Things to Do in Lake Chelan, Wash.

Lake Chelan is every Washingtonian’s favorite summer escape, a playground that combines the outdoors with outstanding food and wine choices. Boat on the lake or hike during the day, and round out your evening with a great meal and a stellar bottle of wine — it doesn’t get much better than this.

Outdoor activities range from boating — everything from paragliding to stand-up paddle boarding to powerboat rentals — to cycling, golfing, hiking, fishing and more.

Downtown Chelan offers a few blocks of easy strolling through shops and past lively restaurants, where you can stumble upon live music or bring home one-of-a-kind art or antiques. And there are wine tasting rooms aplenty, with some in and around downtown and others nestled on the hillsides overlooking the lake.

A major draw of Lake Chelan is the tiny town of Stehekin, at the northern reaches of the 50-mile long lake. The town is accessible via boat, with the Lady of the Lake ferry offering a scenic way to reach the town, or seaplane, which whisks visitors above the incredible landscape for a faster route to town. Once you’re here, hike the many trails or partake in activities like horseback riding, fishing, cycling or just eat a pastry and enjoy the unique and beautiful surroundings.