Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan Marina, Chelan, Washington
At 50 miles (80 kilometers) long, being on Lake Chelan almost feels like relaxing in the fjords of Norway. It’s no wonder this Washington spot has long been a resort “town”—and it now boasts a wine scene as recognized as its views. Welcome to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved getaways.
The largest lake in Washington, Lake Chelan is really more of a region—the town of Chelan is its heartbeat, though attractions stretch into the foothills of the North Cascades. Manson and Stehekin are two other lakeside community hubs, with Stehekin only accessible via foot or ferry (it’s popular with outdoorsy types). Things to do in Lake Chelan include playing in the water; strolling the many vineyards, dining at local high-end restaurants; and enjoying time with Mother Nature.
If you’re visiting in summer, book everything in advance. Lake Chelan is quite the popular getaway.
The Chelan Gorge is short but spectacular, and it can be found just outside the nearby town of Chelan Falls.
One surefire way to avoid the crowds is to explore at night—this area has impeccable dark skies for stargazing.
Beyond hotels and Airbnbs, look into the area’s cabins, campgrounds, and vacation rentals to mix up your trip.
If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s about a 3.5-hour scenic drive—despite largely being on I-90—to Chelan, at the lake’s southern tip. From Chelan, you can drive north to Lake Chelan State Park or you could take a 4-hour ferry ride up to remote Stehekin, and embark on further adventures from there.
Summer (June through August) is the most popular time to visit Lake Chelan; temps are warm and there's a lakeside breeze. To give you a picture of how popular this place is: In winter, Chelan has some 4,000 residents; in summer, that number balloons to 25,000. So if you’re looking to avoid peak crowds, September is a fabulous option; the weather will still be mild, and you’ll get easier access to the most beloved wineries, restaurants, and views.
Though many come here for lakeside relaxing and drinking great local wine, there’s a long list of things to do on Lake Chelan. This spot is also great for a sunset cruise, vineyard tours, apple-picking, trout-fishing, Jet Ski and paddleboard rentals, paragliding off Chelan Butte, picnics at Lakeside Park, and hiking around Stehekin along the Lakeshore Trail or over the North Cascades.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!