Spring Time

Beat the summer heat—and the crowds—with a spring getaway to Lake Chelan. Average daytime highs in the 60s and sunny skies are an open invitation to get a fresh perspective on all of the trails, tastes and activities the valley has to offer. 

The Latest Vintage 

Savor the season’s first taste of Washington wine country. In April, Lake Chelan wineries celebrate their new releases—the whites and rosés destined to be your go-to summer sippers—with Chelan Spring Release. Book a weekend at a B&B and tour participating wineries’ barrel tasting events, perfectly paired with live music, fresh cuisine and lakeside vistas. 

Trail Mix

Our typically early spring thaw means it’s time to head for the hills above the valley. Get out on family-friendly trails in the Echo Ridge trail system, with 25 miles of routes. If you’re feeling more ambitious, do some stretches, pack plenty of water and snacks, then, traverse Devil’s Backbone, a 13-mile stretch that requires transportation at either end. 

Looking for a two-wheeled adrenaline rush? Bust out your mountain bike and bomb down Pot Peak’s 5,000 vertical feet of single-track exhilaration. 

For early-season solitude with a side of adventure, journey 50+ miles uplake to Stehekin via the Lady of the Lake. Pick up some trail treats at the Stehekin Pastry Company (open Memorial Day Weekend) and check out scenic Rainbow Falls, easily accessible by boot, bike or bus. 

Spring Swing

You’ve been perfecting your putt all winter—indoors. Spare your furniture and take your swing outside to the area’s seven golf courses, two right on Lake Chelan. Bring your buddies and make a weekend of it. The Valley has plenty of hotels and home rentals, plus restaurants and pubs to keep you and your friends occupied off the links. Not in for the full 18? Little and big kids alike flock to our two mini-golf courses. At Watson’s Alpenhorn Cafe, near Lake Chelan State Park, enjoy a burger and a shake between putt-putt rounds. The Green at Don Morse Park, a quick stroll from downtown Chelan, boasts photo-op-worthy waterfalls and gardens on a championship putting course.

Summer Time

Summer in Lake Chelan is the right time to visit. There is boating, golfing, water slides and more. If you’re looking for summer fun on the water, Lake Chelan has you covered. But the lake isn’t the only way to make waves here! Fresh flavors, bold pursuits and friendly faces abound in our sun-kissed valley we call home.

Hometown Farms

Whether at one of our local eateries, or on your picnic table, Lake Chelan produce is sure to please your palette. Shop the weekly Evening Farmer’s Market (Thursdays, 4-7pm, May – October) for peaches, cherries, apples, tomatoes, herbs, cheeses, crafts and more. Between live entertainment and special events (Hula-Hoop Clinic, anyone?) get to know the growers and artisans who just might have a story to share along with their wares.

“Cinema in Memorable Surroundings”

Enjoy your popcorn and pop-culture with a side of history. More than just a cool, dark place to take a break from the summer heat, Chelan’s Ruby Theatre is a Main Street America treasure. As the state’s oldest continuously operating theater, the Ruby has been screening first-run films since 1914. Drop in for a quick flick, or rent the theater out for a truly memorable party. 

Super-Sized Fish Story

Every year, Lake Chelan’s 50+ mile expanse is stocked with hundreds of thousands of salmon and trout. And as residents of a landlocked lake, these fish get big—which is fantastic for your fish stories. Try your luck in the lower lake around Chelan and Manson, or head uplake to Stehekin, where the Stehekin River is ideal for fly-fishing. 

Full-Throttle Thrills

No matter what level of heart-pounding excitement you seek, you can dose up on thrills in the Valley. River rafting, ziplining, skydiving and paragliding (described by locals as “the gateway” to extreme sports) are all here. The best part? When you land back on Earth, you can chill out with a glass of local wine as you ponder the meaning of life. 

Spin Cycle

Why travel to France for Le Tour when you can get your jersey-fix in Lake Chelan in one weekend? Catch June’s Cycle de Vine, 30 miles with stops at Valley wineries, and the Chelan Century Challenge, three looped routes around Manson and the surrounding area. Compete, or just hang out and high-five cyclists as they roll through towns and participating wineries.

Fall Time

Fall is for lovers. There’s something irresistible about laid-back autumn days in Lake Chelan; the foliage is hued in oranges and reds, wine is flowing at harvest festivals and magic-hour hikes are somehow even more breathtaking.

Hot Tip: It’s a perfect time to plan a grown-ups-only retreat to savor the past summer’s sweet rewards.

Your New Crush

Wine tastes even better when you get to help make it. Grab a first hand (or foot) experience of the harvest at the Lake Chelan Crush Festival in October.

Stomp grapes like an old-school vintner, visit with winemakers, sample award-winning wines at participating wineries and find special food-and-wine pairing menus at local restaurants.

Trail Making

We adore all seasons in Lake Chelan, but fall scores serious bonus points with lovers of the outdoors. Hiking, biking and golfing season, powered by sunny, 70-degree days, stretches well into October here. It’s like a pre-winter warm-up for weekend warriors—and we have a hunch you’ll want to call in “sick” on Monday.

Hands-On Harvest

It’s no secret that we love our valley’s growers. What we love even more, though, is introducing them to new folks. Take advantage of the many opportunities to get up close and personal with winemakers and farmers in the fall.

One pick: Stehekin’s Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation Harvest Festival in October, where you can make your own juice from apples just off the tree.

Winter Time

Warm up to winter in Lake Chelan. It’s an easy drive from Seattle, and once you get here, the gray and gloom will feel like a distant memory. Our 300 days of sunshine brighten the bluster and chill of winter and expand your opportunities for outdoor recreation and discovering the unexpected. 

Pack your sense of adventure and a sweater—and don’t forget your sunglasses.

Your Winter Play-cation

Whether you set up base camp in a rustic cabin or modern lakeside condo, it’s time to play outside.

Less than 10 miles from Chelan, Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area offers 25 miles of groomed and backcountry trails for snowshoers, as well as cross-country, single-track and skate skiers of all levels. Glide along the high ridge and snap photos of the enchanting Stuart Range and the valley below.

Need a warm-up? Stop at the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club yurt, where you can enjoy a cozy fire, hot soup and lively conversation.

Small-Town Cheer

From festive gatherings to joyful family moments, we welcome you to share the spirit of the season with us. Shop boutiques in Chelan and Manson for the perfect holiday gifts. Watch fireworks reflect off of snowy peaks during Winterfest every January. Or check out and check in for an intimate getaway. Reflect on the new year in the remote wonderland of Stehekin, accessible only by boat in winter months. In February, raise a glass to romance—and relaxation—during the Red Wine & Chocolate weekend.