Lake Chelan Washington is one of those places, that once you go, you know. Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the United States behind Crater Lake, making it an amazing place for summer and spring. The far north end is home to the North Cascades National Park, making it a great place to stop before or after hiking trips.
With it’s draw for tourism, Lake Chelan is home to many incredible restaurants, lodging options, and activities for everybody to enjoy. World class wineries, golf, mountain biking, and incredible views-take your pick for how you choose to spend your time here.
Lake Chelan is close to towns like Wenatchee and Winthrop that I have visited before, so it was great to see what it was all about after driving past all these times!
I had the pleasure of spending time here in late spring, getting to enjoy the scenery before it got busy for summer-arguably it’s busiest time of year. Working with the tourism board, I was able to do a wide range of activities that I can share with you all! Let’s get into it.
Where Is Lake Chelan Located?
In Eastern Washington, just under 5 hours from Seattle, the stunning Lake Chelan neighbors Mount Baker Wilderness-granting stunning views on the drive in.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Chelan?
If you look at any of the footage on the tourism board site, summer is going to be the most popular time to visit Lake Chelan, but is also going to be the busiest.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Lake Chelan just before summer in April and May. Rain and sunshine will be expected weather wise. Lake Chelan is at 1,100 feet so even on a 60 degree day, it feels warm! I learned my lesson visiting in spring only packing jeans to find out quickly 60 degrees meant shorts and a tank top. Plus, wildflowers are in bloom in the neighboring Wenatchee National Forest area.
Summer is going to be the best time to visit Lake Chelan. Given that it is a tourist town that thrives on summer, the town is booming! Boats fill the lake, as do parades, activities, and more. Weather is hot and dry so swimming, paddle boarding, and wake boarding are a must.
Fall is a gorgeous time to visit Lake Chelan as the weather cools off after a hot and potentially smokey summer. This can be the perfect basecamp for exploring fall larch colors in the North Cascades.
Winter is a growing popular time to visit Lake Chelan as their Winterfest is held in January. Seattlites can escape the rainy and dark weather for sunshine and snow capped mountains. Winterfest is held over two weekends in the middle of January and is filled with fun for the entire family.
Where Should I Stay in Lake Chelan?
Depending on your budget, how many people you have, and if your traveling with your dog, there are plenty of options to choose from lodging wise. Personally, I would suggest staying close to downtown because it is an extremely walkable town.
Lodging on The Lake
Grandview On The Lake: While the outside appearance might look a little old, its because it is! But don’t let the book be the cover here, each room is remodeled and privately owned so it feels like an Airbnb with some of the hotel amenities. A full kitchen, views of the lake, balconies, and a cozy area for sleeping. Bonus, it’s walkable to downtown. Plus, its afforable and some rooms can sleep at least 4.
Campbell’s Resort: A Resort on Lake Chelan since 1901, and with sweeping veiws of the water and a stunning pool, this is a great place for the entire family. Rates are around $300-$500 a night here. In the summer months this does sell out so be sure to book your stay well in advance!
Grandview Lake Chelan: With gorgeous views of the lake and access to downtown, the Lodge has an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Prices average $300-$400/night to stay here.
The Lodge Lake Chelan: A modern, newer lodge in Manson technically- this is a grea places to stay with stunning views of the water, although not technically on the water itself. To visit downtown Lake Chelan you would have to drive or bike.
Rent a Home
Being a vacation town, Lake Chelan is filled with various vacation rentals to stay at.
When I was traveling to Lake Chelan, I stayed at the Earthlight Villas which are an hour drive from Lake Chelan, it is a great place to stay to add buffer to your trip! Incredible sweeping views of the Columbia River and the villas are a bucket list Washington experience.
Campgrounds
If you visit in the summertime, Lake Chelan has some incredible campgrounds to visit.
Lake Chelan State Park, Lodge at Stehekin, Wapato Lake Campground, Chelan Ranch, Echo Valley Resort and Cabins, and and Lakeshore RV Park.
Things To Do at Lake Chelan
When I say there is something for the entire family at Lake Chelan, I mean it! Truly an all ages destination. I will share some of the things I was able to enjoy here and others that I didn’t!
