About Chelan North

The north shore of Lake Chelan was designated a national recreation area in 1968 to protect the wonderful water-based opportunities it offers to so many people. Considered the sunnier side of the Lake, it hosts many of the area’s famed fruit orchards that provide some of the nation’s finest apples and peaches.

Equally famous are the vineyards that produce many award winning wines. The regional forest has been thinned by several historic fires in the past century, resulting in an open view of the Lake for north shore homeowners. A great many vacation homes are located on this side of the Lake.

Along the north shore are also many reminders of its past. Shiny metal drums can be seen every so often along the shoreline. These served as navigation reflectors for the tugboats that, between 1937 and 1957, hauled copper ore across the Lake non-stop. By shining a light on them at night, the tug captain could calculate his position on the Lake. Boaters still use them today to get their bearings on the long Lake at twilight.

Well past the end of the road, about mid-lake is Prince Creek named in 1886 after a Miner's bellowed horse that was not too sure footed. Not too far way is Lucern Basi, the deepest part of the lake. At 1,486 feet in depth it makes Lake Chelan the third deepest lake in the United States.

STEHEKIN:
At the far end of the lake and accessible only by boat, plane or foot is Stehekin Landing, known as the Gateway to the North Cascades. Part of the National Park Service concession, the landing is a unique get-away- destination tucked in to a still corner of our busy world. Every visitor to Lake Chelan should make the all day round trip run to Stehekin.

Only 100 people live permanently in Stehekin but there are private cabins, camp sites and picnic areas. Be sure to visit the Golden West Visitor Center built from logs salvaged from the 1892 Field Hotel that once welcomed visitors to the Landing.

CLIMATE:
With bright blue skies for over 350 days of the year, the Lake is a mecca for water sports of all kinds. It is not unusual to see water skiing, canoeing, tubing, parasailing and scuba diving on the Lake during the summer months. Beach combing, picnicking and star gazing all offers a way to enjoy the Lake in a more relaxed manner under the warming summer sun.

The cooler winter months invite everyone to enjoy snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing. Visitors often enjoy trying their hand at making snow ice cream or a snowman near their vacation rental home.

No matter the season, you will enjoy the north shore of beautiful Lake Chelan. Many families return year after year to enjoy the diversity of its amazing beauty. It is a treasured family secret. Ssssh!

About Lake Chelan

One of the most popular vacation destinations in all of Washington. The name Chelan comes from the Indian word Tsillian. It can mean deep water. This is actually the third deepest lake in the country, surrounded by rolling hills covered with apple trees and soaring mountains providing huge territorial views from all around the valley.

The weather is near perfect. Hot in summer. Cold in winter, warm and friendly in between. Over 300 days of sunshine per year thanks to the Lake's location sheltered from prevailing wind from by the Cascade Mountains immediately to the West. In short, Chelan is perfect all year round.

There is something for everyone year round in Chelan. Enjoy touring the wineries, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, river rafting and much more. Don’t worry there is a plethora of winter sports as well so don’t feel like you can only come for the sun. Go snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or enjoy all kinds of skiing.

There are many different places to stay along the Lake from spacious vacation homes, to cozy condos. Come stay any time during any season and take in the sights, enjoy the activities. Or just kick back and relax on the water and watch the day go by.