Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Lake Chelan, Washington, brims with small-town charm and unbeatable natural beauty. The town of Chelan is situated on the banks of its namesake lake: a crystal-clear, glacier-fed body of water that is some 50 miles long.
During a visit, you’ll be greeted by lush mountains, orchards and world-class vineyards in both Chelan and the lakeside resort’s other two communities, Manson and Stehekin.
With some of Washington’s best outdoor recreation opportunities at your fingertips, you’re sure to enjoy this unforgettable adventure in northwestern Washington.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore the Natural Beauty of Lake Chelan and Stehekin Valley
Start your morning by joining the steady line of customers out front of Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery, where some of the best pastries — croissants, scones and fresh bagels — in town originate.
Pair your sweet treat with a latte and wander down to the lake for a cruise with Lady of the Lake, a local company that has been ferrying passengers across the glacier-fed waters for more than 100 years. Once you’re on board, sit back, relax and take in stunning views.
Opt for one of Lady of the Lake’s faster boats like the Lady Liberty and get the chance to experience Stehekin Valley. Only accessible by boat, it’s best to leave the town of Chelan early so you can experience the best of this isolated valley, with just 75 permanent residents, tucked in the heart of the North Cascade Mountains.
Described as something out of a Norwegian fairy tale, be sure to visit Rainbow Falls; the old log cabin Stehekin School; and Buckner Ranch, a 160-acre homestead first developed by William Buzzard, an early settler to the Stehekin Valley, between 1889 and 1910, and now maintained by the National Park Service. P.S. Don’t miss the boat home!
After a long day on the water, it’s time for a well-deserved feast at Local Myth Pizza, home to some of the best pizza in town and a nice selection of local craft beers and ciders. Order the “Wedge à la Myth” salad along with a prosciutto Florentine pie. If you’re feeling bold, knock back a chocolate mousse shooter with whipped cream for dessert.
Saturday: Try Local Washington Wines Straight From the Vine
Open since 1957, Apple Cup Café serves breakfast all day — and they do it well. This home-style diner cooks divine huevos rancheros, and their eggs béarnaise can’t be beat. Swedish pancakes are served crêpe-style with homemade lingonberry sauce, and the blueberry pancakes come with a blueberry compote made with local berries.
After you’ve downed your second cup of coffee, head out for a round of golf at Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Resort, an upscale 18-hole course situated on a natural lakeside plateau. If you’re not a golfer, try Slidewaters, one of the best-rated water parks in the country. Feeling brave? Test run all 12 of the waterslides before lunch.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, slip into the Lakeview Drive-In, a family-owned landmark beloved for its classic grilled burgers and fries, which haven’t changed much since the Mack family first started making them in 1957. Try their popular bacon burger along with a bucket of piping-hot fries.
Now, you’re officially ready to hit the local wine circuit. Since the Lake Chelan valley has the perfect climate and soil to grow lush grapes, there are more than two dozen wineries to choose from, all near the south end of the lake in and around Manson and Chelan.
On your self-guided wine tour, consider stops at Karma Vineyards, Siren Song Wines, Alta Cellars, Amos Rome Vineyards and Nefarious Cellars. All of these stops offer a great taste of the area’s terroir with menus spanning all varietals, from sparkling to pinot noir.
End your tasting afternoon with the estate wines from Tsillan Cellars, perhaps one of the finest vineyards in the area. Reserve a table at the winery’s romantic restaurant, Sorrento’s Ristorante, which serves up Italian cuisine with outstanding water views. Don’t miss your chance to try their duck-confit risotto.
Sunday: Enjoy the Great Outdoors on an Electric-Bike Tour
Grab a matcha milk tea with boba, a smoothie or caramel latte at the Vogue Bubble Tea & Coffee Bar for a leisurely drive around the surrounding areas and its local farm stands.
Be sure to stop by the Sunshine Farm Market, a 100-acre, fourth-generation family farm. Their local cheeses, meats, artisan bread, locally roasted coffee beans, fresh-cut flowers, handmade jams and candies also make for great gifts.
Following your drive, head downtown to Chelan Electric Bikes for their award-winning Path Less Pedaled tour. The four-hour excursion takes you on an 18-mile waterfront route, with stops at three wineries.
In the warmer months, don’t forget your swimsuit, as there’s a stop at a secret swimming hole. If you’re not keen on electric bikes, there are endless alternatives for an afternoon in the great outdoors.
Stroll the mile-long Chelan Riverwalk Park, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard or try salmon and trout fishing with a local guide. There’s also Yoga Uncorked, which offers lakeside yoga classes followed by wine tasting. Daredevils can opt to jump out of a plane and parachute down to earth with the experienced guides at Skydive Chelan.
After your outdoor adventures, whatever they may be, head to the north shore of the lake and enjoy the lakeside patio of Vin du Lac for a memorable last supper. We’re talking smoked-Gouda mac and cheese, elk meatloaf and other bistro-style favorites. For the cherry on top of your visit, enjoy a first-run film at the 1914 Ruby Theatre, the oldest continually running cinema in the state.
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