Nestled at the edge of the Cascade Mountains and on the North shore of beautiful Lake Chelan where the lake flows into the Chelan River, Chelan is a charming place to visit, and an even better place to call home! With a population just over 4,000, Chelan is a small oasis from the business and bustle of city life.
Before white settlement in the area, Lake Chelan was home to a large Native American Indian population - the Chelan tribe. Now it is home to the Moses Columbia Reservation and many diverse groups of people! When settlers reached Central Washington, the town was quickly plotted and divided up, courier and mail service were established, and were followed quickly by Chelan's first resort hotel in 1892. Travelers, vacationers, and land owners have recognized the beauty of the Lake Chelan Valley for many years!
Today, Chelan is home to many of its inhabitants year round as it offers four seasons of recreation (from snow skis to jet skis) and a booming agricultural landscape, including an emerging wine industry! While its population is only 4,000, in the summer months that number can grow to over 25,000 with tourists and part time residents who only call Lake Chelan their home for part of the year.
When you visit, you'll be enamored by the beauty of the Lake Chelan State Park and other charms of one of Washington's most beautiful tourist cities. In the summer months water sports, boating, and fishing are the choice of many families that live in Chelan County. A day on the water with a breathtaking backdrop is what Summer dreams are made of! If you're just perusing the town, you could make a stop at a public park, winery, or one of many vineyards that rests on acres of gorgeous, sprawling land!
As Summer winds to a close, the many wineries busy season begins - surrounded by the same beauty as the boats in the summer - and winter brings a host of other snow-centered activities. For most of the year local townies and tourists alike enjoy golf, camping, and other activities on the shoreline Lake Chelan. As a tourist destination, the town has plenty of incredible hotels and vacation homes waiting for you and your family! Whatever time of year, Lake Chelan is a great choice for a vacation (or a move)! If you're interested in making Chelan, WA your home, you can take a Chelan virtual tour for more information about the community!
