Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a picturesque destination located in north-central Washington. Situated in the eastern part of the North Cascades National Park complex, it covers an area of approximately 61,958 acres. The area surrounds Lake Chelan, a stunning, narrow, and deep fjord-like lake carved by glaciers thousands of years ago.

As for its historical background, native cultures, specifically the Chelan tribe, inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. However, in the late 19th century, miners rushed to the area attracted by potential gold deposits. The lure of mining eventually declined, and the rugged landscape began attracting tourists seeking recreation and relaxation.

One of the main attractions in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is its namesake lake, Lake Chelan. Stretching over 50 miles, it offers various water activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The clear blue waters are ideal for exploring the underwater world or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise.

Furthermore, the area offers numerous hiking trails that lead through mesmerizing alpine meadows, lush forests, and across rugged mountains. Prominent trails include the Lakeshore Trail, providing scenic views along Lake Chelan, and the Rainbow Loop Trail, known for its breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

Camping is a popular activity within the recreation area, with several campgrounds set along the lake's shore providing a serene environment for relaxation. The Stehekin Valley, accessible only by boat, offers multiple camping options for those willing to venture further into the wilderness.

Adjacent to the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area lies the charming town of Chelan. Known for its wineries, visitors can indulge in wine tasting and wine tours amidst the beautiful vineyards. The town's picturesque location on the shores of the lake also provides opportunities for shopping, dining, and exploring local art galleries.

Overall, the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical significance. Whether it is boating and fishing in the clear waters of Lake Chelan or embarking on a memorable hike amidst stunning landscapes, visitors to this area are sure to be captivated by its offerings.

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located in the north-central part of Washington state. Nestled within the majestic Cascade Range, this stunning recreation area encompasses an area of over 60,000 acres. Situated around the picturesque Lake Chelan, the area stretches from the pristine waters of the lake to the rugged peaks and deep valleys that characterize the surrounding landscape. Its geographical location showcases a diverse terrain, ranging from snowcapped mountains and lush forests to cascading waterfalls and deep canyons. As one of the most spectacular regions in Washington state, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Address & Contact

810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Driving Directions
Phone: 3608547200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Lake Chelan National Recreation Area would be between May and September. During this period, the average maximum temperatures range from 69°F to 83°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains relatively low, ranging from 0.6 in to 1.4 in, ensuring favorable conditions. These months also offer a moderate number of visitors, allowing visitors to enjoy the area without facing large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are: Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Paddling Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour Citizen Science

Topics

Learn about these topics at Lake Chelan National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Cats (wild) Fish Wilderness Wolves Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds

Visitor Centers

Wilderness Information Center

The Wilderness Information Center is the main backcountry permit office for North Cascades National Park and the adjacent Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Backcountry permits are required for overnights in the park year-round and are available at an outdoor self-issue station when the center is closed during the winter season. Information desk. Sales area with books, maps, videos, and other items related to the national park and adjacent national forests.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wilderness Information Center.

Campsites within or near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Colonial Creek North Campground

Colonial Creek North Campground is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities for various abilities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 41
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground is a remote, yet busy campground nestled in old growth forest on the south side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130.Ten walk-in, tent-only sites are available first-come, first-served in the winter (sites #64-74). Sites may be difficult to access in winter. Reservations required late May to September. Recreational opportunities include a fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch on Diablo Lake, as well as hiking opportunities on Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob trails.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Colonial Creek Summer Fees), 0.00 (Colonial Creek CG Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 96
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Goodell Creek Campground

Goodell Creek Campground is situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River. Campsites are suitable for tents and small RVs. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a raft/kayak launch on the Skagit River and fishing on the Skagit and its tributaries.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Summer Fees), 0.00 (Goodell Creek Campground Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 19
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Gorge Lake Campground

Gorge Lake Campground is located on the bank of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek and is a primitive camp with no water. First-come, first-served during the winter. Summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. Nearby recreational opportunities include a boat launch on Gorge Lake, fishing, and hiking trails.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Gorge Lake Campground)
Total Campsites: 8
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Harlequin Campground

