Situated in Chelan, Lake Chelan is a primary attraction in Washington for its beautiful deep waters and tourist spots along its bank.
The lake is uniquely structured, spanning over 50 miles long with a narrow diameter of just 1-2 miles.
The lake is also one of the deepest in the United States—ranking third in the country and 26th in the world as of 2022.
Because of this, Lake Chelan’s land is full of things to do.
You can visit orchards and vineyards and even hike their surrounding mountains.
There’s also a remote area that feels like a foreign country!
Of course, various lake activities and scenic spots are all over Lake Chelan, too.
It’s a haven for water sports and boating activities.
To get you started, here are the 15 best things to do in Lake Chelan, Washington:
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Stehekin is a remote community located in the northernmost area of Lake Chelan, away from its southern and busier districts where Lake Chelan State Park and Campbell Hotel are located.
In fact, Stehekin is so isolated that, as of 2022, its population is not even 100!
The community’s slogan, “Where no roads can take you,” is a testament to its remoteness, as you can only access it by helicopter, boat, or hiking.
Despite the added trouble (and expenses) going here, Stehekin is worth it.
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Its lakeside beauty is reminiscent of the Interlaken town in Switzerland, known for its beautiful lake water and serene ambiance.
The area is also full of lush waterfalls and gorgeous valleys.
It has various hiking trails, fishing spots, and orchards that you can tour via the community’s e-bike service.
Getting to Stehekin will require you to book several services, which are next on this list.
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If you’re planning on staying at Lake Chelan, Campbell Hotel is one of the most famous and highly rated hotels in the area.
It’s an all-around great hotel with excellent clean, comfy, and affordable rooms.
Perhaps the best part of this hotel is its waterfront area, complete with a sandy beach, to give you the best relaxation experience.
The hotel, which also acts as a resort, has a swimming pool to enjoy.
It gets a beautiful cool breeze because of its proximity to Lake Chelan.
Campbell Hotel is conveniently located on the busier streets of Lake Chelan, so you’d have no trouble accessing restaurants and shops.
You can find it along West Woodin Avenue.
There are several sporting activities along the coast of Lake Chelan.
Chelan Parasail & Watersports is one of the first to come to mind.
Serving customers for several decades now, Chelan Parasail & Watersports is a great business that rents out jet ski equipment, parasails, boats, and more.
The team behind their parasail and boating service are experts in the field, providing in-depth knowledge about the sport and the lake.
If you want to take it easy, they also have paddle boards and innertubes for rent.
Chelan Parasail & Watersports is located along West Woodin Avenue.
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Lake Chelan State Park is, without question, one of the best places to enjoy Chelan Lake.
Spanning 127 acres, Lake Chelan State Park offers scenic views of the lake, making it a perfect place to pitch your tent.
Camping here is a serene experience.
The beautiful waters of Lake Chelan are a sight to behold, especially during sunrise.
The trees and grass are beautifully maintained, and though it has wilderness, it’s completely safe.
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There are a lot of activities to do here besides taking scenic photographs.
There are fishing docks, hiking trails, and tons of boating activities.
Whether you’re camping or just visiting, Lake Chelan State Park is a must in your itinerary.
You can access it through South Lakeshore Road.
If you don’t want a water ride to see the beauty of Lake Chelan, then you’re in luck because the town also offers an aerial view through Lake Chelan Helicopters.
A perfect service for couples and friends, Lake Chelan Helicopters will let you see the deep waters of the lake and also the Cascade Mountains surrounding it.
Lake Chelan Helicopters offer several premium packages depending on your flight itinerary.
There’s a lake tour, a lake plus vineyard tour, and a more expensive one that lets you enjoy dinner at the Stehekin Valley Ranch.
During your trip, you’ll also see many hidden waterfalls and remote areas visible only from 7,000 feet above the lake.
Touring Lake Chelan via chopper is truly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially if choppers are not a mainstay in your travel adventures!
You can visit the service along East Johnson Avenue, just a few walks away from Campbell Hotel.
If you wish not to spend extra to get to Stehekin, you can still enjoy the rich lands surrounding the lake through its many farms and vineyards.
Chelan Valley Farms should be one of the first on your list.
Located along Green Avenue just a few miles away from the Lake’s southern tip, Chelan Valley Farms is easily accessible.
The farm isn’t along Lake Chelan, but it is near to it and sits right beside a neighboring smaller lake called Roses Lake.
This added body of water gives the farm a unique charm.
Its lands are full of beautiful flowers and greenery.
The farm is also home to a winery, so you can get your fix of wine here.
Many family-friendly activities are available here.
They’re well-known for their pumpkin and flower-picking, so it’s an excellent addition to any Lake Chelan itinerary.
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If you want to tour the length of Lake Chelan and reach Stehekin, Lady of the Lake is your way to go.
Lady of the Lake offers several premium packages if you want the full Lake Chelan Experience.
If you’re planning on visiting Stehekin, they offer a same-day, roundtrip cruise.
If you want an overnight stay in the remote community, they also have one-way tickets as well.
