Lake Chelan Area Attractions

Lake Chelan is all about FUN! Whether you like high adventure, leisure sports or playing around with the kids, Lake Chelan abounds with activities for families and children of all ages. The favorite, of course, is playing in the lake! But for those who enjoy more challenging play, there is everything from golf, fishing, bike riding, rollerblading, and bowling!

Boating

Lake Chelan is a boater's paradise. The blue, pristine waters of this 55-mile long lake open a variety of options for the recreational boater and water sports aficionado, whether they are using the lake to play, fish or to travel into the spectacular and primitive North Cascades.

Lake Chelan is becoming a favorite kayak and canoeing location. Most human powered boating activity takes place above 25-Mile Creek where the majority of the boating public don't go. Once into the Lucerne Basin, paddlers have a relatively quiet wilderness experience as they paddle along Lake Chelan's wild and spectacular shorelines. They have an opportunity to watch wildlife including mountain goat, mountain sheep, deer, bear, cougar and birds of prey in their natural habitat.

Boat Tours

Experience the headwaters of Lake Chelan aboard the Lady of the Lake. Choose from three travel options and take in the breathtaking beauty of the area including a visit to Stehekin.

Fishing

The Lake Chelan Valley has been known for its world-class fishing since the first settlers arrived in the late 1800's. Each year stocking programs release 100,000 Chinook Salmon, 60,000 Lake Trout, 100,000 Rainbow Trout, and 600,000 Kokanee into the cool, clear waters of Lake Chelan. The fish in Lake Chelan do not migrate - they are landlocked. The Lake Chelan fishing season is open year around, but please check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing pamphlet for license requirements and limits. Fishing Regulation pamphlets, fishing license, and fishing supplies can be obtained at Kelly's ACE Hardware/Sporting Goods Store in downtown Chelan.

At the head of 55 mile Lake Chelan the Stehekin River offers some of the best fly-fishing in the Northwest. Three miles from Chelan, down the scenic Chelan Falls Gorge Road, the Columbia River is a favorite for Rainbows, Sturgeon, Walleye and Catfish.

Golf

There are several golf courses in the Chelan area ranging from a 9-hole economical course in Manson to Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course and world-class Desert Canyon, recently named "2nd Best Course in Washington" located 17 miles south of Chelan.

There are also two championship putting courses - one at Desert Canyon and one at Lake Chelan's Don Morse Park. Both courses are beautifully designed, surrounded by water, rocks, and hazards providing a realistic golf experience for non-golfers and future golfers.

Hiking

From a simple walk around Riverwalk Park to a more strenuous hike in the downlake region to a real mountain adventure in the upper regions of the lake and the Cascades, Lake Chelan offers numerous hiking options.

Wineries

There are over 200 acres of wine grapes flowing from valley slopes toward the scenic deep-water beauty of Lake Chelan. Throughout the valley, you can tour the vineyards and meet the winemakers, enjoying the serenity and romance of wine tasting framed by the beauty of Lake Chelan and the North Cascade Mountains. Area wineries feature weekly entertainment, including a summer concert series with world-class performers, dinner and dessert nights, and fun events for the entire family.

Biking

If you are clipping in to ride the trails in the Lake Chelan basin... you're in for some great rides. Lake Chelan's varied terrain offers rides from gentle to the extreme… for every skill level.

Hang Gliding

Known as the "Recreational Hang Gliding Capital of the World" - Chelan draws pilots every summer from around the world to fly the rising thermals of North Central Washington. This is an extreme sport which requires extensive training, but for the interested visitor, a trip to the Chelan Sky Park on top of the Butte is well worth the drive.

Rafting

Guided raft trips down the beautiful Methow River are available only 30 minutes north of Chelan. Choose between an exciting white water run or the relaxing Family Float.

Water Park

Located on the Chelan Butte overlooking beautiful Lake Chelan, Slidewaters is one of the Northwest's largest most popular waterslides. Acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and sparkling, heated water compliment the fantastic waterslides. Featuring ten waterslides, a 60-person spa, a children's aqua zoo, volley ball, swimming, and an arcade, there's something for everyone!

Music and Arts

The winery, waterfalls and the Lake Chelan landscape create an incomparable backdrop for plays, summer concerts, and fine art shows. From the annual Lake Chelan Bach Fest and Riverwalk Fine Arts Show to the Summer Concert Series, there is a special event sure to make your getaway more memorable.

Parks and Recreation

With 2,000 feet of waterfront, Don Morse Park is 40 acres of fun. Wonderful for swimming, boating or just relaxing in the sun, there are activities for everyone, from an 18-hole natural green grass putting course, go carts and a skate park, to tennis, volley ball and basketball courts.