LAKE WENATCHEE STATE PARK
Lake Wenatchee State Park is a 489-acre camping park with 12,623 feet of waterfront on glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River. The park is bisected by the Wenatchee River, creating two distinct areas -- South Park, with areas for camping, swimming and horseback riding and North Park, in a less developed, forested section, a quarter-mile walk from the lake. The park is a natural wildlife area, and visitors should be aware of the presence of bears and other natural dangers. More than five miles of equestrian trails are in and around the park. A concession offers horses for rent for day rides or overnight pack trips. There are no public stables available. Year-round recreation opportunities abound, including swimming, boating and hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing, snowplaying, showshoeing and sledding in the winter.
During their annual migration long ago, Native American tribes stopped at Lake Wenatchee for a feast of clams and salmon before heading west to trade with coastal tribes. Nason Creek, called Umptanum Creek by Native Americans, is adjacent to the park. This was the location where Nason bragged that he and another Native American had killed two white men. This event was one of the noted causes of the Yakima Indian War.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has 155 standard campsites, 42 partial-hookup sites, one dump station, seven restrooms and 16 showers. In addition, the park provides two ADA campsites. Call 509 763-3101 for more information.
The south campground sites 1 - 100 has parking pads 30 to 40 feet in length, with only two pull-through sites. Larger RVs and fifth-wheelers should use the north campground sites 101 - 197 which includes 42 large pull-through utility sites. Maximum tents allowed are one family tent or up to two 2-3 man tents. Maximum vehicles allowed are two per site, additional vehicles may park in overflow areas.
GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS
The park offers a group camp that accommodates 20 to 80 people. Only tent camping is allowed in the group camp. Fees vary with size of the group.
1. Lake Wenatchee State Park offers two designated swimming areas on the lake's shores.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. The south park area has a sandy beach for swimmers to enjoy.
4. Swimming is allowed from dawn till dusk in both sections of the park.
5. Water temperatures can be chilly even during summer months due to mountain runoff into the lake.
Located in Chelan County on Lake Wenatchee, the park has one watercraft launch and 16 feet of dock for handling purposes. Boat rentals are available.
Enjoy fishing in a serene alpine setting, with options for shore or boat angling. Species include sockeye salmon and trout. The lake is also home to mountain whitefish and kokanee salmon. Ice-fishing enthusiasts can try their luck during the winter months when conditions permit it.
Lake Wenatchee State Park is
The park offers two kitchen shelters without electricity, plus 54 unsheltered picnic tables. Picnic tables are available first come, first served.
One kitchen shelter is reservable and accommodates 20 to 50 people and includes six picnic tables and four cooking grills. Water, fire pits and restrooms are nearby.
The second kitchen shelter is available first come, first served. It accommodates eight to 12 people and includes one picnic table, a fireplace and two cooking grills.
Biking enthusiasts can explore miles of trails, but be aware that some are steep and challenging.
Mountain biking is popular here; however, it's advised to stay on designated paths for safety reasons.
The park offers a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks suitable for all skill levels.
Remember though: helmets are mandatory in the state when cycling off-road or on public roadways!
While enjoying your ride, keep an eye out as wildlife sightings aren't uncommon - proceed with caution if encountered.
In winter months, fat tire bikes may be used although conditions might make riding difficult at times.
Do note that bike rentals aren't available onsite so bring along your own gear!
1. Lake Wenatchee State Park Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, suitable for all skill levels.
2. Nason Ridge Trail: A challenging hike with an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet in just under seven miles; it provides panoramic views from its highest point at Rock Mountain.
3. Dirtyface Peak Lookout Site Hike: An intense uphill climb to reach the site where once stood a fire lookout tower offering stunning vistas across Lake Wenatchee and beyond.
4. Chiwawa River Loop: A moderate level hiking route spanning approximately four miles along beautiful river scenery through dense forest areas perfect for bird watching or wildlife spotting.
5. White River Snowshoe Route: Ideal during winter months this snowshoeing path takes you on a journey alongside frozen riverscapes amidst snowy forests providing unique experiences like ice fishing spots en-route.
6. Little Wenatchee Ford Campground Trails: These are several short trails around campground area ideal for family hikes leading towards serene picnic spots by water bodies within park premises.
7. Hidden Lake Trailhead: Starting near Fishlake Sno:Park,this strenuous trek leads hikers up steep inclines into alpine meadows culminating at secluded hidden lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
8. Alpine Trilliums Pathway: Easy walking pathway lined with blooming trillium flowers during spring season making it popular among nature photographers & botany enthusiasts alike.
9. Glacier View Campground Nature Walk: Short interpretive walk introducing visitors to local flora fauna while also giving glimpses of glacier capped Mt.Baker visible from certain viewpoints along track.
10. Lake Shore Waterfront Promenade: Paved promenade running parallel to beach front allowing leisurely strolls enjoying sunset hues reflecting off calm waters against backdrop of towering pines lining shorelines.
During winter months, the park features a 1.1 mile interpretive snowshoe trail.
Water Sports
River Recreation offers the BEST whitewater river rafting Washington state has to offer. With the best guides, highest-quality gear, and best rivers, we run the best rivers in the area
4.6 miles from park*
Located 18 miles northwest of Leavenworth, Wash.
From U.S. Highway 2 at Stevens Pass: Drive 20.5 miles east, and turn north on SR 207.
From Leavenworth: Follow Highway 2 west to State Route 207. To reach the south park campground and day-use area, turn left on Cedar Brae Road after 3.5 miles, and continue .25 mile to park entrance. North park campground entrance is one mile beyond the south park turnoff on Highway 207, 4.5 miles north of Highway 2.