Lake Chelan Tours

Lake Chelan showing a sunset, boating and tranquil scenes
Experience mountain views, hiking trails, clear waters, wellness spas and vineyards at this scenic lake and year-round vacation destination in Central Washington.

Lake Chelan is a beautiful waterway in central Washington and is the largest lake in the state. The narrow and winding lake features clear waters and picturesque vineyards on its banks. It’s surrounded by stunning forested and snow-capped mountains. Explore this magnificent natural destination by boat, bike or on foot and enjoy the region’s fine wines and family-friendly activities.

Lake Chelan is ideal for water sports and leisure boating. Take in the spectacular mountain vistas from the water on your own craft or a rented boat, Jet Ski, canoe or paddleboard. Discover the abundant underwater life with your snorkel or scuba gear. Take advantage of Lake Chelan’s sheltered beaches and go swimming in the cool waters. If you’re up for the challenge, take part in the Polar Bear Splash swim during the Lake Chelan Winterfest in January.

Explore over 250 miles (402.3 kilometers) of well-kept summer trails in the surrounding mountains. Discover the Glacier Peak and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Beebe Springs and Agnes Creek. For mountain bikers, there are thrilling downhill trails that crisscross the Lake Chelan landscape. Visit Lake Chelan in winter to traverse stunning cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

For a more relaxed Lake Chelan experience, try fishing off one of the many piers on the lake while looking out at the dramatic mountain views. Golf courses, rejuvenating spas and horseback tours can also be found in Lake Chelan. Families will love the Slidewaters waterpark, go-kart tracks, bowling alley and games arcade.

Discover Lake Chelan’s agricultural fields and eat fresh produce from the region. Apples, cherries and grapevines all grow in abundance here. Join a wine tour and enjoy a fine drop grown on the banks of the lake.

Lake Chelan is located in Washington. Cities on the lake include Chelan and Manson on its south end. Passenger ferries connect Chelan to Stehekin Valley and North Cascades National Park to the north. Enjoy long, sunny summers at Lake Chelan or visit in the middle of winter for adventures in the snow.

Plan a trip to see Lake Chelan

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
Downtown Seattle
per person
Jun 10 - Jun 17
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Seattle (SEA)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,749 reviews)
Great hotel, lots of homeless in the immediate area.

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Hotel Theodore

Hotel Theodore

4 out of 5
Downtown Seattle
per person
Jun 10 - Jun 17
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Seattle (SEA)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Good coffee shop in the lobby. Convenient parking garage right beside property if you don’t want to do valet.

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
Downtown Seattle
per person
Jun 10 - Jun 17
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Seattle (SEA)
9/10 Wonderful! (2,733 reviews)
Great staff, easy checkin, lovely rooftop relaxing area. Only downside was the elevator was out of commission the morning we checked out. We had checkin store some of our luggage the night before and we carried some of our luggage down (we are in our 70's). We then helped an elderly couple with their luggage as they couldn't possibly carry down 4 flights. Although we were advised staff could help, the front desk was quite busy at that time. Would stay again, the experience was A other than the elevator.

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Reviews of Lake Chelan

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
181
" "5 - Excellent 66.05839416058394%
4 - Good
79
" "4 - Good 28.83211678832117%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 4.014598540145985%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.36496350364963503%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.7299270072992701%

3/5 - Okay

Visitor
Sep 15, 2018

Take the "Combination" boat ride to Stehekin (fast boat up, slow boat back).  This gives you 3 hours there instead of one and enough time to eat lunch.  Rainbow Falls is pretty but not worth $10 because you only get 15 minutes there.  The 100-foot climb to the second level just for a different photo op was NOT worth pulling a muscle on the GIANT oversized basalt steps.  That was torture!!!  Eat at the bakery, it's the only game in town.  I was disappointed that Stehekin had no shops and no charm.  Basically a 1-star place, part of North Cascades National Park, for backpackers to stay and get supplies.  Nothing to do really.

1/5 - Terrible

Denis
Aug 25, 2018

we did not see the lake, due to wild fires in central washington, bad luck.

5/5 - Excellent

Nichole
Aug 22, 2018

Our family had a great time there. We did not get to truly enjoy the beauty of the lake due the haze from the fires, but we made it work. Will be going back again.

Popular places to visit

Image for Crescent Hill Trailhead

Crescent Hill Trailhead

You can take time to visit Crescent Hill Trailhead during your travels to Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Crescent Hill Trailhead
Image for Lone Peak Trailhead

Lone Peak Trailhead

You can take time to visit Lone Peak Trailhead during your travels to Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Lone Peak Trailhead
Image for Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park

Explore the great outdoors at Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, a lovely green space in Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Image for North 25 Mile Creek Trailhead

North 25 Mile Creek Trailhead

You can take time to visit North 25 Mile Creek Trailhead during your travels to Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

North 25 Mile Creek Trailhead
Image for Pyramid Mountain Trailhead

Pyramid Mountain Trailhead

You can take time to visit Pyramid Mountain Trailhead during your travels to Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Pyramid Mountain Trailhead
Image for Pot Peak Trailhead

Pot Peak Trailhead

You can take time to visit Pot Peak Trailhead during your travels to Chelan. Stroll along this relaxing area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its wineries.

Pot Peak Trailhead

Best Lodging Options Near Lake Chelan

Modern Lake Chelan cottage & bunk house with dock & hot tub
Modern Lake Chelan cottage & bunk house with dock & hot tub
Chelan
Modern Lake Chelan cottage & bunk house with dock & hot tub
See all 739 properties in Lake Chelan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.