Walk the Chelan Riverwalk
The riverwalk is a stunning trail that is bikable or walkable with a couple access points to swim. Keep in mind the water is extremely cold so swim at your own risk. It is .9 miles long if you want to walk the entire path!
Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market is located close to downtown and the riverwalk and is a great way to support local artisans. It takes place every week on Thursdays from May 1 to October 23 every year at 2PM-6PM.
Visit a Winery (or Three)
How much time do you have and how much wine can you drink? This area is an abundant place for grapes to grow, and is home to over 35 tasting rooms and wineries. If your a wino, Lake Chelan should be on your bucket list.
Lagrioth Winery was one of the best wineries I had a pleasure of visiting on this trip. Family owned and ran, with stunning farm views and incredible wine and a laid back atmosphere.
If your looking for upscale dining, views of Lake Chlean, and a European feel, Tsillan Cellars and Sorrento’s Ristorante are a must stop when in Lake Chelan-the food was incredible.
Go Mountain Biking
Haven’t mountain biked before? This is a great place to try! Just 15 minutes outside of town is Echo Valley Cabins which has Specialized E-Mountain bikes for rent for adults and kids. Views are incredible at the top!
Go Golfing
Lake Chelan is home to five different golf courses, all varying in prices. Views from each are incredible!
Go Boating
Didn’t bring your paddle board? No problem! Rent one right on the waterfront and explore all that Lake Chelan has to offer. Looking for something bigger? Rent a boat or Jet Ski to explore on the water for the weekend.
Visit Lakeside Surf
Want to ride the wave and learn how to surf? Open in the summer months, this is a great place to try surfing or just watch and enjoy tacos and live music.
Visit Slidewaters
For the summer months, Slide Waters has a lazy river, waterslides, and pools. Its the best place in town to cool off if your hotel doesn’t have a pool or swimming in Lake Chelan isn’t for you.
Enjoy Hot Yoga at The Barn
Looking to get your workout in when your in town? The Barn is the best place to enjoy a HIIT class or hot yoga. Book in advance because their classes do sell out.
Cold Plunge and Sauna at Elevate Lake Chelan
I’ve visited a number of spas in my life but I was blown away by Elevate. You can drop in at anytime and enjoy their indoor cold plunge and sauna. Add a facial onto your experience, trust me! Again, book in advance!
Hike Elephant Head
I would have loved to do this hike with snow in the distance! This trail is very exposed to the sun-so keep that in mind and start early on hot days. It’s 4 miles long with 1,128 feet of elevation gain.
Visit Stehekin
The small mountain town of Stehekin Washington is on the north end of Lake Chelan. It is a popular destination for backpackers, and a great place for a day trip. Take the Stehekin Ferry across the water and enjoy the area for the afternoon or stay overnight! Again, you will want to book this in advance as it is quite popular and is only open in the summer months.
Where Should I Eat at Lake Chelan?
One thing I was surprised by at Lake Chelan was the restaurants! Again, don’t judge a book by it’s cover-many places had quality ingredients and fair prices. You know it’s good when you feel good the next day after eating every meal out on a trip.
Albatross Lake Chelan: Located at The Fairway at The Albatross golf course, the Albatross is a chill laid back vibe with a bustling atmosphere-perfect for the entire family. Had incredible crab cakes here!
Sorrento’s at Tsillan Cellars: Fine dining experience just five minutes outside of town with stunning views of Lake Chelan. Everything I ate here was extremely memorable and divine.
Campbell’s Pub and Veranda: Food and the views here are 10/10. Take the entire family for a more laid back atmosphere and classic pub food made with high quality ingredients.
The Vogue Chelan: Looking for the best coffee and grab and go breakfast? This is your stop. I had coffee here six times in 48 hours.
Broken Compass Cafe: I will not stop talking about the pastries from here-WOW. Incredible coffee and the best biscuits and gravy of my LIFE! Last I heard they might by leaving Lake Chelan, so good to check beforehand.
Lake Chelan Brewery: If your looking for local brews and brewery food-this is the place to visit! Who doesn’t want beer made from glacier water?
In conclusion, I had an incredible time getting to learn about Lake Chelan and learning more about the area. A big takeaway I had is that the people here are incredibly nice! Treat the area with respect, and tip your staff. Did I miss something? Be sure to leave a comment.
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