Home > Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan Area Activities
Whether you're in the valley for whitewater on the Wenatchee or Methow Rivers or just planning your Eastern Washington getaway, here are some helpful ideas and links to get you started...
Hiking
Safety Tips
Whether you're a seasoned veteran hiker or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind:
Before you embark on any adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never hike alone.
Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.
Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hike, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.
Additional Resources: For maps of North Cascades National Park or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI. For park passes, visit Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit. Be sure you need the pass or permit before you buy it. For any other questions or for more information, contact the Chelan Ranger Station.
Recommended: Stehekin Trails
Length: 0.5-9.0 miles
Directions:
Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to several trailheads.
About:
Ideal day hikes for families, this handful of trails circles the magnificent and remote Stehekin Valley. Amongst your options are:
Agnes Gorge Trail: 2.5 miles up and across a creek, through a chasm, and over a serene waterfall.
Rainbow Loop Trail: 5 miles on the eastern ridge above Stehekin, with views of Lake Chelan.
Bullion Loop Trial: 6.5 miles past Coon Lake to Bridge Creek Camp.
Horseshoe Basin Trail: 1.5 miles with more than 13 waterfalls!
Feel free to check out Chelan's chunk of the Pacific Crest Trail too, the 2,650 mile journey from Mexico to Canada!
McGregor Mountain
Length: 15.4 miles
Directions:
Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to High Bridge Trailhead. Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail for 1.3 miles before turning east onto the McGregor Mountain Trail.
About:
Rumor has it that the McGregor Mountain Trails are the steepest in the state, climbing a wicked 6,300 feet from head to tail! Open meadows laden with fieldstone and fresh grasses characterize most of the trek, while the short water supply up there requires toting plenty of your own. If you intend to glimpse the majestic, 360 degree views from the peak, plan to set aside a couple days.
Company Creek/Devore Peak Loop
Length: 27.5 miles
Directions:
Go north 33 miles on US 97 from Wenatchee to Chelan. Park at the Lady of the Lake Ferry Terminal off of US 97 Alternate, just before downtown. Take the ferry to Stehekin. Take the shuttle to Company Creek Trailhead.
About:
Traffic is light on this valley trail where jagged peaks and Washington's characteristic pines cut the skyline. Miles and miles of raw wilderness lead from Company Creek to the Devore Peak trailhead; distant shots of bears and coyotes complement wide panoramics from peaks along the way. Five miles in, the trail requires fording Company Creek, making an opportune 180 for day-hikers.
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Vineyards
Lake Chelan Winery
3519 State Route 150
Chelan, WA
Phone: 509-687-9463
At the southern tip of Lake Chelan, this estate winery specializes in rich and elegant Pinot Noir, intricate Syrah, and bold Cabernet. Take a tour of the vineyards or hang out from 4-8pm for their daily barbecue of ribs, salmon, and delicious caesar salad.
Nefarious Cellars
495 S. Lakeshore Road
Chelan, WA
Phone: 509-682-9505
A young label with 6 vineyards throughout Washington state (and one in Oregon), Nefarious Cellars produces luscious Viognier, bold Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, as well as earthy Syrah. Visit the tasting rooms from 11-6pm and indulge in their wickedly good wine.
Balsamroot Winery
300 Ivan Morse Rd.
Manson, WA
Phone: 509-687-3000
Try their award-winning whites or their trademark, signature blend "Ivan the Red" while admiring the wild arrowhead balsamroot scattered around the vineyard.
Tsillan Cellars
3875 Highway 97A
Chelan, WA
Phone: 877-682-8463
On the southern banks of Lake Chelan, some say the gorgeous estate is "likely to create the illusion that you’ve been transported to a Tuscan villa from heaven.” Winners of 90+ point awards in consecutive years, their Riesling and Pinot Grigio are a must-taste. For you red lovers out there, try the exceptional Merlot and Syrah.
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Golf
Recommended: Bear Mountain Ranch Voted by PGA Pros as one of six best new golf courses in America!
18 holes Rates: $65 on weekdays, $75 weekends
Phone: 887-917-8200
1050 Bear Mountain Ranch Rd
Chelan, WA
Recommended: Desert Canyon Golf Resort The #1 Golf Course in Washington! 18 holes Rates: $50-89
Phone: 800-258-4173
1201 Desert Canyon Boulevard
Orondo, WA
Highlander Golf Club 18 holes Rates: $29-61
Phone: 509-884-4653
2920 8th Street SE
East Wenatchee, WA
Alta Lake Golf Resort Rates: $17 for 9 holes, $27 for 18 holes
Phone: 509-923-2359
140 Alta Lake Road
Pateros, WA
Lake Chelan Golf Course Rates: $22 for 9 holes, $37 for 18 holes
Phone: 800-246-5361
Fishing Guides
Darell and Dad's Family Guide Service Rates: $130 for half-day, $176 for full-day
Phone: 866-360-1523
This family-owned, family-oriented outfit provides fun, safe, and comfortable fishing trips on beautiful Lake Chelan. They'll also brine, smoke, or vacuum-seal your catch-of-the-day on the spot!
Columbia Kings Rates: $150
Phone: 509-679-9577
Columbia Kings are the premier anglers for chinook salmon on the Mid-Columbia River. Book a trip here to wrestle your own catch of a lifetime!
