In the past decade, the Lake Wenatchee area has absolutely exploded in popularity. Despite the frigid waters and the lack of local amenities people are flocking to its shores.
What used to be a quant lake surrounded by modest family cabins is now being overtaken by out-sized vacation homes and crowds.
However, that’s not to say that there isn’t still solitude and fun to be had.
In fact, if you’re in Seattle or closer, I’d argue that you’re best chances for a getaway are to head west to Ocean Shores or east over Steven’s Pass to Lake Wenatchee.
While I’ve been to Lake Wenatchee a dozen times I decided to rely on the advice of a friend who lives full-time in the area to get an idea of what the best ways are to spend your precious vacation days.
So, whether you’re new to the area or a long time-resident here is how to get the biggest bang for your buck when visiting Lake Wenatchee!
Best Things To Do In Lake Wenatchee
1. Camping
There are several campgrounds around Lake Wenatchee. While some are better than others, each has its own perks and reasons you might want to visit.
- Lake Wenatchee South Campground
- Lake Wenatchee North Campground
- Glacier View Campground
- Nason Creek Campground
There are several other campgrounds and KOAs in the area but these are the ones that are right on or next to the lake.
2. Float The Wenatchee River
If you’re looking for a fun family adventure this summer, consider rafting the Wenatchee River.
The river can be enjoyed via raft, kayak, or float tube during the calmer summer months (from mid-July). Early in the season, you’ll want to find a guide as the river can form several spots of Class 4 rapids during run-off.
Rafting doesn’t have the be your entire trip either. If you pay for a guided trip, you won’t need any gear of your own and you’ll float the river in 4-5 hours. Many outfits also provide food at the end of the run.
3. Zipline
Washington’s Cascade Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. And there’s no better way to take in the sights than on a zipline! Leavenworth is a great place to go for a ziplining adventure, with several different companies offering tours. Most tours include multiple zip lines, as well as suspension bridges and other aerial challenges. There’s something for everyone, from beginner to experienced thrill-seeker. And what could be more fun than flying through the air with views of snow-capped peaks and pristine forests all around? So if you’re looking for an exciting way to spend a day in nature, be sure to check out ziplining in Leavenworth!
4. Visit Icicle Gorge
Icicle Gorge is a beautiful hiking spot located near Lake Wenatchee in Washington state. The trailhead is just a short drive from the lake, and the hike itself is relatively easy, making it a great choice for families or novice hikers. The highlight of the hike is definitely the gorge itself, which is lined with towering cliffs and icicles. In the winter, the icicles are especially stunning, and it’s not uncommon to see them dripping with water. Even in the summer, though, the cliffs provide plenty of shade and make for a cool and refreshing hike. Regardless of when you visit, Icicle Gorge is sure to impress.
5. See What’s At The Ford Theater
The Ford Theater in Lake Wenatchee is a great place to enjoy a live performance. The theater has been in operation for over 50 years and has a long history of presenting quality theatrical productions. The theater is located in a beautiful setting, nestled among the trees on the shore of Lake Wenatchee. The theater’s website provides information about current and upcoming productions, as well as ticket prices and showtimes. The theater also offers a variety of workshops and classes, making it a great place to learn more about the performing arts. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or just getting started, the Ford Theater is a great place to enjoy live entertainment.
6. Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboard
If you’re looking for something to do on the water that’s even slower-paced than rafting the river, kayaking your way around the lake itself can be a great way to spend your time.
If you try to row around the lake you’ll end up shocked at its size, 2,480 acres of melted ice.
7. Go For A Refreshing Dip
Our last visit to Lake Wenatchee was in the first week of June and “refreshing” would be one way to describe the lake temperature.
There was still snow when we drove over Steven’s Pass so we didn’t expect it to be warm but it still was a bit shocking.
Peak water temperature at Lake Wenatchee occurs in August when the lake can hit 70 degrees, double the low of 35 degrees it usually hits in January/February. However, it takes a good amount of time for the sun to heat the 244-foot-deep lake so don’t expect it to be very enjoyable before July.
There are typically roped-off wading/swimming areas to ensure that you and your kids are safe from boats or other lake hazards.
8. Horseback Riding
If it’s your thing (or if you have young girls like I do) then you’ll love all the horse-related options in the area.
There are several lodgest and resorts with horseback escapes in the Lake Wenatchee area that will allow you to see more of the area from a bit better of a vantage point.
and we have an article about that too…
9. Pay A Visit To Leavenworth
Any time of year, you’ll want to drive the 23 miles east down into Leavenworth, the Bavarian Village and a favorite destination for travelers not only from the Pacific Northwest but from around the world. Ever since town fathers decided back in the 60’s to decorate all of their downtown buildings in a Bavarian motif, the town has been transformed into a major tourist attraction. Not only do the buildings look authentic, but he nearby mountains strongly resemble the Bavarian Alps – which makes that German beer and bratwurst just seem to taste all that much better. Leavenworth is also where you’ll find numerous restaurants and lodgings so you might consider staying in town and making day trips to Lake Wenatchee. We must say, though, it was quite relaxing to hole up in our mountain vacation home and enjoy all that the Great Outdoors has to offer.
