Full stop index with 48 curated stops. Save stops in the planner before printing to create a custom itinerary.
#1 · Full dayDon Morse Memorial Park Beach
Beaches & swimming · Don Morse Park, Chelan, WA
Chelan's flagship waterfront park: 44 acres with 2,000+ feet of shoreline, a big sandy beach and a buoyed swim zone right off downtown. A walled shallow area gives little kids a protected place to splash.
No lifeguards, and lots fill on summer weekends — arrive early or walk two blocks from downtown. The walled swim area is safest for toddlers.
#2 · Late morningLakeside Park
Beaches & swimming · Lakeside Park, Chelan, WA
A 10-acre south-shore park with protected swim areas and non-motorized boating, freshly reopened in June 2026 after a renovation that added enhanced beach access, swim platforms and a new T-dock.
Quieter and more open than Don Morse, and non-motorized only — bring your own kayak or paddleboard.
#3 · MiddayManson Bay Park Beach
Beaches & swimming · Manson Bay Park, Manson, WA
Downtown Manson's swim beach on a calm bay, with a sandy-grassy shore and an easy walk to tasting rooms and ice cream. The low-key north-shore counterpart to Don Morse.
Pair a swim with lunch in town. To launch a boat, use Old Mill Park instead — the Manson Bay ramp is currently closed.
#4 · Full dayLake Chelan State Park
Beaches & swimming · Lake Chelan State Park, WA
One of Washington's most popular state parks, with a sandy swim beach and buoyed swim area ~9 miles from town. It also has a boat launch with dock and moorage, plus on-beach kayak, SUP and hydro-bike rentals and food from Paninis in the Park.
Day-use needs a Discover Pass (sold at the entrance). Rentals and food run 8am–8pm daily through Labor Day, so you can show up gear-free.
#5 · Full-day tripLady of the Lake (Stehekin Ferry)
Rentals & cruises · Lake Chelan Boat Company, 1418 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
The marquee Lake Chelan day trip: a passenger ferry runs the full 50-mile length of the lake to roadless Stehekin at the edge of North Cascades National Park. The fast Lady Express does the round trip in a day; the classic Lady of the Lake is the slower, scenic ride.
You board at the Chelan dock (~1 mile south of downtown) — this pin is the dock, not Stehekin. Arrive 30+ minutes early and book the Lady Express for a same-day round trip.
#6 · Morning (calmest water)Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals
Rentals & cruises · Shoreline Watercraft, Chelan, WA
Lake Chelan's largest rental fleet, spread across several lakeside locations. They rent pontoons, ski and wakesurf boats, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, so a whole group can get on the water from one outfitter.
With five pickup spots around the lake, confirm which dock your boat launches from when you book — summer weekends sell out.
#7 · MorningLake Shores Watercraft & Boat Rentals
Rentals & cruises · Lake Shores Watercraft, 1324 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
A Chelan rental mainstay since 1995, running powerboats, premium pontoons and WaveRunner jet skis from the south-shore Woodin Ave strip, with wakeboard, ski and SUP gear available too.
Two-hour blocks are a good budget option, but full days book up on weekends — reserve early.
#8 · MorningChelan Parasail & Watersports
Rentals & cruises · Chelan Parasail, 1228 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
Washington's only parasail operator. Board a purpose-built boat at their private downtown dock, then climb hundreds of feet above the lake for bird's-eye views of the Cascades, vineyards and turquoise water.
Book a morning flight for the calmest water and the best light over the lake.
#9 · MorningJet Skis Ahoy Watercraft & Boat Rental
Rentals & cruises · Jet Skis Ahoy, 1320 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
One of the most complete rental lineups on the lake — pontoons, speed boats, jet skis and wakesurf boats — from a full-service marina with free parking, gas at the docks and food on site.
Fuel up at the dock and launch without leaving the lot; reserve wakesurf boats early.
