What to do in Lake Chelan?

What to Do in Lake Chelan: Top Lake Chelan Activities for Every Season

Lake Chelan, a 50-mile long freshwater fjord carved by glaciers and framed by vineyards and mountains, is more than just a scenic getaway. It’s a four-season playground filled with recreation, relaxation, and small-town charm. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, a lazy beach day, or a weekend filled with wine and lake views, Lake Chelan activities offer something for everyone.

Here’s your complete guide to what to do in Lake Chelan — from the water to the mountains, and everything in between.

🚤 1. Boating and Water Sports on Lake Chelan

The lake is the main attraction — and it’s not just for admiring from the shore. With its crystal-clear waters and long, narrow shape, Lake Chelan is ideal for boating and watersports.

Popular activities include:

• Jet skiing and wakeboarding
• Paddleboarding and kayaking
• Sailing or pontoon cruising
• Fishing for lake trout and kokanee
• Renting boats from Chelan Parasail or Shoreline Rentals

Pro Tip: Head toward the upper lake for quieter waters and stunning alpine scenery near Stehekin.

🏖️ 2. Relax at the Beaches

Despite its mountainous setting, Lake Chelan has numerous beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just soaking in the lake views.

Top beaches include:

• Don Morse Memorial Park in Chelan (with sandy beach and water rentals)
• Lake Chelan State Park (family-friendly, shaded picnic areas)
• Manson Bay Park (close to shops and wineries)
• Lakeside Park (great for launching paddleboards)

The lake's clear, cold water is refreshing all summer long — just bring a towel and sunscreen.

🍇 3. Visit Local Wineries and Tasting Rooms

Lake Chelan is one of Washington’s newest and most scenic American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). Dozens of boutique wineries and tasting rooms offer sips with a view.

Notable wineries to explore:

• Tsillan Cellars – Tuscan-style villa and award-winning reds
• Benson Vineyards – Panoramic lake views
• Karma Vineyards – Known for sparkling wine and farm-to-table dining
• Vin du Lac – Garden seating and live music

Many wineries are open year-round, making wine tasting a top activity in both summer and winter.

🧗 4. Hike the Trails with a View

From casual lake walks to steep switchbacks leading to panoramic vistas, Lake Chelan offers hiking for every skill level.

Popular hiking spots include:

• Chelan Butte Trail – Sweeping views of the lake and Columbia River
• Echo Ridge Trails – Great for hiking and biking in summer; Nordic skiing in winter
• Lake Chelan State Park trails – Family-friendly loops through pine forests
• Stehekin trails – Accessible by boat or seaplane, with remote alpine wilderness

Fall and spring offer the best hiking weather, with golden larches and crisp air.

🎣 5. Go Fishing in Lake Chelan

Anglers flock to Lake Chelan for its deep, cold water filled with kokanee, lake trout (mackinaw), and landlocked salmon. Fishing is great year-round, and guided charters are available for deeper lake fishing.

Fish species in Lake Chelan include:

• Kokanee salmon
• Lake trout
• Rainbow trout
• Smallmouth bass
• Yellow perch

Licenses are required for all anglers over 15.

🚠 6. Take the Boat to Stehekin

Want to experience the wild, upper end of the lake? Take the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin, a remote village only accessible by boat, plane, or hiking.

In Stehekin, you can:

• Visit Rainbow Falls
• Rent a bike and explore the valley
• Hike into North Cascades National Park
• Eat cinnamon rolls at the famous Stehekin Pastry Company

It’s one of the most unique day trips in the Pacific Northwest.

⛷️ 7. Embrace Winter in Lake Chelan

Things to do in Lake Chelan in winter go far beyond wine tasting. The area turns into a snowy retreat with festive charm.

Top winter activities:

• Snowshoe or Nordic ski at Echo Ridge
• Ice skating at the Chelan Community Ice Rink
• Visit Winterfest (January), with ice sculptures and polar bear plunge
• Cozy up in lakeside cabins with fireplaces and views
• Go wine tasting at snow-covered vineyards

Lake Chelan’s off-season is quiet and magical, perfect for couples and holiday travelers.

🛍️ 8. Explore Chelan and Manson

Both towns — Chelan and Manson — offer charming downtown areas filled with shops, art galleries, bakeries, and boutiques.

• Chelan is more bustling with restaurants, the historic Ruby Theatre, and waterfront parks.
• Manson is quieter, with a walkable downtown, wine tasting rooms, and live music events at the Village.

Don’t miss the farmers markets in summer or the Harvest Festival in fall.

🏕️ 9. Camp or RV by the Water

Camping is one of the best ways to experience Lake Chelan. Choose from lakeside state parks, forested private resorts, or full-hookup RV campgrounds with Wi-Fi and lake access.

Popular places to camp or park your RV include:

• Lake Chelan State Park
• Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
• Lakeshore RV Park (City of Chelan)
• Silverline Resort

Wake up to water views, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the stargazing.

Final Thoughts: What to Do in Lake Chelan

Whether you visit in the heat of summer or the quiet chill of winter, Lake Chelan offers a full menu of activities for families, couples, adventurers, and relaxation seekers alike.

From boating, wine tasting, and hiking to snowshoeing and winter festivals, there are endless Lake Chelan activities to fill your itinerary. This lakeside escape is more than a vacation—it’s a lifestyle.