10. Hike To Hidden Lake
One of our favorite outings was to Hidden Lake, a perfect family hike because of its minimal elevation gain (200 feet), wide trails and accessibility. It’s a gentle walk – even with small kids in tow – through thick forests, up hillsides and through meadows to a pristine little alpine lake where you can put in your own air mattress and float in peaceful harmony with nature. A lot of fellow hikers were taking along picnic lunches to enjoy along the water on the bright sunny day we visited. It’s not the kind of trail where you get totally away from people – it is one of the most popular in the area – but it also didn’t seem overly crowded even on the weekend day we visited. It’s only 1.2 miles round trip so it’s kind of a walk in the park for seasoned hikers but perfect if you’re taking along small fry. To get to the trail, turn onto Cedar Brae Road at Lake Wenatchee State Park and follow the road along the south side of Lake Wenatchee.
11. Rent A Luxury Home
What impressed us on our most recent trip is the number of new vacation homes on the lake – it used to be that Lake Wenatchee was home to a lot of small, traditional family-owned cabins but expensive new homes have sprung up along the shoreline in recent years as the secret about Lake Wenatchee gets out to Seattle-area professionals and entrepreneurs who don’t hesitate to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to build in such a beautiful spot.
The advantage for all of us is that some of those spectacular vacation homes are available for rent, which is exactly what we did on our most recent visit. Working with Destination Leavenworth, which has a list of rentals for the entire area, we chose a vacation home near the north shore just a mile or two east of the old Cougar Inn. It wasn’t on the water, but this home had a great woodsy feel with its location deep in the forest but just a short walk from the lake.
This home is called the Majestic Pines and offers anything most vacationers would want in a modern vacation home. It’s 4,000 square feet and accommodates up to 14 people – with its many bedrooms and separate areas we could imagine it would work well for large groups. The home is decorated in earth tones, wood and slate and just has the feel of a mountain lodge with large wooden beams and lots of sunlight coming through the mammoth windows. There is a gourmet kitchen and a hot tub, ever popular with the kids we brought along – as was the widescreen satellite TV and games.
12. Skiing/Tubing
Depending on the time of year that you visit Lake Wenatchee you might be skiing/tubing on snow or on water.
During the winter months, the entire area is transformed into a winter wonderland and visitors turn to cross-country skiing and downhill skiing at Steven’s Pass (only 30 mins away).
If skiing isn’t your thing there are tons of other cold-weather activities at Lake Wenatchee including dog-sledding, snowmobile tours, tubing, snowshoeing, etc.
13. Do All The Lake Stuff
For those inclined towards boating, Lake Wenatchee is a haven. The lake accommodates various boating activities including jet skiing and boat tours, with rental services available for a range of watercraft including boats, jet skis, and wave runners. Companies like Lake Wenatchee Boat Rentals and Invert Sports provide a plethora of watercraft rental services, as well as water sports activities and lessons for individuals and groups. These offerings make Lake Wenatchee a sought-after destination for families, corporate retreats, and water sports aficionados/
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Tucked in between mountain landscapes that might as well be the Bavarian Alps, the Lake Wenatchee area of Washington state is one of the hidden gems you find when exploring the Cascade Mountains near North Central Washington.
Using the Majestic Pines as our base of operations, we explored trails, rivers, the big beach at Lake Wenatchee State Park and lots of back roads that take you even deeper into the gorgeous Lake Wenatchee wilderness.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Lake Wenatchee is about 23 miles west of Leavenworth in North Central Washington. It’s reached from the Puget Sound region by taking Stevens Pass Highway (2) from Monroe – one of the most spectacular drives anywhere as the highway follows the Skykomish River through jagged mountain peaks and lush forest.
WHAT: Lake Wenatchee is a great destination for an extended stay or a day trip and is especially suited to families and those who love the Great Outdoors. The area has a state park, many trails, great fishing and colorful scenic drives.
WHEN: There are two different experiences for those visiting in summer and winter. In summer it’s hiking, fishing and lots of water activities; in winter it’s cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing (30 miles away) and just simply enjoying the snowy landscapes.
WHY: Lake Wenatchee is easy to reach for most people traveling to or from Seattle and North Central Washington, but it still remains something of a hidden gem and is not yet overrun with tourists. Since Leavenworth is only 23 miles away, all the services you need are relatively close by.
HOW: If you plan to rent a vacation home in the Lake Wenatchee or Leavenworth area, contact Destination Leavenworth at 866-904-7368 or visit them at www.destinationleavenworth.com. Click here for other recommended Lake Wenatchee lodgings.