beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Chelan Falls Park is a free 33-acre day-use park on the Columbia River about 4 miles from downtown Chelan. Maintained by Chelan PUD, it is one of the best alternatives to the busy Lake Chelan waterfront parks on hot summer weekends, with a swim area, boat launch, docks, picnic shelter, playground, restrooms, ball fields, horseshoes, basketball, tennis, and pickleball. It is not on Lake Chelan itself, but the Columbia River setting gives it more space, easier parking, and a different feel than Don Morse or Lakeside Park.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
activities
Baseball / Softball
In the center of the park shared with the soccer field, there is a backstop and benches for baseball and softball. Note, this is a grass field with no dirt infield nor bases. Check the Chelan PUD ballfield schedule to see games scheduled to be played on the field.
Basketball
Towards the northern end of the park adjacent to the tennis court is a single basketball hoop on a lined half court. The hoop and court are in good shape.
Boating
The Columbia River is a popular spot for boating, especially in the summer months when people flock to the river to tube, wakeboard, and wakesurf. Chelan Falls Park has a two lane boat launch at the southern end of the park, complete with life jackets available to use for the day. There are also two floating docks allowing short term moorage at the park.
Horseshoes
Near the bathrooms at the southern end of the park are a total of four horseshoe pits, allowing two concurrent games of horseshoes. The stakes are in a sandpit with a small wooden backstop. Be sure to bring your own horseshoes!
Soccer
A large grass soccer field with goals at each end lies in the middle of the park. The grass area is shared between the soccer field and a baseball field. Check the Chelan PUD ballfield schedule to see games scheduled to be played on the field.
Swimming
Near the center of the park is a designated swimming area, cordoned off from the rest of the river with floating safety rope. There is a concrete retaining wall above the swim beach, providing the perfect place to view the fun taking place in the water. Note, there are no lifeguards at this beach.
Tennis & Pickleball
Towards the northern end of the park, next to the parking lot, is a single tennis court in great shape that is also lined for pickleball.
Volleyball - Lawn
Chelan Falls Park has a nice grass volleyball court with a net in place year round. There are no lights on the court, and it is first come first serve.
Volleyball - Sand
Not far from the grass volleyball court is a sand volleyball court, also with a net in place year round. There are no lights on the court, and it is first come first serve.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
amenities
Boat Launch
There is a two lane boat launch with a dock in the middle at the southern end of the park, as well as a large parking area for boat trailers. There is no fee to launch your boat at the Chelan Falls boat launch.
Docks
There are two floating docks north of the boat launch available for first come first serve use. Short term boat moorage of no more than three hours is allowed at Chelan Falls Park.
Parking
There are large parking lots at the northern and southern ends of the park. The southern section of the park contains the boat launch and has parking available for boat trailers. During the offseason, the northern parking lot may be closed.
Picnic Shelter
There is a good sized picnic shelter in the middle of the park with 8 to 10 picnic tables, capable of holding 8 adults each. The shelter has a sink with running water and electricity. Right outside the shelter is a BBQ grill that holds two regular size bags of charcoal. Reservations for the shelter can be made through the Chelan PUD website.
Picnic Tables
There are a number of picnic tables spread throughout the park. The northern section of the park has a somewhat secluded lawn area with a couple of picnic tables that make a perfect place to relax while enjoying some food.
Playground
Near the northern end of the park next to the bathrooms is a play structure with a number of different slides attached.
Restrooms
There are two sets of restrooms in the park, at the northern and southern ends, and they have showers. The restroom at the northern end is conveniently located next to the playground, while the restroom at the southern section of the park is adjacent to the parking lot and close to the picnic shelter.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Things to Know
Free Admission
There is no fee to enter Chelan Falls Park or to use the boat launch. The park is operated by the Chelan PUD.
Columbia River, Not Lake Chelan
Chelan Falls Park is near Lake Chelan but sits on the Columbia River. It is a strong choice when you want more space, easier parking, or a free boat launch.
Day Use Only
Chelan Falls Park is a day use only park — no overnight camping is permitted.
No Lifeguards
The swim area is not staffed with lifeguards. Life jackets are available to borrow near the boat launch.
Picnic Shelter Reservations
The covered picnic shelter can be reserved ahead of time through the Chelan PUD website. Walk-in use is permitted when not reserved.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
