A Postcard from Lake Chelan, Washington
It's been our dream to camp in the wilderness and experience untouched nature. Now we can do it, with our second home here at Lake Chelan, short trips up-country are easy. Everyone in our family seems to find their dream sport here. 

  

About Lake Chelan, Washington
Regarded as some of the finest waters in the US and located only three hours by car from both Seattle and Spokane, the quiet resort town of Lake Chelan, Washington sits alongside a 55 mile glacial lake that is the third deepest lake in the nation. Lake Chelan has all kinds of outdoor activities available from hiking into the Cascades to boating, fishing, and hang gliding. Chelan is a perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast, as it has hosted the International Hang Gliding Competitions and hydro boat races. Even with all the outdoor adventures, Chelan manages to captivate and lure its visitors and residents with its comfortable but spectacular vacation homes, rentals and lake vacation resorts.

Families love Lake Chelan because of the variety of activities that the lake and mountains provide. Lake Chelan puts recreation first, and there is no end to the list of options in all seasons. And if this isn’t enough, there’s one more unique experience waiting: how about going to the North Cascades national Park, by ferry boat or mountain trail. Here you can experience the headwaters of the Lake, deep in the cascades, where the absence of roads and phones let you sink into the pristine peace of undisturbed nature. Now that’s a reason to get a second home in Lake Chelan. Also check out the nearby towns of Chelan and Mansothe and pick the perfect place.

Local History
The lower Chelan Valley, inhabited in early days by Native Americans, was explored by pioneer trappers, explorers and prospectors in the early 1800’s. However, it wasn’t until 1890’s that settlers, mostly miners, began to move in, followed by farmers who established fruit orchards.

An Average Lifestyle in Lake Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan is a vacation spot, with people focused on how to make the most of the natural beauty surrounding the area. While permanent residents form the core of support to visitors, the visitors themselves get right in and make things happen too. Families are especially welcomed.

Housing
Options: Gated communities, estates, lakeside cottages, condominiums, resort living, log cabins. Very strong rental market.

Median Housing price is $127,000, with rents for 2-bedrooms around $576

Things to Do in Lake Chelan
Try a Triathlon for beginners
Boating on the lake
Fishing
Take the kids on Lakeshore Bumper boats
Ride the Lady of the Lake boat
Take the family to Banjo Creek Farms petting farm
Visit Ohme Gardens county park
Go Hang gliding, or, just watch others
Take the Lake Chelan Wine Tour
Biking
Golfing
Day and overnight Hiking
Snow Skiing in Echo Valley
Snowmobiling over 200 miles of marked trails
Sailing Regatas
Explore Stehekin in the Cascades National Park
Visit Rainbow Falls
Go Horseback Riding

Cultural Activities in Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan Bach Fest
Tsillan Cellars concerts
Lake Chelan Historical Museum

Near-By Excursions
Rafting on Methow River (30 minutes)
Explore the Cascade Mountains

Location
In the heart of the state of Washington, between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia river, almost equidistant from Seattle and Spokane.

Elevation: 1,486, with mountain peaks at 7,000

Size: (Valley) 80 miles, the lake is 50 miles long.

Distance to other major cities
Spokane, Washington: 150 miles
Seattle, Washington: 150 miles

Getting To Lake Chelan, Washington
Bus, Train, Horizon air to Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatatchee, small crafts to Lake Chelan municipal airport, or by car.

Weather
From Semi Arid at the end of the lake to mountain, snow weather. Lots of sun.

Annual Average Temperature: Jan: 27, July 72

Annual Average Rainfall: Less than 20 inches; snow on the mountains.

Economics and Demographics
Population: Overall area: 7,000; Chelan year round is about 3,500, not counting vacationers; nearby Manson has 1,800 residents; and up-country Stehekin has 72.

Median Age, 2000: 41

Median Household Income: 42,249

Principle Industries
Recreation/Tourism