Chartered trips are also available.
Lady of the Lake has three different boats depending on your needs, too.
Both vary in speed, aesthetic, and capacity depending on which package you’ll get.
You can begin your exciting tour of Lake Chelan by booking with Lady of the Lake.
Their dock is located at 1418 West Woodin Avenue.
Blueberry Hills Farm is a candid place that will amaze you with how many blueberries there are—both in their restaurant and on their farm.
You can go blueberry-picking in their farmlands.
It’s a pleasant experience, and you’ll have the freshest blueberries in the state.
If you’re feeling hungry, they can transform your blueberries into all sorts of neat desserts.
They have blueberry cream cheesecakes, ice cream, and waffles.
On top of the experience of picking your own berries, they have beautiful views if you go to their viewing deck.
Blueberry Hills Farm is located at 1315 Washington Street, near Roses Lake.
Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante is one of the best places to dine in Lake Chelan.
Known for their Tuscany-inspired design and menu, you’ll feel like you just walked into Italy in this winery and restaurant.
Sprawling vineyards will welcome you upon entrance to this winery.
It’s truly a sight to behold, so take lots of photos!
There are a lot of places where you can relax and enjoy an exquisite Italian meal paired with their wine.
Some of Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante include their risotto, steaks, and cheeseboard.
Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante is located along State Highway 97A.
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If you want to take a breather and enjoy a bit of history, Lake Chelan Museum offers in-depth knowledge about the area.
Located just a few walks from Campbell Hotel, this museum is small—a nice addition to your packed itinerary.
Lake Chelan Museum houses several artifacts from different time periods concerning Chelan and the neighboring town of Manson.
Several woven items are displayed that show its rich civilization throughout the years.
Many passionate volunteers will be happy to guide you throughout your stay.
You can visit Lake Chelan Museum at 204 East Woodin Avenue.
Don Morse Memorial Park is another waterfront getaway where you can let loose and do all sorts of activities.
There are several water and land sports in this spacious park.
It’s a great place to take the kids, as they offer mini golf, go-kart rides, and a playground.
If that’s not enough, they even have a skate park, sand volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.
Of course, boat rentals and water sport activities are also present.
There’s also a snack bar and loads of picnic spaces, making it one of the best places for families who don’t want to hop around too much around the lake.
Don Morse Memorial Park is conveniently located in the busier areas of Lake Chelan, along East Woodin Avenue.
During your travels, how many chances to skydive do you get?
At Lake Chelan, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience through Skydive Chelan.
There’s no beating the scenic views you’ll see when you go skydiving with Skydive Chelan.
You’ll see a panoramic view of the lake, Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River.
Skydive Chelan offers safe dives for partners and solo adventurers.
One of the best parts about the skydive is you’ll actually drop at their partner winery!
You can even enjoy a bottle of wine after your successful jump.
Skydive Chelan also offers certifications and student programs.
Go check them out at 201 Airport Way, just along State Highway 97A.
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If you’re not into extremities, simply jogging along Lake Chelan Riverwalk Park will introduce you to its unique outdoor charm.
The riverwalk trail is completely paved and is great for people of all ages.
The park itself is also complete with amenities and even has an amphitheater.
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It’ll lead you to scenic areas in the lake, particularly ones where you have a good angle of its surrounding hills and mountains.
It’s a calming experience to walk or jog along Chelan Riverwalk Park.
When you’re looking for a quiet sunrise or sunset activity, visit Chelan Riverwalk Park along East Wapato Avenue, close to Campbell Hotel.
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If you’re participating in any of the outdoor excursions mentioned in this list, chances are you’ll have a sore body eventually.
Lake Chelan Massage and Spa is a nice way to end the day. They’re well known among locals for their professionalism and customer service.
Nothing beats a soothing massage after a day full of outdoor fun. The spa offers all the basics, like facials, massages, oil treatments, and body scrubs.
They also offer a mobile massage if you want to have a masseuse in your resort.
Otherwise, you can visit Lake Chelan Massage & Spa at 115 South Emerson Street.
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Golfing near Lake Chelan is a great way to experience the beauty of its surrounding lands.
Through Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Course, you’ll get access to a public course that utilizes the rich lands and waters of Chelan.
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The location picks up a fair amount of wind, and there are many challenges because of its raised greens.
When you’re done with golf, it has a restaurant, viewing area, and golf shop inside.
Lake Chelan Municipal Golf Course is located at 1501 West Golf Course Drive.
Lake Chelan is one of the primary attractions in Washington.
There are a lot of things to do in the lake and its surrounding areas, making it a must-visit when you’re in the state.
Besides the beautiful deep waters of the lake, various other picturesque areas surround it— most prominently, Stehekin and Tsillan Cellars.
If you’re the sporty type, you can find tons of parks and shoreside businesses that can help you get started in whatever water sport you like.
It’s an all-around fantastic vacation spot for all kinds of people.
Truly a natural wonder, the best things to do in Lake Chelan are waiting for you!
See also: Things to do in Chelan, WA
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