#10 · MorningMill Bay Marine
Rentals & cruises · Mill Bay Marine, Manson, WA
A full-service marine shop on the north shore in Manson with a clean fleet — sport boats, pontoons seating 10–14, and a wakeboard boat — and a great launch point for the quieter north end of the lake.
Best north-shore option if you're staying near Manson. Washington requires a Boater Education Card, but Mill Bay issues a free temporary form at check-in.
#11 · Early morning25 Mile Creek State Park Boat Launch
Boat launches · Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, Chelan, WA
The farthest-up-lake public ramp before the roadless wilderness, with two concrete ramps (one ADA), a marina, moorage and the last gas dock until Stehekin — the gateway for boaters heading to the deep uplake reaches.
Fuel up here (last gas before Stehekin) and grab supplies at the park store, open 9am–7pm in summer. It gets shallower at the ramp end late season, so watch your draft.
#12 · MorningOld Mill Park Boat Launch
Boat launches · Old Mill Park, Manson, WA
Manson's main launch: a four-lane concrete ramp on a 20-acre site just east of downtown, with a large trailer lot, a free marine pump-out and the deepest reliable access on the north shore — the go-to north-shore put-in now that Manson Bay's ramp is closed.
Pay the daily or annual permit at the on-site pay station and keep the receipt on your dash; single-vehicle day-use parking is free.
#13 · MorningChelan Riverwalk Park Boat Launch
Boat launches · Chelan Riverwalk Park boat launch, Chelan, WA
A two-lane PUD ramp on the Chelan River at the foot of the lake downtown, paired with the 1-mile Riverwalk loop. It's the deepest-water ramp on the lower lake and free to use with the PUD's pass.
Get the free Chelan PUD day-use & watercraft launch pass online or in person beforehand, then launch at no charge.
#14 · MorningLakeshore Marina Boat Launch
Boat launches · Lakeshore Marina, Don Morse Park, Chelan, WA
The City of Chelan's two-lane concrete ramp at Don Morse Park, between the marina and Campbell's Resort, putting you on the lake right at downtown — the most convenient launch if you're staying in town.
Trailer parking in the launch lot fills fast on weekends, so launch early; deep water at the ramp makes it dependable all season.
#15 · AfternoonTsillan Cellars
Wineries · Tsillan Cellars, Chelan, WA
A Tuscan-style estate with cypress-lined terraces, waterfalls and sweeping lake views, plus Sorrento's Ristorante on site — the most resort-like winery on the south shore.
Come for the summer lawn-concert series, or book Sorrento's for dinner with the same view.
#16 · AfternoonKarma Vineyards
Wineries · Karma Vineyards, Chelan, WA
Home to Washington's underground wine cave and traditional-method sparkling wine, with a lakeside lawn, bistro and dock — one of the few Chelan wineries making méthode champenoise bubbles.
Reserve a wine-cave tour and try the estate sparkling; the on-site restaurant makes it a full afternoon.
#17 · MiddayVin du Lac Winery & Bistro
Wineries · Vin du Lac Winery, Chelan, WA
A relaxed farmhouse winery and bistro minutes from downtown on Hwy 150, with shaded patio seating and a from-scratch menu — a favorite for a leisurely wine lunch.
Grab a patio table under the trees; it's an easy first or last stop at the edge of town on the Manson highway.
#18 · AfternoonRocky Pond Estate Winery (Chelan Tasting Room)
Wineries · Rocky Pond Winery tasting room, Chelan, WA
A polished downtown tasting room pouring estate Bordeaux-style reds and whites, walkable from the waterfront with the rest of downtown Chelan.
This is the in-town room — park downtown once and pair it with WineGirl and dinner on Woodin Ave.
#19 · Golden hourSiren Song Vineyard Estate & Winery
Wineries · Siren Song Vineyard Estate, Chelan, WA
A European-inspired estate at the lake edge with a restaurant, inn and big terraced patio, known for Rhône-style wines and one of the prettiest sunset views on the south shore.
