Chelan County urges safe parking, shuttle use as wildflower season returns

CHELAN COUNTY — As wildflower season draws visitors into Chelan County’s canyons, county officials are urging caution and planning ahead, especially when it comes to parking along narrow rural roads.

In a recent message from Chelan County Public Works, Cashmere District Assistant Foreman Travis Willms said the same conditions that make the canyons scenic also make them difficult places to safely leave a vehicle.

“Here in Chelan County we have a lot of canyons, which include narrow roadways, steep embankments and soft shoulders,” Willms said. “So it is not very easy to get your car very off the road and in a safe place to park.”

“There’s just not a lot of safe parking in these canyons,” he added.

With limited space available, officials are encouraging visitors to think ahead before heading out.

“We are very much encouraging people to find alternate ways to get to the trailhead this year,” Public Information Officer Jill FitzSimmons said. “Use a shuttle, have a friend drop you off, get creative, don’t bring your car.”

A seasonal shuttle service is one option for visitors headed to Olalla Canyon. Wenatchee Valley Shuttle Charters plans to operate weekend service during peak bloom season, with buses running every 30 minutes between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Riders can park at the Big Y Park and Ride in Peshastin, with round-trip fares set at $20. No reservations are required.

For those who do drive, Willms said the expectation is clear.

“You need to have your car completely off the asphalt.”

FitzSimmons said problems during the 2025 wildflower season included vehicles parked on private property, blocking driveways and limiting access along already narrow canyon roads.

“You can’t get a fire truck up one of these narrow canyons if we’ve got a bunch of cars parked in them,” she said.

Improper parking can also lead to enforcement, she added.

“If you’re one of the people who is parked on the pavement, you’re risking a parking ticket, which I can tell you is a lot higher than a city parking ticket, and you’re also risking a tow.”

Officials also remind visitors not to block private driveways or park on private property.

With wildflower viewing expected to draw crowds again this season, they say a little extra planning can help keep roads clear and ensure emergency access when needed.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media