Exploring Washington State: Things To Do in Lake Chelan
From exhilarating water sports and serene boat rides to breathtaking hikes and exquisite wine-tasting tours, uncover the best ways to enjoy Lake Chelan.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded Washington getaway with something for everyone, it’ll be hard to beat Lake Chelan. This serene freshwater oasis has everything you could want in a long weekend, whether you’re a thrill seeker, a wine aficionado, or a nature enthusiast. Glacier West Self Storage has developed your ultimate guide to exploring the scenic beauty and diverse activities this captivating lake offers.
Lake Chelan Attractions: How Deep is Lake Chelan?
Lake Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in North America, with a maximum depth of approximately 1,486 feet. This depth makes it the third deepest lake in the U.S., following Crater Lake in Oregon and Lake Tahoe, which straddles California and Nevada. Lake Chelan is a geographic marvel to behold. Whether visiting on a weekend trip from Seattle or a road trip to the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders, this 50-mile-long lake is a must-see for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike. With proper planning, Lake Chelan, WA, activities can encompass excitement and relaxation for a well-rounded lakefront getaway. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Lake Chelan, WA:
Lake Chelan Boat Rentals and Fishing
What better place to start our lake adventure than right on the water? Regardless of whether you want to zip along the surface on a Jet Ski or sip a cocktail on a charter, Lake Chelan is a paradise for lake lovers of all kinds.
Hop a ferry to nearby Chelan Valley towns, rent a pontoon to fit the whole family, hit the wakes for thrilling watersports, and head out fishing to catch world-class Chinook salmon. Additionally, did you know Lake Chelan is home to one of the deepest gorges in the country? Lucerne Basin dips over 1,400 feet beneath the lake’s surface and is a hot spot for scuba divers from all over! You’ll have no shortage of water activities at Lake Chelan, so the hardest part will be deciding what to do first.
Hiking Near Lake Chelan State Park
Beyond the lake’s shores lies a plethora of paths perfect for hiking fanatics. The valley’s trails wind through beaches, forests, and mountains, making for scenic outings unlike any other. Here are some of the most popular hiking spots in Chelan Valley:
- Echo Ridge. Not only do these trails offer an extensive trail system with ranging difficulties for hikers, families, and mountain bikers, but they are also popular among snowshoers and skiers in the winter months.
- Beebe Springs Wildlife Area. If bird-watching is more your speed than rigorous hiking trails, add Beebe Springs Wildlife Area to your schedule. These ADA-accessible trails meander along creeks, past sculptures, and through the natural habitats of beavers, deer, and migrating birds.
- North Cascades National Park. You won’t want to miss a trip through North Cascades National Park, also known as the American Alps. Whether you want an easy way to take in the stunning views or a challenging vertical climb, a summer vacation to Lake Chelan wouldn’t be complete without a Cascades adventure.
Lake Chelan Camping and Resorts
After a day of outdoor fun, winding down under the stars at Lake Chelan is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. For traditional tent campers and RV owners alike, Chelan Valley has many options for accessible, family-friendly camping. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Summerhill Farm RV Park. This gorgeous campground has options for glamping and affordable RV parking and features fresh produce grown and sold on-site.
- Echo Valley Resort & Cabins. For hikers looking to have both a fun day out and a place to crash, Echo Valley campsites are nestled in serenity, only 15 minutes from shopping and dining in downtown Chelan.
- Prince Creek Campground. While you won’t be able to reserve a spot ahead of time, this waterfront campground is ideal for anyone needing a place to park their boat overnight without straying too far away from nature.
Lake Chelan Restaurants and Wine Tasting Tours
Not only is Lake Chelan home to scenic views and clear waters but it is known for its incredible wineries! While you can explore these award-winning wines via a guided tour, be sure you get a chance to sip a glass at the following wineries:
- Tsillan Cellars. Along Lake Chelan’s southern shore sits this expansive, award-winning winery, which houses an event space and fine dining restaurant for food and drink connoisseurs.
- Vin du Lac Winery. Boasting an authentic farm-to-table bistro menu and delicious, affordable tastings, Vin du Lac offers customizable tastings so everyone can find something to enjoy.
- KARMA Vineyards. Lovers of sparkling wine will surely want to celebrate even the smallest occasions at KARMA Vineyards, known for its commitment to giving back to the community through frequent fundraisers and events.
Lake Chelan Travel Guide
As with all best-laid plans, having an idea of how to navigate your vacation destination is essential to enjoying it when you arrive. Nothing can ruin a getaway faster than realizing you’ve forgotten to consider essential planning considerations. See below for some Lake Chelan vacation tips:
- Make reservations. Whether you plan on RV camping or upscale glamping, make sure you have any necessary reservations made weeks in advance. Additionally, check to see if you need to obtain a fishing license.
- Plan your route. Before hitting the road, check for hazardous conditions, construction updates, or traffic alerts for highways and backroads you plan on taking, especially if you are taking large recreational vehicles like RVs and boats.
- Pack the essentials. Bug bites, sunburns, and injuries can quickly ruin an outdoor vacation, so be prepared with plenty of sunscreen, insect repellant, and a fully stocked first aid kit.
- Ready your vehicle. Whether you take a car or a camper, be sure it is up to speed on maintenance before heading off into nature. Upon your return, have a vehicle storage solution ready to securely keep your vessel until your next adventure.
Find RV and Boat Storage Near Lake Chelan at Glacier West
After you return from your Lake Chelan vacation, you’ll need to find a trustworthy place to store your vehicle to keep it from filling up your garage or cramping your driveway. Glacier West Self Storage offers convenient RV and boat storage in Chelan and around Washington, making finding a place to park at the end of your adventure easy.
We have options for indoor and covered parking so you can shield your vehicles from the elements, and we offer extended access hours to make car, boat, and RV storage convenient for your busy schedule.
Contact us to find the perfect parking spot today. If you live farther away from our Chelan storage facilities, peruse our list of Glacier West locations for other options throughout Washington.