The ultimate itinerary for your next trip to Lake Chelan
About 180 miles outside of Seattle, Lake Chelan makes for an amazing getaway. Sponsored by Visit Lake Chelan.
Looking for a getaway that feels like worlds away, but is only a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Western Washington? Look no further than Lake Chelan!
The almost always sunny town of Chelan, at the southeast end of the lake, has a population of 4,000 that swells to 25,000 during the summer months. From award-winning wineries to a new installation that pushes you to "hang loose", there's something to do here for just about everybody.
Whether you're down to relax, play, drink local wine or all of the above, Lake Chelan makes for the perfect getaway. Check out Evening's itinerary below.
What to do
Lakeside Surf
When you think surfing, Chelan probably isn't the first place that comes to mind. But it can be! Lakeside Surf offers the world's biggest man-made surf wave overlooking Lake Chelan. Surfers must be at least 10 years old, four feet tall, and able to swim. The surf wave is part of Slidewaters Water Park if a lazy river is more your style.
Yoga Uncorked
What pairs better with wine than a bit of relaxation? Yoga Uncorked travels to different vineyards around Chelan, offering some ways to get your body moving while also enjoying a locally made glass.
Electric Bike Tours
When you hop on with Chelan Electric Bikes, you are in for a treat that may be even better than the wine you're about to taste. The tour starts in downtown Chelan and typically goes around 10 miles around the lake to various tasting rooms. And Hill says it's more than a wine tour. Tours take place all summer long and can cost between $70 and $180 per person.
Where to eat
Riverwalk Cafe
Riverwalk Inn & Cafe serves a tasty breakfast and lunch, but it's their baked goods that have both travelers and locals coming back for more. A deliciously fluffy handmade cinnamon roll was a recipe that was originally only available at Stehekin Pastry Co., until the daughter of the bakery's owner, Clancy Courtney, became the manager of the inn. Delicious!
Lakeview Drive-In
Find Lakeview Drive-In by Lake Chelan, which has been serving up burgers and fries since 1957. The most popular ordered item is the bacon burger -- which is a double burger with bacon and cheese. But you can also order a bucket of fries, which, yes, is amazing as it sounds.
Where to grab a glass of wine
If you're a wine-o, you'll love to hear that Chelan is home to many delicious wineries – some even award-winning! Here are just a few to check out on your next trip:
- Tsillan Cellars - This Italian-inspired destination grows all of its own grapes, and after winning 6 platinum awards in one year, Wine Press Northwest named it 2020's Winery of the Year.
- Mellisoni Vineyards - Every Monday is open mic night at the spot that was named the 2021 Washington Winery of the Year. It's where The Voice contestant Savanna Woods picked up fans years before appearing on the show, and she's still a regular. The spot also earned 8 platinum awards in 2020.
- Lake Chelan Winery - This unique spot doesn't just make and serve wine, they also do barbeque. Choosing a red or white means deciding whether you want ribs or chicken.
Where to stay
Stehekin is a quiet little village at the head of Lake Chelan, and is only accessible by boat, air or trail. No roads lead there, and with zero cell reception, it's the perfect place to get off the grid. Check for overnight availability at several properties on their website.
Sponsored by Visit Lake Chelan. Couldn't find what you're looking for? KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.