10 Things to Do in Lake Chelan This Summer

Summer in Lake Chelan is the stuff of Pacific Northwest legend. The lake reaches swimming temperature, the wineries are in full swing, and the small-town charm of downtown Chelan comes alive with markets, live music, and long golden evenings. Whether you're here for a weekend or a full week, here are ten things you absolutely need to do.

Lake Chelan is 55 miles long and one of the deepest lakes in the country — and it's best experienced from the water. Rent a pontoon boat for a lazy afternoon cruise, or grab a jet ski and open it up on the open water. Morning sessions are best — the lake is glass-calm before noon, and the water glows turquoise in the early light. Lake Shores Watercraft in downtown Chelan offers half-day and full-day rentals.

A Lake Chelan institution since the 1980s, Slidewaters is a hillside waterpark with lake views, thrilling slides, and the Lakeside Surf wave simulator. It's open Memorial Day through Labor Day and is a blast for families, groups, and anyone who wants to cool off in style. Pro tip: arrive early to claim a good spot on a busy weekend.

Lake Chelan is home to over 40 wineries in a designated AVA. Plan a day hitting 4 to 5 tasting rooms — Tsillan Cellars, Karma Vineyards, Vin du Lac, Nefarious Cellars, and Benson Vineyards are can't-miss stops. Designate a driver and make reservations in summer, especially for weekend tastings.

The Lady of the Lake ferry carries you 55 miles up-lake to the remote village of Stehekin — accessible only by boat, seaplane, or foot. It's a full-day adventure through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Cascades. Visit Rainbow Falls, grab a cinnamon roll from the Stehekin Pastry Company, and soak in the solitude. Book early — the ferry sells out in peak summer.

The Chelan Butte Lookout Trail is a 7-mile out-and-back with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, rewarding you with 360-degree views of the lake, the valley, the orchards, and the Cascade Range. It's a proper workout — bring plenty of water and start early to beat the summer heat. The view from the top is arguably the best in the entire region.

Ziplines, ropes courses, and axe throwing — High Trek Chelan is a perfect half-day activity for groups and families who want something beyond the water. The aerial course winds through the trees with views of the lake, and the axe throwing range is surprisingly addictive. Great for competitive friend groups and adventurous families.

Every Saturday morning in summer, the Chelan Farmers Market comes alive with local produce, baked goods, honey, crafts, and live music. It's the best way to start a Chelan Saturday — grab fresh fruit, a pastry, and a coffee, then wander. The market runs from May through October in Riverwalk Park.

Downtown Chelan's food scene punches above its weight. Campbell's Pub & Veranda is a historic landmark with lake views and excellent American fare. Sorrento's at Tsillan Cellars serves Italian fine dining with panoramic scenery. For a more casual vibe, Stormy Mountain Brewing and The Brick are local favorites. Make dinner reservations in summer — popular spots fill up fast.

See Lake Chelan from a perspective few ever experience — by seaplane. Chelan Seaplanes offers scenic flights over the 55-mile lake, giving you aerial views of the vineyards, orchards, mountains, and the remote upper lake that you can't see from shore. It's a splurge-worthy experience that takes your breath away.

After a full day of lake adventures, wine tasting, and hiking, there's nothing better than sinking into a private hot tub as the sun sets over the valley. At Chelan Peaks Villa, the hot tub sits on the deck with panoramic views — the perfect end to a perfect Chelan summer day.

Chelan Peaks Villa is the ideal base for all ten of these activities. With a chef's kitchen for morning coffee, a game room for evenings in, and room for up to six guests, it's everything you need for the ultimate Lake Chelan summer. Book your stay and start checking off this list.