance; but I still think we should have been able to reach a compromise, especially since I doubt my cancellation "cost" them anything, and certainly not 75% of my payment. I would not recommend this outfitter based on this issue of an unfair refund policy and poor customer service.

We had such a nice time it was icing on the cake for our trip. The horses are well taken care of…read moreand the owners are great, easy going guides which made it even more enjoyable :) Def recommend taking time out of rushing around or laying around bc it's effortless and icing on the cake for sure.

The lessons were much more expensive than other private lessons in the area. In addition, the…read moreoffice manager was difficult to work with and had quite the attitude.

If you've ever had the inkling to head west and experience the wilds, Darwood Outfitting is top…read moretier. You're guaranteed to come away with so much more then what you came for. They provide a; safe, challenging, luxurious, and connecting adventure you'll not soon forget. Plus, HORSES!! Put them on the top of your bucket list!

Darwood Outfitters has given me so many special moments in the mountains. Long dusty rides, so much…read morelaughter, cold mountain lakes, mountain tops, beautiful horses and mules, great food, bells at night, campfires, a bonafide singing cowboy, cowboy poetry, and morning coffee. And joy. So much joy among friends that carries me through difficult moments until next time the mountains call. Pure magic. It is my escape with friends. We are pampered in the best way - with amazing horses, gorgeous scenery, fabulous food, did I mention laughter and joy? Darwood Outfitters makes your trip special. You might even make friends that feel like family. I did. I can't wait to go again this year!

Beautiful Pine Lodge Cabin was an awesome place to spend family vacation time! So much room,…read moregorgeous views from the deck sipping on hot coffee in the early mornings. Pool table, jacuzzi and big tv was awesome to have use for all of us and huge eating area and full kitchen to do the cooking for the family! Bedrooms with their own bathrooms was awesome with each having their own room temperature to control. Make sure to sign up for the snowmobile and sleigh riding with the beautiful big horses, 1st sipping on hot cider & it was delicious! Great experience in the snow with the fam and it did not disappoint, i would definitely return & also Definitely highly recommend Snowmobiling and sleigh riding tour guides were awesome, very knowledgeable and super friendly!! Mahaaalooo

Arrived early and decided to order some small bites to eat before our sleigh ride. This is a Self…read moreservice. Scan the QR code to order. Very disappointed with the lunch menu. They only have butternut squash soup and cauliflower soup available. I ordered the creamy cauliflower soup but it was the worst soup I had. It is not creamy or has cauliflower chunks. It was so watery. This bowl of soup is not worth $13.01! Not a place to grab a bite! Do not recommend this place for food. Don't think I will be back