Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chelan Fish Stories
Not all the big ones get away. In 2001, Lake Chelan twice set the state
record for Mackinaw trout. On December 31, 2001, a 35.7-pound fish was
reeled in. Four months earlier, a state record 33.65-pound fish was caught.
Fun Fact
turn right and follow signs for Echo Valley Ski Area. From the ski area, continue
on Forest Service Road 1821-100. Mountain bike rentals are available in Chelan
from
Uncle Tim's Toys,
Lakeshore Marina Park, 619 W. Wash. 150 (
&
509/670-
8467;
www.uncletimstoys.com). A 4-hour rental runs $35.
WATERSPORTS
Opportunities for aquatic activities abound on Lake
Chelan. Good places to swim include
Lakeside Park
on the South Shore Road,
Don Morse Memorial Park
on the edge of downtown Chelan, and
Manson
Bay Park
in Manson.
Lake Chelan State Park
and
25-Mile Creek State Park,
both on South Shore Road, offer swimming, picnicking, and camping.
You can rent a personal watercraft (around $35 per hr. or $150 per day),
powerboats ($75 per hr.), and canoes and paddleboats ($10 per hr.) from
Chelan Boat Rentals,
1210 W. Woodin Ave. (
&
509/682-4444
). Boats and
personal watercraft are also available from
Shoreline Watercraft Rentals
(
&
800/
682-1561
or 509/682-1515) and
RSI Sports
(
&
800/786-2637
or 509/669-
4779).
If you've got the kids along, you'll find it impossible not to spend some time
at
Slidewaters,
102 Waterslide Dr. (
&
509/682-5751;
www.slidewaters.com),
which has 10 water slides, an inner-tube river ride, a 60-person hot tub, and a
swimming pool. Admission is $14 for adults, $11 for children ages 3 to 7. You'll
find this water park just outside town off the South Shore Road.
If you want to check out the water from above, call
Chelan Parasailing,
158
Wapato Way (
&
509/687-7245
), which charges around $40 for a parasail ride.
WINTER SPORTS
The Lake Chelan area offers both cross-country and
downhill skiing opportunities at
Echo Valley Ski Area
(
&
509/687-3167
or
509/682-4002), a small ski area 7 miles northwest of Chelan. With only one
poma lift and three rope tows, this isn't much of a downhill area, but, there's also
a tubing hill, which makes this place popular with families. A lift ticket is $18
for the day. Cross-country skiers, on the other hand, will find miles of groomed
trails, many of which have great views, at Echo Ridge, which is a short distance
past the downhill area. Trail passes are $5 per day. Ski, snowboard, and snow-
shoe rentals are available at Echo Valley from
Lakeland Ski
(
&
509/687-3204
).
WHERE TO STAY
IN CHELAN
Best Western Lakeside Lodge
With lake views from every room,
indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, and a public park with a beach adjacent
to the property, this comfortable motel on the south shore of the lake is a good
choice, especially for families. The guest accommodations range from standard
motel rooms to spacious suites with full kitchens. Some of the rooms also have
VCRs, and all have balconies or patios. If you're up for a splurge, request one of
the large suites, preferably one on the top floor—these have high ceilings.
2312 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan, WA 98816.
&
800/468-2781
or 509/682-4396. Fax 509/682-3278.
www.bestwestern.com. 67 units. Mid-June to Aug $149-$189 double, $169-$239 suite; Sept to mid-Oct and
Kids
