Wenatchee - Lake Chelan

Travel Guide

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

Downtown Leavenworth is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum or Wenatchee River while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
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Wapato Point

While visiting Wapato Point, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Chelan and Wapato Point Cellars.

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

While Willow Point may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Lake Chelan State Park and Wapato Lake.

Willow Point
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Helios Hills

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

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 €74 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€74
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (2,720 reviews)
"While this is definitely an older hotel that is showing its age, it was a good value for the price we paid. The common spaces and the room seemed very clean, and the outdoor pool and hot tub area were nicely maintained and comfortable. The bed was fairly comfortable, though strangely bouncy. The ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Icicle Village Resort

Icicle Village Resort

3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is €179 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
€179
16 Sept - 17 Sept
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! (1,399 reviews)
"Great service thanks"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel

3 out of 5
201 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
The price is €111 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€111
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,615 reviews)
"Everything was excellent except the restaurant was permanently closed. That would have been nice had it been open. People were professional. Coffee service in the room was good and all was clean."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (49 reviews)
Beautiful Resort!
"Absolutely beautiful! The resort is fantastic. We had everything we needed in our private cabin. We stayed in Bear. It was clean and decorated. Loved the coffee press and fresh coffee grounds in fridge! The pool was clean and refreshing. We even enjoyed a soak in the hot tub! Definitely will be ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (16 reviews)
"Far from civilization. So come with what you need and you should have a good time!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Desert Canyon Golf Resort
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! (57 reviews)
"Excellent location and excellent stay! We were on the third floor, and the room was clean and had ample space. I would stay at this place again!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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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