Famous for deep blue skies, stunning scenery and sunshine, Lake Chelan is a long, deep lake surrounded by laid-back beach towns, traditional rural communities, dense forests and towering mountain peaks. Just over 160 miles east of Seattle, Lake Chelan is easy to reach; the hard part is deciding what to do among the area's countless outdoor activities, culinary attractions and sightseeing opportunities.
The resort town of Chelan is located on the southern edge of the lake and is where most tourist infrastructure -- such as hotels, inns and restaurants -- is concentrated. Chelan is also a short walk to some of the area's most scenic hiking trails -- such as the Echo Ridge trail -- and the easiest place to find hiking equipment or watercraft rentals. To get away from the vacation homes and roar of watercraft, take a boat or hike to the north end of the lake. Protected as part of the North Cascades National Park, this side of Lake Chelan offers stunning views of dense pine forests, snowy peaks and even bears fishing at the water's edge. Only accessible by boat or foot, the tiny town of Stehekin on the north end offers a good glimpse into laid-back, small town life in the area.
In the town of Chelan, visitors can rent all kinds of watercraft to get out onto the water, from kayaks and paddleboats to sailboats and motorboats. For still waters and mountain tranquility, head out early in the morning to avoid paddling against the waves of an incoming Jet Ski. For anglers, Lake Chelan is prime fishing ground for lingcod and rainbow trout. Golfers can hit the links on several professional courses around town, and hikers can find trails for all skill levels, from leisurely walks around the lake to ascents of the region's tallest peaks. For an adrenaline fix, head to the zip lines or make a reservation for skydiving.
Lake Chelan was officially designated as an American Viticulture Area in 2009 and today has over 20 active vineyards, most around the southern coast of the lake and a quick drive or even hike from town. Orchards in the area provide fresh produce and supplies to the area's restaurants. In Chelan, you can go on a wine tour around the lake, sample wines from a local cellar or sit down to a fresh meal paired with a local wine in any of the downtown's restaurants. Walk-up windows at restaurants near the lake mean you don't even have to take off your bathing suit to order your meal to an outside table.
Any time is a good time to visit Lake Chelan. The area offers secluded tranquility in the winter, beautiful foliage in the autumn, an explosion of wild flowers and local fruit in the spring and plenty of outdoor activities to soak up the sun in the summer. Chelan hosts a number of boat races in the summer and October sees the region's vineyards come alive with the grape harvest, grape-crushing events and special tours including demonstrations of the wine-making process. In the wine valley, you can also attend barrel tastings in May and November or sample new white and rose wines at the end of April. For a romantic escape, Chelan's vineyards hold yearly red wine and artisan chocolate pairings on the second and third weekends in February.
