Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan which includes landscape views, mountains and general coastal views
Lake Chelan which includes boating, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Lake Chelan featuring tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan showing tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole


Experience mountain views, hiking trails, clear waters, wellness spas and vineyards at this scenic lake and year-round holiday destination in Central Washington.

Lake Chelan is a beautiful waterway in central Washington and is the largest lake in the state. The narrow and winding lake features clear waters and picturesque vineyards on its banks. It’s surrounded by stunning forested and snow-capped mountains. Explore this magnificent natural destination by boat, bike or on foot and enjoy the region’s fine wines and family-friendly activities.

Lake Chelan is ideal for water sports and leisure boating. Take in the spectacular mountain vistas from the water on your own craft or a rented boat, Jet Ski, canoe or paddleboard. Discover the abundant underwater life with your snorkel or scuba gear. Take advantage of Lake Chelan’s sheltered beaches and go swimming in the cool waters. If you’re up for the challenge, take part in the Polar Bear Splash swim during the Lake Chelan Winterfest in January.

Explore over 250 miles (402.3 kilometres) of well-kept summer trails in the surrounding mountains. Discover the Glacier Peak and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Beebe Springs and Agnes Creek. For mountain bikers, there are thrilling downhill trails that crisscross the Lake Chelan landscape. Visit Lake Chelan in winter to traverse stunning cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

For a more relaxed Lake Chelan experience, try fishing off one of the many piers on the lake while looking out at the dramatic mountain views. Golf courses, rejuvenating spas and horseback tours can also be found in Lake Chelan. Families will love the Slidewaters waterpark, go-kart tracks, bowling alley and games arcade.

Discover Lake Chelan’s agricultural fields and eat fresh produce from the region. Apples, cherries and grapevines all grow in abundance here. Join a wine tour and enjoy a fine drop grown on the banks of the lake.

Lake Chelan is located in Washington. Cities on the lake include Chelan and Manson on its south end. Passenger ferries connect Chelan to Stehekin Valley and North Cascades National Park to the north. Enjoy long, sunny summers at Lake Chelan or visit in the middle of winter for adventures in the snow.

Popular places to visit


Top Lake Chelan Hotel Deals

Harmony Meadows Resort

Harmony Meadows Resort

3.5 out of 5
4848 Green Ave, Manson, WA
Harmony Meadows Resort
Peaceful Entiat Home: Pets Welcome!

Peaceful Entiat Home: Pets Welcome!

3 out of 5
Entiat
Peaceful Entiat Home: Pets Welcome!
The Lodge Lake Chelan

The Lodge Lake Chelan

2.5 out of 5
168 Wapato Ct, Manson, WA
The Lodge Lake Chelan
Mountain View Lodge and Resort

Mountain View Lodge and Resort

2 out of 5
25 Wapato Point Pkwy, Manson, WA
Mountain View Lodge and Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan offers a plethora of activities for visitors, including delightful lakefront pursuits such as swimming and sunbathing. Families can enjoy attractions like local parks and fun-filled events. The culinary scene is vibrant, with a range of restaurants to explore. For those seeking adventure, various watercraft rentals are available to navigate the stunning waters of the lake. Overall, Lake Chelan is a perfect destination for outdoor fun and gastronomic delights.

Shopping

In Lake Chelan, you can visit local shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, head to Fromaggio Artisan Cheese Shoppe, located 37.0km away, where you can find artisanal cheeses and specialty gourmet items perfect for souvenirs.

Recreation

Explore the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area for a serene retreat amidst nature, offering hiking trails and tranquil spots for relaxation. Alternatively, enjoy a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Course, where the stunning scenery complements an invigorating outdoor experience.

Adventure

Pyramid Mountain Trailhead, located 11.3km from Lake Chelan, offers exhilarating hiking through stunning landscapes. Safety Harbor Creek Trailhead, 12.9km away, invites adventurers to explore its scenic beauty. Meanwhile, Summer Blossom Trailhead, 14.5km from Lake Chelan, presents a delightful hiking experience amidst picturesque surroundings.

Nightlife

In Lake Chelan, the nightlife buzzes with charm. The Local Public House serves up craft brews and live music, while the Lake Chelan Winery offers a relaxed tasting experience. For a lively evening, head to the Chelan Theatre for a film or enjoy a scenic lakeside stroll under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a stunning destination offering a blend of outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can explore the picturesque lake and its delightful lakeside attractions, including the popular Slidewaters water park. The region is also renowned for its exceptional wineries, making it a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Lake Chelan promises a memorable experience surrounded by natural beauty.

  • Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park: Nestled 24.1km from Lake Chelan, this state park offers breathtaking scenery and a plethora of outdoor activities. Enjoy hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along the scenic shoreline, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
  • Buckner Orchard: Located 27.4km away, this charming farm invites you to experience the simplicity of country life. Stroll through the orchards, sample fresh produce, and learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
  • Rainbow Falls: A stunning waterfall situated 29.0km from Lake Chelan, Rainbow Falls enchants visitors with its natural beauty. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics, the area offers picturesque views and tranquil spots for relaxation amidst the soothing sound of cascading water.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Chelan

For a budget-friendly visit to Lake Chelan, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March to April or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can yield the best rates, while Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and find last-minute deals indicated by a green banner. Additionally, save further by bundling your hotel with flights and activities through Expedia packages, and look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Chelan are March to April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lake Chelan about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Chelan is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Chelan is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Lake Chelan with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.