Harlequin Campground is located near Stehekin in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, 4.5 miles up the Stehekin Valley Rd from Stehekin Landing and 0.5 miles from the public airstrip. All sites are walk-in sites though some have limited parking. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Harlequin Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Harlequin Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 7
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hozomeen Campground

Hozomeen Campground is located at the north end of Ross Lake and is open from late May through October. There is no camping fee, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Facilities include boat launches, pit toilets, potable water, picnic tables and fire grates. Guests must pack-out all trash. Campsites located in the Upper Loop are closed until further notice due to hazard trees.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Hozomeen Campground Fees)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lakeview Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Lakeview Campground is a five minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Lakeview Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Lakeview Campground Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 9
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people (20 vehicles) per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service provided is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Newhalem Creek Campground

Newhalem Campground is a comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem, Washington, and the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has individual campsites as well as two group sites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are only a short walk away.
Fees (US$): 24.00 (Newhalem Creek Campground Reservation Fee), 75.00 (Newhalem Creek Group Campsites)
Total Campsites: 107
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Purple Point Campground

Located at the head of Lake Chelan, Purple Point Campground is a ten minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing. All sites are walk-in sites for small to medium-sized tents. First-come, first-served during the winter; summer reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Purple Point Campground Peak Season Fees), 0.00 (Purple Point Non-peak Season Fees)
Total Campsites: 6
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Upper Goodell Creek Group Campsite

Upper Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. The group site has tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 30 people (10 vehicles). Upper Goodell cannot accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Upper Goodell Creek Group Campground - Summer Fees), 0.00 (Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground - Winter Fees)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Lower Goodell Group Campground

Lower Goodell Group Campground is a convenient campground on the banks of Goodell Creek. Each group site has 5 tent pads, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a fire grate. Maximum capacity is 50 people and 20 vehicles per site. Lower Goodell sites can accommodate RV's. Vault toilets and garbage service is provided. There are no hook-ups or potable water.
Fees (US$): 75.00 (Lower Goodell Group Campground Campsite Reservation Fee)
Total Campsites: 2
Toilets: Vault Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

Hotel Rio Vista

With a stay at Hotel Rio Vista in Winthrop, you'll be on a river, within a 10-minute walk of Winthrop Rink and Shafer Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 285 Riverside Ave, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

AbbyCreek Inn

With a stay at AbbyCreek Inn in Winthrop, you'll be on a river, just a 1-minute walk from Cascade Range and 12 minutes by foot from Winthrop Rink. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary at scheduled times.
Address: 1006 Hwy 20, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Virginian Resort

With a stay at Virginian Resort in Winthrop, you'll be in the historical district and within the region of Lake Chelan. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 808 State Route 20, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Winthrop Inn

With a stay at Winthrop Inn in Winthrop, you'll be on a river, just a 1-minute walk from Cascade Range and 14 minutes by foot from Winthrop Rink. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 960 Highway 20, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Rolling Huts

Located in Winthrop, this cabin is within a 15-minute drive of Mack Lloyd Park and Shafer Museum.
Address: 18381 Highway 20, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Sun Mountain Lodge

With a stay at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, you'll be 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from Bear Creek Golf Course and 28.4 mi (45.8 km) from Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Mt Gardner Inn

Located in Winthrop, Mt Gardner Inn is in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Winthrop Rink and Mack Lloyd Park. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 611 Hwy 20, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

Methow River Lodge & Cabins

When you a stay at Methow River Lodge & Cabins in Winthrop, you'll be near ski lifts, within a 5-minute walk of Cascade Range and Winthrop Rink. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, express check-out, and multilingual staff. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 110 White Ave, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link

River Run Inn

With a stay at River Run Inn in Winthrop, you'll be 3 mi (4.8 km) from Pearrygin Lake State Park and 23.8 mi (38.3 km) from Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Address: 27 Rader Rd, Winthrop, Washington 98862
Web: Link