A diversity of climates, cultures, communities and recreational opportunities - all connected by the pristine blue waterway of Lake Chelan -- lies within the 80-mile long glacially carved Lake Chelan Valley.  Snaking through deep canyons, forested mountainsides and orchard-laden hills is the lake itself -- 55-miles of recreational and scenic splendor that has continued for centuries to inspire awe and reverence in those who've witnessed her magnificence.

At one end, referred to locally as "downlake", you'll find the popular waterfront resort communities of Chelan and Manson, where bustling vacation activities and events are balanced by an abundance of relaxing hideaways and natural beauty.  Hotels and motels, cabins, resort condominiums, RV parks and campgrounds offer lodging options for those who respond to the near-hypnotic lure of Lake Chelan's crystal-clear waters.  Specialty shops and restaurants, boutiques and galleries extend inviting choices for in-town exploration.

Visitors to the Lake Chelan Valley find they can do as much or as little as they want!  Although relaxing in the sun has been a favorite pastime for generations of visitors, recreational options range from mild to wild on land, in the air, or in the water!  Hiking and biking, hang gliding and paragliding, golfing, watersliding, swimming, fishing, boating, and jetskiing are just a few of the ways you can play at the lake.

If the natural activities surrounding Lake Chelan weren't enough, there's also a full calendar of special events and festivals offered throughout the year.  Annual activities range from the sweet sounds of summer's Lake Chelan Bach Feste to the thunderous roar of the autumn Hydro Feste, and from the sun-soaked entertainment and crafts of Street Fair to the whoops and hollers of the participants in January's Polar Bear Splash!          

At the "uplake" reaches of Lake Chelan, the limited local roads do not connect the communities of Stehekin or Holden Village to the outside world.  This remoteness and the spectacular setting have inspired Federal protection for much of the region.  Portions of a National Park, two National Forest Wilderness Areas and a National Recreation Area encompass much of the Lake Chelan drainage.  With no road access, most visitors reach the head of the lake by boat - either in a private or charter boat, or by taking one of the daily "Lady of the Lake" passenger ferries.  Others arrive by seaplane or airplane, while a few hardy visitors arrive on foot over one of the hiking trails in and out of the Valley. 

In addition to numerous campgrounds, a modern lodge, waterfront bed & breakfast facility, private homes, rustic cabins and a historic ranch provide accommodations for today's explorers to the Stehekin Valley.  A restaurant, bakery, and gift shops provide economic opportunities for some of the 70 people who reside year around in this remote village, while giving visitors a glimpse into the unique Stehekin culture.    

Each year, thousands of visitors from throughout the world travel to Holden Village, a spiritual retreat center owned by the Lutheran Church.  Perched high in the mountains at the site of a well-preserved mining town, Holden Village is reached through a combination of boat and bus rides.  A 45-mile boat trip from Chelan uplake to Lucerne provides the first hint of the adventure to come.  Passengers then transfer to a bus for the leisurely 12-mile climb to Holden Village.  Guests may attend organized activities which feature renowned speakers, musicians and artisans; hike to waterfalls, wildflowers and alpine lakes; and get aquainted with their fellow visitors.  One thing you won't do - at Holden or at Stehekin - is worry about distractions back home.  There are no phones and your cell phone simply doesn't work in these remote, mountain villages.

Since the late 1800's, travelers have sought the physical, emotional and spiritual relief believed to radiate from the waters of Lake Chelan.  Early advertisements encouraged city dwellers "back East" to come and "take the waters" of this remote mountain lake.  Several generations of visitors have followed suit, successfully seeking this sun-drenched and stress-releasing natural remedy to whatever ails you.

For additional information about the Lake Chelan Valley,
Tourism Information
www.visitlakechelan.com
Chamber of Commerce (509) 682-3503
www.lakechelan.com