Entiat — Things to Do
Lake Entiat
Boating, kayaking, swimming, and camping on the Columbia River reservoir stretching from Wenatchee to Chelan.
All Things to Do →beExploring / Entiat
Overview
Lake Entiat is the Columbia River reservoir formed by Rocky Reach Dam near Wenatchee, stretching north to Wells Dam near Chelan Falls — a long corridor of calm, wide water backed by the eastern slopes of the Cascades. Three communities sit along its banks: Entiat to the south, Orondo in the middle, and Chelan Falls near the northern end.
The lake is a summer destination for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Multiple campgrounds and day use parks sit directly on the water across all three communities, most with boat launches included. The water is generally calm with mild currents, and summer temperatures in this part of central Washington make the river warm enough to swim by July.
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Communities on the Lake
Southern Lake Entiat
Entiat
Entiat sits near the southern end of the lake at the confluence of the Entiat River and the Columbia. Entiat City Park is the main access point, with a boat launch, beach, waterfront trail, and full campground. The town offers gas, groceries, and services.
Entiat Guide →Mid-Lake
Orondo
Orondo is a small community on the east bank of the Columbia roughly in the middle of Lake Entiat. Daroga State Park is here — one of the better campgrounds on the lake, with a swimming area, boat launch, and unique tent-only island sites accessible by foot or by boat.
Northern Lake Entiat
Chelan Falls
Chelan Falls is a small community near the northern end of the lake, close to Wells Dam. Beebe Bridge State Park and Chelan Falls Park both provide river access here — boat launch, swimming beach, and sports facilities. Chelan is 4 miles away.
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On the Water
Boating
Lake Entiat's calm water and mild currents make it well suited to all types of boats — from motorized craft and pontoons to jet skis and inflatables. Boat launches are available at Entiat City Park, Daroga State Park, Beebe Bridge State Park, and Chelan Falls Park, giving good access along the full length of the lake. The open water and Cascade backdrop make for enjoyable cruising, and the Entiat River confluence near the south end adds a natural feature worth exploring.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The calm, wide water is well suited for kayaking and paddleboarding. Morning hours before boat traffic builds are the best time to be out. Any of the boat launches provide easy put-in access, and the gentle current means paddlers can go out and back without fighting the water. Bald eagles and ospreys are a regular sight along this stretch of the Columbia.
Swimming
Designated swim areas with beach access are available at Daroga State Park, Beebe Bridge State Park, Chelan Falls Park, and Entiat City Park. The river is wide and generally calm at all four locations. Conditions are best from July through early September — June snowmelt keeps water levels higher and currents stronger, and the water takes time to warm. None of the swim areas have lifeguards on duty.
Fishing
Lake Entiat holds bass, walleye, and trout, with Chinook salmon runs in fall. The confluence of the Entiat River and the Columbia near the south end is a productive spot. Docks at Daroga, Beebe Bridge, and Entiat City Park provide bank fishing access. Check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before fishing — rules on the Columbia vary by species and season.
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Camping on Lake Entiat
Southern Lake Entiat · Entiat
Entiat City Park
A city-operated campground on 40 acres directly on the Columbia River. The south section has most of the tent camping, a boat launch, and the beach. The north section has 31 RV sites with full hookups. Amenities include showers, a playground, a day-use dock, and a waterfront walking trail.
- 26 tent + 31 RV sites
- Full hookups (W/E/S)
- Mid-Mar – Mid-Nov
- Reservations recommended
Mid-Lake · Orondo
Daroga State Park
A Washington State Park split between 28 RV sites near the day use area and 17 tent-only sites on a small island reached by a half-mile walk from the parking lot. Boat-in camping is also possible at the island dock. The day use area has a swimming beach, boat launch, playground, and sports courts.
- 28 RV + 17 tent sites
- Partial hookups (W+E)
- Boat-in camping available
- Discover Pass required
Northern Lake Entiat · Chelan Falls
Beebe Bridge State Park
A Washington State Park on the south bank of the Columbia about 4 miles east of Chelan. The campground has 46 sites with electric and water hookups. The day use area has a swimming beach, boat launch, moorage, tennis and basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, playground, and grass playfield.
- 46 sites
- 30/50 amp electric + water
- Apr 15 – Oct 15
- Discover Pass required
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Day Use Parks
In addition to the day use areas at the campgrounds above, two dedicated day use parks provide free access to the lake — no camping required.
Chelan Falls · Day Use Only
Chelan Falls Park
A free 33-acre day-use park on the Columbia River operated by the Chelan PUD, about 4 miles from downtown Chelan. The park has a two-lane boat launch, floating docks, a designated swim area, picnic shelter, playground, restrooms with showers, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and ball fields. No fee to enter or to use the boat launch.
Chelan Falls Park Guide →Orondo · Day Use Only
Orondo River Park
A Chelan County day-use park on the Columbia River near Orondo. The park has a boat launch, swimming access, and picnic areas on the east bank of the river. A lower-key alternative to the state parks on this stretch of the lake.
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Tips for Visiting
Swimming is best from July through early September across all access points on the lake. Snowmelt keeps water levels high and currents stronger in June — conditions improve significantly by mid-July.
All three campgrounds — Entiat City Park, Daroga, and Beebe Bridge — have boat launches. Chelan Falls Park also has a free two-lane launch. If the launch at one park is congested on summer weekends, try another.
Campgrounds on the lake fill on summer weekends, especially Daroga State Park and Beebe Bridge. Book through Washington State Parks or the City of Entiat reservation system well in advance.
Daroga State Park and Beebe Bridge State Park require a Discover Pass for day use visits. Chelan Falls Park and Orondo River Park are free.
Daroga State Park's tent island has its own dock — boat-in camping is permitted. If you want to arrive by boat, sites 29 through 45 are the tent-only island sites.
Bald eagles and ospreys are common along the Columbia through this stretch. Early morning on the water offers the best wildlife viewing before boat traffic picks up.
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Explore the Area
Guides for the communities along Lake Entiat.
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