Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Things To Do Near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is remote, but there's plenty to do. On hot summer days, rent a kayak and get out on Lake Chelan; the water is cold but ideal for swimming and fishing. If you're camping or staying at one of the local lodges, rent a bike to explore the Stehekin Valley Road. Hiking is the most popular activity in the region — the recreation area offers a variety of trails to suit hikers of all abilities.

Hiking Trails

• Lakeshore Trail

  If you're looking for a relatively flat, easy hike with gorgeous water views, head for the Lakeshore Trail. It stretches for more than 17 miles along the northeastern shore of the lake, so you can design your own out-and-back hike. This is a great option for families with kids, offering plenty of opportunities to walk down to the shore. For the best views, hike to the one-mile, 3.5-mile, or seven-mile points before you turn around.

  Location

  Stehekin waterfront

  Length

  Varies. 1 mile to 17.2 miles.

  Intensity

  Easy to Moderate

• Rainbow Loop Trail

  The Rainbow Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. It offers a pleasant challenge, taking you up into the hills and forests surrounding the lake. As you hike, enjoy the views of the Stehekin Valley, a glacial hanging valley, and Lake Chelan. The trail is particularly beautiful in May and June when a carpet of wildflowers blankets the hillsides. For the most spectacular views, continue onto the Rainbow Creek Trail and hike for one mile to the rocky viewpoint before returning. The trail ends at the Stehekin Valley Road, where you can hop on the shuttle or walk back.

  Location

  Rainbow Loop Trail, Washington 98852

  Length

  Moderate

  Intensity

  4.4 miles to the shuttle, 6.8 miles for the full loop

• Purple Creek Trail

  If you're up for a challenge, spend a full day hiking the Purple Creek Trail. This challenging trail travels high into the mountains. You'll start to see fantastic sweeping views of the lake at the three-mile point. The best views in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are located at Boulder Butte. From here, you'll have a 360-degree view of the lake and the Cascades. On the way back down, you'll pass Juanita Lake and the Chelan Summit Trail. Leave early in the morning if you're day-hiking or plan to camp by Juanita Lake.

  Location

  Golden West Visitor Center

  Length

  8 miles one way

  Intensity

  Difficult

Sightseeing

• Stehekin Shuttle

  One of the easiest ways to explore the Stehekin Valley and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is by riding the Stehekin Shuttle. Run by the Lodge at Stehekin, the shuttle consists of vintage red buses. They run the length of the valley, stopping along the way at points of interest and hiking trailheads. In the summer, you can take special bus tours to Rainbow Falls. 

  Location

   Stehekin Valley Rd, Stehekin, WA 98852

• Buckner Orchard and Homestead

  See how early settlers survived on the north end of Lake Chelan at the Buckner Orchard and Homestead. Explore the picturesque grounds, walk through the orchard, and check out the historic buildings that still remain on the property. During apple season, the trees still produce fruit — if you're visiting in September, look out for the annual Buckner Orchard Harvest Fest, which includes music, a potluck, and apple-picking.

  Location

  Rainbow Lane, Stehekin, WA 98852

• Native American Pictographs

  If you're a strong paddler, rent a kayak and head across Lake Chelan to the Painted Rocks area. Here, you can see a set of Native American pictographs. In the summer, these ancient works of art sit close to the water, so they're easy to see from your boat. When the water level drops in the winter, you'll need to look up to see the pictographs high overhead.

  Location

  Painted Rocks site on Lake Chelan

Museums

• Golden West Visitor Center

  When you arrive in Stehekin on the ferry, walk over to the Golden West Visitor Center. Here, you'll find a small selection of exhibits that introduce the local landscape, history, and culture. If you're planning to hike, make sure to chat with a ranger about the trail conditions.

  Location

  Stehekin ferry dock, Stehekin, WA 98852

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Garden

  Pick up organic fruits and vegetables at The Garden, which picks its wares fresh from a local farm. You'll also find a small selection of locally made lavender candles, soaps, and skincare products.

  Location

  955 Stehekin Valley Rd, Stehekin, WA 98852

• Stehekin Discovery Bikes

  Explore the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area on two wheels after a stop at Stehekin Discovery Bikes. Rent bikes and gear and shop for a few small biking essentials.

  Location

  Stehekin, WA 98852

• Stehekin Pastry Company

  Stop in for breakfast and lunch at the Stehekin Pastry Company, which offers delicious soups, sandwiches, and egg breakfasts. Make sure to leave room for one of the fantastic croissants or baked goods.

  Location

  Stehekin, WA 98852

• Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant

  The Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant is the only full-service dining option in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. In the summer, stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; the restaurant is open for lunch in the off-season on the days that the ferry docks. The menu features salads, sandwiches, seafood, and steak.

  Location

  1 Stehekin Valley Rd, Stehekin, WA 98852

How To Get To Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

The easiest way to get to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is by boat. Ferries run to Stehekin from Chelan and Fields Point. To get to the ferry dock in Chelan, take Highway 97 to WA-150 (if you're coming from the south) or Highway 97-A (if you're coming from the north).

Address

Stehekin, WA 98852

Fee: Entry fee $0

Fee: Private Boat fee (per day) $5.0

From May 1 to October 1

With its remote location and gorgeous scenery, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a chance to get off the grid. With world-class hiking, boating, biking, and fishing, it offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. While RV camping isn't possible due to the lack of roads into the park, you can set up camp in one of the lakeside communities and boat into the recreation area.