Wenatchee - Lake Chelan, WA

Travel Guide

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

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
The small lake side village of Manson lies along the north shore of Lake Chelan.

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Wapato Point

5/5(7 area reviews)

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

Wapato Point
The small lake side village of Manson lies along the north shore of Lake Chelan.

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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
Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
$239 nightly
The price is $267 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$267 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,387 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
3 out of 5
1225 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
$78 nightly
The price is $90 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$90 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and 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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,591 reviews)
Nice
"We stay there when we go to see family. Always good."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Lakeside Lodge And Suites
Lakeside Lodge And Suites
2.5 out of 5
2312 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
$259 nightly
The price is $289 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$289 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chelan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Lakeside Lodge And Suites
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.
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Beautiful view, quite, nice price, high quality golf course"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Desert Canyon Golf Resort
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
Peace and Quiet and Cozy
"Cute cozy cabins and the host very friendly call us in advance to make we realize what we booked"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Best Views in Leavenworth from Downtown 2-bedroom Condo
Best Views in Leavenworth from Downtown 2-bedroom Condo
Leavenworth
Stay at this condo in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Greater Leavenworth Museum and Leavenworth ...
10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Great Location
"Perfectly situated downtown and great view of the river!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Best Views in Leavenworth from Downtown 2-bedroom Condo
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