Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, United States

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Washington region, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Located in Stehekin, this national recreation area is a hidden gem that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

The crown jewel of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is undoubtedly Lake Chelan itself. Stretching over 50 miles, this stunning lake is the third deepest in the United States and boasts crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Whether you choose to explore the lake by kayak, paddleboard, or boat, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers an extensive network of hiking trails that meander through lush forests and rugged terrain. From leisurely strolls to challenging summit hikes, there's something for every level of hiker. Don't miss the opportunity to hike to Hidden Lake, a hidden gem tucked away in the wilderness, or to the summit of Stormy Mountain for panoramic views that will leave you in awe.

Stehekin, the gateway to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, is a charming community that offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. With no road access, the only way to reach this remote village is by boat, seaplane, or hiking. Once there, you can explore the historic buildings, learn about the local Native American history at the Stehekin Heritage Center, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

If you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip through the backcountry of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. With miles of untouched wilderness to explore, you'll have the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Alternative names: Area: 96.81 mi²Visitors per year: 43.8 thous.Elevation: 3629 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°21'13"N, 120°41'2"W

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WashingtonUnited States

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Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Top Attractions

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rainbow Falls, Golden West Visitor Center, Buckner Cabin, Three Wives. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall on Rainbow Creek in the U.S. state of Washington. The waterfall is located inside the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area in the North Cascades National Park, and is near Stehekin. The falls drops 392 feet in two tiers.
48°18'30"N • 120°39'22"W
Golden West Visitor Center
The Golden West Visitor Center is located at the southeast unit of North Cascades National Park Complex in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
48°20'5"N • 120°42'4"W
Buckner Cabin
The Buckner Cabin, also known as William Buzzard's Cabin, located about 2.6 miles northwest of Stehekin, Washington in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area of North Cascades National Park Complex, is one of a group of structures relating to the theme of early settlement in the Lake Chelan area.

Mountain
Three Wives
Three Wives is a 7,450-foot-elevation mountain summit located in North Cascades National Park, in Chelan County of Washington state. It is situated in the Methow Mountains, a subset of the North Cascades.
48°18'41"N • 120°39'25"W
George Miller House
The George Miller House is a rustic log cabin near Stehekin, Washington, United States, in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The cabin was built in 1938 and continues to function as a residence. It is a one-and-a-half-story log house 22 by 32 feet in plan with a shed-roofed addition for a kitchen on one side.
Universities and schools
Stehekin School
The Stehekin School is a log structure built in 1921 as a school for the community of Stehekin, Washington. The property includes two outhouses and a separate kindergarten cabin. The school was used from 1921 to 1988, when a new school was built.

Day trips

Lake Chelan National Recreation Area – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hidden Lake Peaks (North Cascades National Park), Glacier Peak (Glacier Peak Wilderness), Corteo Peak.

26 milesNW
Mountain
Hidden Lake Peaks, North Cascades National Park
Hidden Lake Peaks is series of peaks with a maximum elevation of 7,088 feet that are located in the North Cascades, in Skagit County of Washington state. The peaks extend three miles southwest from the nearest higher peak called The Triad.
26 milesSW
Active volcano with glaciers and hiking
Glacier Peak, Glacier Peak Wilderness
Glacier Peak or Dakobed is the most isolated of the five major stratovolcanoes of the Cascade Volcanic Arc in the U.S state of Washington.
11 milesNW
Mountain
Corteo Peak
Corteo Peak is a majestic mountain situated in the North Cascades of Washington State, offering a serene escape for avid hikers and mountaineers. This rugged peak, characterized by its steep rock faces and glaciated terrain, provides a challenging yet rewarding...
30 milesNW
Mountain
Paul Bunyans Stump, North Cascades National Park
Paul Bunyans Stump is a 7,480+ ft mountain summit in the North Cascades Range of Washington, United States. It is located within North Cascades National Park. It rises steeply from Diablo Lake, one of the reservoirs on the Skagit River.
16 milesNW
Mountain
Mount Arriva
Mount Arriva stands as a magnificent testament to the rugged beauty of the North Cascades in Washington, United States. Not as widely known as some of its neighboring peaks, this mountain nevertheless offers a challenging and rewarding experience for climbers who...