Reserve a patio spot for golden hour and stay for the food; the on-site inn makes a late-evening stop easy.
#20 · AfternoonFielding Hills Winery
Wineries · Fielding Hills Winery, Chelan, WA
A five-minute drive from downtown, this hillside tasting room has a 270-degree lake view and is best known for acclaimed Cabernet and red blends from Wahluke Slope fruit.
Go for the panoramic deck — it sits in the S Lakeshore winery cluster with Siren Song, so you can walk between them.
#21 · Late afternoonMellisoni Vineyards
Wineries · Mellisoni Vineyards, Chelan, WA
An intimate, Italian-inspired family winery on US-97A with a hilltop patio and one of the most photographed lake panoramas in the valley. Tastings are seated and unhurried.
Book ahead in summer and aim for late afternoon when the light over the lake is best.
#22 · AfternoonRio Vista Wines
Wineries · Rio Vista Wines, Chelan, WA
A scenic stop perched above the Columbia River where Lake Chelan's outflow heads downstream, on Hwy 97 toward Pateros — a laid-back room with river-canyon views away from the town crowds.
It's a short drive east of town toward Pateros; call ahead in the off-season since hours are weekend-focused.
#23 · MiddayLake Chelan Winery
Wineries · Lake Chelan Winery, WA
One of the valley's original wineries on Hwy 150 between Chelan and Manson, with a cheese shop, summer BBQ, lawn games and complimentary midweek tours — a festive, family-friendly stop.
Go Tue–Thu for the free vineyard and winery tour; there's lawn space and food for the kids.
#24 · AfternoonWineGirl Wines (Chelan Tasting Room)
Wineries · WineGirl Wines, 146 E Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
A stylish, women-led boutique winery whose downtown Chelan room sits inside the Lake Life boutique on Woodin Ave — small-lot, creative wines in a modern lounge steps from the lake.
The old Manson room has closed; this Chelan location is the one to visit, walkable with Rocky Pond.
#25 · AfternoonHard Row to Hoe Vineyards
Wineries · Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards, Manson, WA
A fun, cheeky north-shore winery (the name nods to local history) with vineyard and lake views, a bocce court and charcuterie — estate wines with a sense of humor.
Order a board and play bocce on the lawn; pair it with Benson and Wapato Point nearby in Manson.
#26 · AfternoonTildio Winery
Wineries · Tildio Winery, Manson, WA
A small family-owned vineyard in Manson overlooking Roses Lake, making Spanish- and Italian-influenced wines from estate fruit — low-key and personal.
A quieter, less crowded north-shore alternative to the big estates; it overlooks Roses Lake, not Lake Chelan.
#27 · AfternoonBenson Vineyards Estate Winery
Wineries · Benson Vineyards Estate Winery, Manson, WA
A north-shore estate with one of the best big-view patios in Manson, pouring 100% estate-grown wines. The generous lawn and lake panorama make it a crowd favorite.
The expansive deck is the draw — get there for an afternoon glass with the full lake view.
#28 · Lunch or dinnerWapato Point Cellars
Wineries · Wapato Point Cellars, Manson, WA
A full winery-and-restaurant in the heart of Manson with a shaded patio under tall pines, serving estate wines alongside lunch and dinner — one of the most complete food-and-wine stops on the north shore.
It's a restaurant as much as a winery — good when the group wants a real meal near Manson Bay Park.
#29 · AfternoonVibe Cellars
Wineries · Vibe Cellars, Manson, WA
A walkable downtown Manson tasting room across from Manson Bay Park, anchoring the village's compact strollable wine cluster — easy to combine on foot with neighboring rooms.
Park once in downtown Manson and walk — Vibe is steps from the beach park in the Wapato Way cluster.
