Around Chelan

As a four-season destination, Lake Chelan offers endless outdoor activities, a growing wine industry, rich community events, and impressive boutique, restaurant, craft beer and art scenes.

LAKE ACTIVITIES

It’s no secret that the area’s biggest attraction is Lake Chelan itself. 50 miles of crystal-clear blue water provide endless opportunities for boating, beachcombing, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and any watersport you can imagine. Feeling adventurous? Try parasailing? Or take a ride on the iconic Lady of the Lake to visit the boat-access-only community of Stehekin.

WINE TASTING

Home to more than 30 wineries (as well as numerous craft breweries, cideries and distilleries), the Lake Chelan Valley is one of the fastest emerging wine regions in Washington State. It was designated as an official American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 2009. Whether you are an experienced wine connoisseur or just learning about wine, you’re sure to have a fabulous time.

FAMILY FUN

Miniature golf, yoga, water slides, high trek, parasailing, boating, berry picking, bowling, skateboarding, and a surf park are just the beginning. Rain or shine, there’s no shortage of great family adventures to be had around Chelan.

CYCLING

Whether you’re a leisurely cruiser (think: wine and cheese in the front basket) or an adventurous cycler (think: mud-splattered legs), the Chelan Valley is home to some of Washington’s best road biking and mountain biking opportunities. With low-traffic roads and cross-country trails for all skill levels—plus 300 days of sun a year—Chelan attracts riders from all over the state for bike races, wine tours and vacation outings.

GOLFING

The Chelan Valley is a golfer’s dream destination.  With five courses to choose from the options can’t be beat.

HIKING

Soak in the beauty of the Chelan Valley by exploring the area’s abundant trail system. Fourteen major trailheads provide 250 miles of maintained summer trails. The Lake Chelan Visitor Guide left in your rental home includes driving directions and descriptions for some of the more popular hikes. Our favorites include:

  • Echo Ridge (25 miles of trails)
  • Stormy Mountain (1.5miles)
  • Chelan Butte (7.45 miles)
  • Riverwalk Park Loop (1 mile)
  • Chelan River Trail (3+ miles)

FISHING

With over 50 miles of crystal blue waters surrounded by hills of orchards and vineyards, not only is Lake Chelan one of the most picturesque places to fish, it’s also home to some of the best fishing in the Northwest. Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Burbot and Kokanee are all abundant in the cool, deep water, with over 800,000 stocked and landlocked in the lake each year. Here, hooking a 20-pound fish isn’t unusual. And if you’re more into small water fishing, there are plenty of smaller lakes and rivers to delight anglers of any type.

WINTER MAGIC

Beautiful Chelan Valley, known for its spectacular summer weather and activities, is also one of Washington’s hidden gems in the winter season. With 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking scenery, small-town charm, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Chelan is a winter wonderland come true.

Explore winter activities and events

ENTERTAINMENT

Expect to find events, live music and entertainment all year long. Check out the famous Lake Chelan Wine & Jazz Festival in May, or catch a live concert at a winery during the summer. Or you can always visit the historic Ruby Theater to enjoy first run films in a classic setting.

FOOD & DRINK

Chelan is home to plenty of great food and drink, from acclaimed bistros to excellent pub grub, all with a laid-back Chelan vibe.

Explore restaurants and bars

More info

If you’re looking for more info on what to do around Chelan, here are some helpful links:

Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan Wine Valley
Slidewaters Waterpark
More to Manson