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Things to do in Chelan, Washington

Things to Do in Chelan, Washington

ByMike Andersen Posted on Updated on

The best things to do in Chelan, Washington, are the boat ride to Stehekin, swimming at Lake Chelan State Park and tasting wine on the south shore. Chelan is a Chelan County city of 4,222 people at the southeast tip of Lake Chelan, where the lake drains into the Chelan River.

Lake Chelan runs about 50 miles into the North Cascades and reaches 1,486 feet deep, making it the third-deepest lake in the United States. Settlers arrived at the foot of the lake in 1886, and the town incorporated on May 7, 1902. The valley’s first wine grapes went in back in 1891.

Top things to do in Chelan

Lady of the Lake to Stehekin

Stehekin sits at the far north end of the lake, and the Lady of the Lake boats are the classic way to get there. The company runs three boats, the Lady of the Lake, Lady Express and Lady Liberty, from its dock at 1418 W. Woodin Ave. On a same-day round trip you get three to six hours in Stehekin, depending on which boats you mix.

★ Good to know The Lady Liberty is the quickest, about 1.5 hours each way. Schedules change by season, so book on the company’s site and confirm departure times.

Lake Chelan State Park

This is one of Washington’s most popular state parks, on the lake’s south shore at 7544 S. Lakeshore Road. It has a sandy beach, boating and fishing, hiking trails and a busy campground. In summer, Paninis in the Park sells food and espresso and rents kayaks and paddleboards.

★ Good to know Parking requires a Discover Pass, and summer campsites go fast, so reserve early.

Chelan Riverwalk Park

This 12-acre park follows the Chelan River right where it leaves the lake, off E. Wapato Avenue. A one-mile scenic loop circles the river, with picnic areas, a shelter, a grass playfield and a boat launch with short-term moorage. Chelan County PUD runs it, and it’s open year-round.

★ Good to know It’s the easiest lake-and-river walk in town; go in the evening when the heat eases.

Lake Chelan wineries and Tsillan Cellars

The Lake Chelan AVA was approved in 2009 and has about 40 wineries and tasting rooms. Tsillan Cellars, on the south shore, is a good first stop. It’s an Italian-style estate with gardens, waterfalls and almost 40 acres of vines above the lake. Its tasting room is open daily, with live music on some afternoons.

★ Good to know Groups of eight or more need a reservation at Tsillan, and the tasting fee is waived with a two-bottle purchase.

Ruby Theatre

The Ruby opened in summer 1914 at 135 E. Woodin Ave. and is believed to be the oldest continuously running movie theater in the Northwest. It was named for the first manager’s daughter and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. A 1947 35mm projector still works, though films now run digitally.

★ Good to know It still shows current movies, so a night at the Ruby is an easy way to end a lake day.

Also in town

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, an 1890s log church on Woodin Avenue, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Good to know

When to goSummer is peak season, with dry east-side sun and warm water for swimming. Spring and fall are quieter for wineries, though fewer boats run up the lake outside summer.
How long to stayPlan two days: one for the boat trip to Stehekin, one for the state park, the Riverwalk and a winery.
Heads upBurn bans are common in late summer, so check fire rules before you camp, and bring a Discover Pass for state parks.
Getting herePangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in East Wenatchee is the closest airport with scheduled airline service, on Alaska Airlines, about 50 minutes south by car.

FAQ

How deep is Lake Chelan?

Lake Chelan reaches 1,486 feet at its deepest, making it the third-deepest lake in the United States. It’s about 50 miles long.

How do you get to Stehekin from Chelan?

Most visitors ride the Lady of the Lake boats from the dock on W. Woodin Avenue in Chelan. See our guide to Stehekin for what to do once you’re there.

Is Lake Chelan a wine region?

Yes. The Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area was established in 2009 and has about 40 wineries and tasting rooms. The lake moderates temperatures, which helps the vines.

What other towns are near Chelan?

Chelan County also takes in Leavenworth, southwest of the lake. For more trips, see our small towns in Washington.

Where to find them

Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Chelan, see Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce →

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Where to stay in Chelan

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