Located where Lake Chelan flows into the Chelan River, Chelan is a peaceful town between Seattle and Spokane. It takes its name from the Salish-speaking Native Americans who originally occupied the area. Today, Chelan is a leisure resort and an important hub for the surrounding agricultural region.
Things to do in Chelan
Occupying an early 20th-century bank in the heart of town is the Chelan Museum, which showcases exhibits detailing the local history and culture. Learn about the Native Americans who occupied Chelan prior to the arrival of European settlers and see artefacts related to the region’s agricultural industry. The museum also boasts a collection of rare vintage films and old black and white photographs of Chelan.
Want to stretch your legs? Follow the scenic loop trail through Chelan Riverwalk Park, which encompasses five hectares on the shores of Lake Chelan. The park is dotted with picnic tables and shelters and features a pavilion where summer concerts take place. Lake Chelan is renowned for its year-round fishing, with healthy stocks of chinook salmon, lake and rainbow trout.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love cooling off at Slidewaters, a family-friendly aquatic park with views of Lake Chelan. In addition to its lazy river, body slides and tube rides, it’s home to the world's largest stationary wave, Lakeside Surf. You can challenge your family and friends to a game of sand volleyball before refuelling with a burger or wrap from the River Run Grill.
Getting around Chelan
Pangborn Memorial Airport is around an hour’s drive from Chelan and has regular flights to Seattle. By road, Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are three hours away. Regular buses connect to Chelan and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.