7 Reasons We Love Lake Chelan

Seattle’s no stranger to cruising—but when city dwellers crave a true back-to-nature getaway (and maybe a bit of sunshine), they know that Lake Chelan is the place to be.

Located about four hours from the city—that’s one road trip ‘round the scenic Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest— Washington’s Lake Chelan is a boater’s dream, characterized by cool, crystalline water and rolling hills that turn everyday jaunts into breathtaking cruises. And that’s just the beginning!

Read on as we share seven reasons we love Lake Chelan—including what makes it a bona fide water sports paradise.

The views

Lake Chelan is situated among the Eastern Cascades, where the mountains form a rain shadow that keeps the lake’s locale largely dry and sunny—perfect for boaters who want to board, splash and cruise under blue skies. The sparkling surface is surrounded by rolling foothills that lend a calm character to the lake experience, and help keep wind at bay for glassy, wake-ready waters all around.

The weather

There’s something alluring about rainy day cruising—but every now and then, we all crave some sunshine! Like we mentioned earlier, the Cascades’ rain shadow effect keeps Lake Chelan sunnier than its coastal counterparts. Its beaches and scrub-lined shores look like something straight out of the Southwest—and come summertime, rain averages are less than one inch per month. So throw on some sunscreen, shades and a wide-brimmed hat as you wait your turn to board! This is a true summer paradise.

The water

Now onto the main attraction, the water! Thanks to Lake Chelan’s glacial roots, the H2O here is especially bright and clear—and fortunately, there’s plenty of it to go around.

Lake Chelan is Washington’s largest natural lake and the third deepest lake in the country, and the name “Chelan” actually stems from the Native American word “Tsillane,” or deep water. Plus, the lake is 50 miles long—so not only is there plenty to explore, but boarders can enjoy long, uninterrupted runs through the lake’s main channel with ease. Go waterskiing, tubing or wakeboarding as the vibrant blues of Lake Chelan swirl around you. Other popular water activities include snorkeling, kayaking or simply enjoying a brisk cruise. You can even cap off your day with boat-in camping at select sites around the lake.

The beaches

Looking for a place to splash around a bit? Sunny beaches abound at Lake Chelan. While some are covered up by high water levels during the summer (leading to some serious beachcombing during the fall and spring when they recede), Lake Chelan State Park is a great bet for relaxing and swimming along lush, tree-lined shores when you’re ready to cool off.

The wildlife

As you cruise along the Lake Chelan shores, watch for one-of-a-kind wildlife nearby! One of the lake’s most famous faces is the bighorn sheep, but you’ll also want to keep your eyes open for eagles, owls, chukars, bears, deer and more.

The wine

The unique climate of Lake Chelan makes it a top spot for Washington wine! After you’ve enjoyed a day on the water, dry off and visit a local winery—many of them offer prime views of the water below, so it’s sure to be a relaxing experience through and through.

The history

For history buffs, Lake Chelan is filled with rich stories to explore. You can visit Stehekin, for example—a great place to lodge that’s accessible only by boat—and learn about its role in attracting gold-hungry miners in the late 1800s. The name “Stehekin” actually stems from the local word for “the way through,” foreshadowing the community’s future role as a crucial Chelan port and passage through the Cascades.  

Of course, it’s impossible to narrow down our love of Lake Chelan to a mere seven reasons—so get out on the water and discover your own! Whether you fall in love with fast-paced thrills on the water or the leisurely pace back on shore, there’s truly nowhere quite like this Washington gem.