#30 · Full daySlidewaters Waterpark
Family fun · Slidewaters, Chelan, WA
Lake Chelan's marquee outdoor waterpark: a 500-foot lazy river, activity pool, 60-person hot tub, the pitch-black Purple Haze tube ride, the Downhill Racer, and an Aqua Zoo splash zone for little kids.
Buy tickets online when available, and arrive near opening for shade before lines peak.
#31 · AfternoonHigh Trek Chelan
Family fun · High Trek Chelan, Chelan, WA
An aerial adventure park just above the Slidewaters lot: a 3-level ropes course rising to 45 feet with 55+ obstacles, two ziplines, a drop station and axe-throwing lanes, with activities for ages 4 and up.
Book the Value Climb pass (3pm–close) and pair it with a Slidewaters day — they share the same hilltop parking.
#32 · AfternoonRally Alley Go-Karts
Family fun · Don Morse Park, Chelan, WA
A go-kart track tucked along the Don Morse Park fence line where kids can get the feel of the wheel. Single karts for drivers 52 inches and up; doubles require a licensed driver 16+.
It's right beside Don Morse's beach and playground, so make it one stop in a full lakefront afternoon; buy a 10-pack for repeat laps.
#33 · EveningThe Green Putting Course
Family fun · Lakeshore Marina, Don Morse Park, Chelan, WA
An 18-hole professional grass putting course (not carpet mini-golf) with bentgrass greens, sand bunkers, water hazards and a waterfall stream, right on the Lake Chelan waterfront.
The entrance is in the Lakeshore Marina lot, a 15-minute walk from downtown; evenings under the lights are the prettiest tee time, open to 10pm.
#34 · MiddayLake Chelan Museum
Family fun · Lake Chelan Museum, Chelan, WA
Run by the Lake Chelan Historical Society inside the 1907 Miners & Merchants Bank, this downtown museum holds Native American displays, historic valley photos and a standout collection of apple-crate labels.
A great free, air-conditioned stop on a hot or smoky afternoon, right on the main downtown drag; hours shift seasonally, so call ahead.
#35 · EveningChelan Lanes
Family fun · Chelan Lanes, Chelan, WA
Lake Chelan's bowling center, a 10-lane house with automatic scorers and kids' bumpers, plus video games and pool tables. Mr. J's serves pizza, milkshakes, beer and wine.
The reliable rainy-day or after-dark backup; laser-lit Cosmic Bowling runs Fri and Sat at 5pm.
#36 · AnytimeChelan Riverwalk Park & Loop Trail
Parks & trails · Riverwalk Park, Chelan, WA
A 12-acre downtown park where the lake narrows into the Chelan River, with a flat ~1-mile paved loop connecting two pedestrian bridges. Lawns, picnic spots and river views make it the easiest walk in town.
Park near Wapato Ave and walk both bridges to close the loop; it's dog- and stroller-friendly and shaded enough for a midday stretch.
#37 · Early morningChelan Butte Trail
Parks & trails · Chelan Butte trailhead, Chelan, WA
A hard, fully exposed 7.5-mile round-trip climbing ~2,500 ft to 360-degree views of Lake Chelan, the Columbia River and the North Cascades. Elephant Head viewpoint (~4mi RT) is a great shorter turnaround if the full butte is too much.
Start at dawn — there's zero shade and no water, so pack 2L per person and poles. Watch for rattlesnakes on the climb.
#38 · Full dayEcho Ridge Trail System
Parks & trails · Echo Ridge Trailhead, Chelan, WA
A high, breezy network of 15+ miles of looping trails (a longtime Nordic area) above Lake Chelan, doubling in summer as fast, flowy mountain biking and easy family hiking with views of the lake and the Enchantments.
About 30 minutes from Chelan via SR-150 to Boyd Rd; it's mostly exposed, so bring sun protection and lots of water.
#39 · Full dayBeebe Bridge State Park
Parks & trails · Beebe Bridge Park, Chelan, WA
A 56-acre Columbia River park just southeast of Chelan with a sandy swim beach, two-lane boat launch and docks, plus tennis, pickleball, ball fields and a playground — a roomy day-use and camping spot beneath its namesake bridge.
