Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located in the state of Washington and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The area is known for its crystal-clear lake and stunning alpine scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.
One of the main reasons to visit Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is the stunning natural beauty of the area. The lake is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range, providing breathtaking views. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, black bears, and mountain goats.
There are several points of interest to see in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Lakeshore Trail, which follows the shore of the lake.
Interesting facts about the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area include that the lake is one of the deepest in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,486 feet. The area was also home to several Native American tribes, including the Wenatchi and Chelan tribes.
The best time of year to visit the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is during the summer months, from June through August. This is when the weather is warmest, and the lake is ideal for swimming and water activities. However, the area is also beautiful in the fall and winter, with stunning foliage and snow-covered peaks.
Overall, the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of Washington State.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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