State Parks and National Parks

Lake Chelan reaches depths of 1,500 feet, making it the third-deepest lake in the United States. The upper four miles of the lake are designated the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

Most visitors reach the recreation area by a 2.5- to four-hour, 55-mile commercial boat trip from the town of Chelan to Stehekin, situated at the head of Lake Chelan. The boat carries only passengers, not vehicles.

In summer, shuttle buses transport hikers and campers to Stehekin Valley campgrounds and trailheads. Permits are required for backcountry camping.

Stehekin is not accessible by private vehicle. (There are no connecting roads outside the valley.)

The Stehekin Valley, surrounded by towering mountains, enjoys a rich history of fur trapping, mining, homesteading and recreation.

The national recreation area is popular with hikers, backpackers, anglers, canoeists, boaters, mountain climbers, campers, horseback riders and rafters. Biking is permitted only on roads.

The Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin provides exhibits, audio-visual programs, a bookstore, ranger-led programs and backcountry permits.

Lake Chelan NRA is part of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service.