Lake Chelan is the largest natural lake in the state of Washington in the United States. It is situated in Chelan County in the North Central part of the state and stretches for about 50.5 miles in length. It’s known as the third-deepest lake in the United States, with a maximum depth of 1,486 feet.
The name "Chelan" is a Salish Indigenous word, "Tsill-ane", which means "deep water", appropriately reflecting the lake's depth. It’s located in a glacier-carved valley in the Cascade Range and is fed by streams from the rugged mountains and drains into the Chelan River.
The stunningly blue, clear lake is split into two sections: the larger, deeper Wapato Basin in the lower end and the smaller Lucerne Basin on the upper end. The town of Chelan sits at the southeast tip of the lake while the quaint, remote village of Stehekin is at the northwest end, within the North Cascades National Park.
Popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports, Lake Chelan attracts tourists with its serene beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is also known for its wineries and apple orchards. The lake and the surrounding lands offer excellent facilities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing as well.