Camping reservations run through WA State Parks; the flat 0.3-mile Shoreline Trail loop is stroller-friendly.
#40 · Full dayChelan Lakeshore Trail (Stehekin)
Parks & trails · Lake Chelan Boat Company, 1418 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
A boat-accessed 17-mile shoreline trail along the wild west side of the nation's third-deepest lake, from the Prince Creek ferry stop to roadless Stehekin — sapphire water, waterfalls and Castle Rock soaring above.
Take the Lady of the Lake and ask to be dropped at Prince Creek (or Moore Point for a ~7-mile day); book tickets ahead — they sell out, and the trail is hot and exposed.
#41 · EveningLake Chelan Bach Fest
Festivals & events · Downtown Chelan, WA
A week of classical and crossover music in its 45th season, with gala concerts, a Young Musicians Concert and intimate performances across waterfront venues and historic Chelan churches.
Buy gala tickets early online; the Sunday Young Musicians Concert is a free, kid-friendly entry point.
#42 · EveningLake Chelan Pro Rodeo
Festivals & events · Lake Chelan Rodeo Grounds, Chelan, WA
An Aces Wild PRCA-sanctioned pro rodeo over two July nights at the Rustlers Saddle Club grounds, with a beer garden, food vendors, the World Famous Chicken Race for kids and a live band Saturday.
Gates open 5pm, performance 7:30pm both nights; come early for a burger since entry lines get long.
#43 · AfternoonLake Chelan Wine & Jazz Festival
Festivals & events · Campbell's Resort, Chelan, WA
Washington's signature spring wine-and-music weekend, pairing Lake Chelan AVA wines with live jazz across lakefront venues, anchored by Pub Live shows on the veranda at Campbell's Resort.
Buy a festival pass ahead and check in early at Campbell's; the 21+ crowd makes this more date-weekend than family outing.
#44 · Late morningManson Apple Blossom Festival
Festivals & events · Downtown Manson, WA
Manson's 106th hometown celebration of orchard season, packing a grand parade, street fair, pageant, art shows, a 2k/5k run and a pancake breakfast into one weekend.
The Grand Parade rolls through downtown Manson Saturday at 11am — stake out a curb spot early, then walk the street fair.
#45 · MiddayCruizin Chelan Classic Car Show
Festivals & events · Downtown Chelan, WA
Classic and custom cars line Woodin Avenue through downtown Chelan for the city's biggest car show — 2026 drew a record 267 vehicles — bringing energy to lakeside shops and restaurants.
Stroll Woodin Ave mid-morning to beat the heat and crowds; the Friday-night Kick-Off Party is the warm-up.
#46 · AfternoonLake Chelan Wine Harvest (Crush)
Festivals & events · Lake Chelan, WA
The valley's fall harvest celebration spread across two-plus months of newly released wines, grape stomps, vineyard tours and live music, culminating in barrel tastings the last two weekends of November.
Plan a designated-driver tasting loop; the November barrel-tasting weekends are the insider highlight as cellars open straight from the crush.
#47 · MiddayChelan Pride Festival
Festivals & events · Riverwalk Park, Chelan, WA
A welcoming afternoon Pride celebration along the Chelan River with live music, local vendors, community resources and art displayed across Riverwalk Park.
It's a tidy noon-to-4pm window — park downtown, walk the riverside loop, and bring cash for vendors.
#48 · MiddayLake Chelan Arts Festival
Festivals & events · Riverwalk Park, Chelan, WA
A three-day juried art fair on the fourth weekend of June at riverside Riverwalk Park, with artists selling work, live music, local performances, children's activities and food.
Hours are noon–6pm Fri and 10am–6pm Sat–Sun; go early Saturday for the best selection, then picnic along the river loop.
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