What Is There to Do In Lake Chelan? (4 Reasons To Visit)

Things to do in Lake Chelan

Open new tab to Lake Chelan website Lake Chelan is one of Washington State’s true gems. We’d like to say “hidden gems” but the truth is, it’s becoming more and more popular.

If you haven’t heard of Lake Chelan or keep hearing about people going there, you might be asking yourself, “What is there to do in Lake Chelan?

After all, it seems like folks who visit Lake Chelan become hooked and make it a part of their annual summer (or winter) vacations.

The main attractions of Lake Chelan include beautiful vistas of the lake, surrounding mountains, fishing, vineyards and orchards, beautiful hikes, boating, paragliding and parasailing, water sports, wine tasting, music, and festivals.

As you can imagine, there’s a lot to do in Lake Chelan and it’s perfect for all ages. Dr. Schur and his family find themselves among the “hooked.”

In this short blog, our Bellevue dentist will share his top 4 things to do in Lake Chelan.

Things to do in Lake Chelan

What is there to do in Lake Chelan?

Here are Dr. Schur’s recommendations on what to do in Lake Chelan.

1. Fun on the water

If you own a boat or jetski, bring it! There are several places around the lake to easily launch your watercraft or refuel, including one north of the state park.

Don’t have a watercraft? Don’t despair! You can rent them in town by the hour or day.

A couple of rental companies include Open new tab to rental websiteChelan Parasail & Watersports and Open new tab to Lake Shores websiteLake Shores Watercraft & Boat Rentals.

A helpful tip for boaters: The best time to waterski, wakeboard, or wake surf is in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening. The water tends to get choppy during the day.

For breathtaking views with an opportunity to see various wildwife, take a trip to Open new tab to Stehekin websiteStehekin. It’s a unique community that is only accessible by boat, plane, or foot. Tasteful tip: Stop by the Open new tab to pastry websiteStehekin Pastry Company.

Although be advised, the lake can get rough in the northern reaches, so a safe option is to make the trip via the Open new tab to Lady of the Lake websiteLady of The Lake (pictured bottom right).

Fishing on the lake can be fantastic and there are guide services if you want! You may catch Kokanee Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, and Lake Trout.

In fact, the state record Lake Trout (35 pounds, 10 ounces!) was caught on Lake Chelan!

Another water activity is going to the Open new tab to Slide Waters websitewaterslide park in town. Check their website for seasonal dates and promotions.

2. Visit wineries

There is no denying this:

Wineries are one of the main tourist attractions and prime social centers for the locals.

Besides a variety of phenomenal wines, the wineries regularly provide musical entertainment on weekends, and the bands tend to be fantastic!

Although you certainly can opt to do tastings, Dr. Schur recommends staking out a nice outside table, sofa, or Adirondack chairs (weather permitting), purchasing a bottle, and sharing it with friends. That way you get to enjoy the wine at a leisurely pace and you get the opportunity to see how the wine opens in time.

Many of the wineries offer light fare, including charcuterie plates. Click Open new tab to wineries websitehere for a guide to local wineries.

Feel free to ask Dr. Schur about his winery recommendations, including the fun and fantastic Open new tab to Mellisoni Vineyards websiteMellisoni Vineyards (pictured top left).

3. Go on a hike

There are many beautiful and varied hiking trails in the Chelan and Wenatchee area. Several hikes feature views of the lake and/or Columbia River, and many explode with wildflowers during the spring and summer months (pictured bottom left and center).

4. Other good stuff!

There are too many good places to eat (maybe that’s why people keep coming back)! We don’t want to leave any off, so feel free to discuss dining options with Dr. Schur.

On a final note, it is advisable to cross the Beebe Bridge and take Highway 97 back toward Blewett or Stevens Pass. On your way home, be sure to stop at one of the fresh fruit stands along the Columbia River. Cherries, apricots, nectarines, and peaches are in season in the summer, and the variety of apples is amazing in the fall.

Interesting facts about Lake Chelan:

  • Lake Chelan is a 3-hour drive from Seattle.
  • The lake is 52 miles long and only 1 mile wide at its widest.
  • It’s the third deepest lake in the U.S. At its greatest depth it’s 386 feet below sea level.
  • The lake was formed by glaciers millions of years ago.
  • Chelan is a Open new tab to official websitedistinct wine region.
  • There are more than 30 wineries.
  • Open new tab to Winterfest websiteWinterfest is THE most fun festival in the state (ok, we may have ventured into the realm of opinion here).

Have you visited Lake Chelan?

Dr. Schur would love to hear about your favorite things to do in Lake Chelan. Comment below and let us know!

Haven’t been to Lake Chelan yet? We highly recommend you visit this summer (not too late) or add it to your bucket list.

Not convinced yet? Watch this video:

We hope you are having a fabulous summer and we can’t wait to see you again! Speaking of, do you have an appointment scheduled? Contact us to pencil in your next visit.

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