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From picturesque wine valleys to family-friendly water activities, here are the top things to do near Lake Chelan, Washington:
Puget Sound isn’t the only popular lake in the Pacific Northwest. Located between north-central and northwest Washington, Lake Chelan stretches 55 miles between the Chelan mountains. Fed by the glacial Stehekin River, it’s a narrow fjord-like lake with an impressive depth of 1,486 feet, making it the third deepest lake in the U.S. From its stunning geography to its abundance of recreation, Lake Chelan is truly something special. If you’re interested in visiting or buying lake property here, check out these fun things to do on Lake Chelan!
Go Fishing
Like on most lakes, fishing is an ever-popular activity on Lake Chelan. However, many anglers find fishing to be more abundant and picturesque at this PNW lake than in other lake areas across the country. Bass, Chinook salmon, kokanee, and rainbow trout are particularly popular. In these waters, reeling in a 20-pound fish is not incredibly rare, although the average weight is between 6 and 10 pounds. Several times, Lake Chelan has broken the state lake trout record, most recently in February of 2013 with a fish weighing 35.63 pounds.
Visit The Lake Chelan Wine Valley
The only thing better than a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains is enjoying the view with a glass of vino! The Lake Chelan Wine Valley boasts award-winning wines from more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms. Depending on the time of year, a variety of events happen in the wine valley that are perfect for wine lovers—or anyone who loves stomping grapes. Since many people consider the Clean Wine Valley to be on par with California’s famous Sonoma Valley Wineries, it’s certainly worth a visit.
Hop Aboard the Lady of the Lake
Since Lake Chelan features various hidden parts along its long, narrow shoreline, there are few ways to discover all this lake’s secrets. On the Lady of the Lake, you’ll get the full tour of Lake Chelan, even those hard-to-reach places that you can only access by hiking. Originally built in 1900, this boat was designed to transport passengers from the south to the north part of the lake. Choose from multiple tours to get the experience you want! The sailing schedule changes according to the season, so be sure to check their website for updates.
Check Out Slidewaters
For many continuous years, Slidewaters has been rated among the top 15 waterparks in the U.S. Located in the Lake Chelan area, this spot consists of several waterslides, a 500-foot-long lazy river, and a play area for young children. The area also includes an arcade, picnic area, and gift shop. Although this classic waterpark is temporarily closed during the “off” seasons, it’s a highly popular destination during the summer months on Lake Chelan.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a gorgeous natural lake in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Chelan is a perfect spot. With gorgeous mountain views and plenty of activities to do, you’ll feel relaxed and right at home.