Wenatchee - Lake Chelan

Travel Guide

Chelan which includes street scenes and mountains
Wenatchee - Lake Chelan featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
Wenatchee - Lake Chelan which includes railway items, a river or creek and mountains
Wenatchee - Lake Chelan which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains
Wenatchee - Lake Chelan featuring a lake or waterhole, railway items and mountains

The lakes of Chelan County are often touted as Washington’s Playground because of the range of sports and beautiful scenery available to visitors.

Visit the charming waterfront towns of WenatcheeOpens in a new window and Lake ChelanOpens in a new window to enjoy water sports, outdoor activities and lakeside relaxation. The Cascades, a range of mountains that cut through the center of Washington, form the dramatic background to this scenic part of the state.

The history of the area is bound up with the indigenous communities, such as the Wenatchi, that first lived in the area. Follow the historic routes through the mountains, which were first explored by these nomadic cultures. Fur trappers, prospectors and cattlemen later traveled through the area before settling in the mid-19th century.

Explore the historic town of Wenatchee, known by many as the “Apple Capital of the World.” Walk along Main Street, a classically American boulevard, and soak up the old-world atmosphere of the town. Attend the Apple Blossom Festival, an annual spring celebration that dates back to 1919.

For fresh air and adventure, hike or bike through the Wenatchee National Forest. Hit the Apple Capital Loop Trail around the shores of Lake Wenatchee for panoramic mountain views and invigorating road cycling.

Unwind by the shores of Lake Chelan, which stretches for over 50 miles (80 kilometers) through the Cascades. The resort of Chelan, at the southern tip of the lake, offers water sports and boat rides on its shimmering waters.

Sip on local wines in the vineyards around the lake. Several different grape varietals grow in this designated American Viticulture Area (AVA). Sample local wines in one of the many wineries that line the shores of Lake Chelan. For a taste of something different, explore the beer and cider breweries, many of which also offer tours and tasting sessions.

Travel around Wenatchee and Lake Chelan using public transit. City buses run through the mountains, while the towns themselves can be explored on foot. Get to Wenatchee by flying from SeattleOpens in a new window to Pangborn Memorial Airport. Visit in winter for skiing and other snow sports or come in summer for sunny days on the lakes.

Where to stay in Wenatchee - Lake Chelan

Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth

Modeled after a Bavarian village, this charming town offers the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and picturesque Alpine German architecture. Easily accessible via Amtrak's Empire Builder train and U.S. Route 2, it's a delightful destination for travelers.

Downtown Leavenworth
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Wapato Point

If you're spending some time in Wapato Point, Lake Chelan and Wapato Point Cellars are top sights worth seeing.

Wapato Point
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Downtown Manson

If you're spending some time in Downtown Manson, C.R. Sandidge Winery and Fromaggio Artisan Cheese Shoppe are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Manson
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Willow Point

Though Willow Point might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lake Chelan State Park and Wapato Lake.

Willow Point
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Helios Hills

While Helios Hills isn't home to many top sights, Wapato Lake and Lake Chelan State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Helios Hills
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center

3 out of 5
1225 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
The price is CA $97 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $97
CA $111 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,702 reviews)
"Its a good property for the price. The staff is friendly and easy to work with. The TV's were not working this trip. We found that to be quite dissapointing. But all in all, it was a nice stay"

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Bavarian Lodge

Bavarian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is CA $363 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
CA $363
CA $406 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,314 reviews)
"Awesome time! Room was amazing , very quite"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Icicle Village Resort

Icicle Village Resort

3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is CA $315 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
CA $315
CA $352 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,391 reviews)
"Everything was good"

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
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.
Echo Valley Resort & Cabins

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1800 Cooper Gulch Rd, Manson, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star ski cabin in Manson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Echo Ridge Recreation Area Trailheads and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"Beautiful remote area. Just be ready for stairs and a walk to the bathroom on a hill. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Desert Canyon Golf Resort

Desert Canyon Golf Resort

4 out of 5
1030 Desert Canyon Blvd, Orondo, WA
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Orondo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Desert Canyon Golf Resort and Daroga State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Far from civilization. So come with what you need and you should have a good time!"

Reviewed on Aug. 5, 2025

Desert Canyon Golf Resort
Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK

Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK

Leavenworth
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Leavenworth. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Beautiful, clean cabin! Property managers were very helpful and quick to respond. There was some confusion over the amount of guests allowed. There are only a maximum of 6 guests allowed but the listing mentions additional person fees, which doesn’t really make sense when there isn’t a minimum of ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 18, 2025

Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK
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.

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Cities near Wenatchee - Lake Chelan