beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Don Morse Memorial Park is the most popular waterfront park in Lake Chelan and one of the easiest places to plan a full beach day near downtown Chelan. The 44-acre park has more than 2,000 feet of waterfront, a large sandy beach, a protected swimming area for kids, paddleboard launch access, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground, sand volleyball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, a skate park, and seasonal go-karts and putting. The park is free to enter, but both parking lots charge a fee and fill quickly on summer weekends.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
activities
Go Karting
Rally Alley, located within Don Morse Park, operates the go karting track with both single ($7) and double occupancy ($8) go karts. It's open for Memorial Day weekend, and then daily from mid June through Labor Day. Must be 16 years old to drive the double kart, and 52" or taller to drive the single kart.
Golf
"The Green" is an 18 hole putting course in Don Morse Park, open seasonally May through September from 10am to 8:30pm. Rates are $8 to $12 depending on age and time of day.
Skateboarding
The skateboarding park features a number of rails and ramps and is a popular place for skateboarding during the warmer months.
Swimming
There is a large beach area for easy swimming access to Lake Chelan, with a large section of water cordoned off with swim buoys. Farther up the beach, there is a small protected swim area with concrete walls.
Tennis & Pickleball
There are two tennis courts near the upper parking lot. The tennis courts are lined for pickleball as well.
Volleyball
There are four sand volleyball courts next to the putting course, and during the summer months you will find pickup games as well as an occasional beach volleyball tournament.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
amenities
Charcoal Grills
There are charcoal grills next to the picnic shelters.
Parking
There are two parking lots, both of which charge a fee for parking.
Picnic Shelter
There are two picnic shelters within the park, and the shelters can be reserved ahead of time. There is running water and charcoal grills at the shelters.
Picnic Tables
There are a number of picnic tables spread throughout the park, providing the perfect spot to enjoy some shade and eat food during the hot summer months.
Playground
There is a playground with swings, slides, and various play structures.
Protected Swimming Area
There is a small shallow swimming area surrounded by concrete walls acting as a wave barrier and providing a protected area to swim.
Restrooms
The park has one set of restrooms adjacent to the upper parking lot.
Small Boat Launch
There is an area of the beach with a gravel access trail meant for small boat and paddleboard launch outside of the cordoned off swimming area.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Things to Know
Paid Parking Fills Early
Both parking lots within Don Morse Park charge a fee. In July and August, especially on weekends, arrive early or walk from downtown Chelan if you are staying nearby.
Great for Families
The protected swim area, playground, beach, picnic space, go-karts, and putting course make Don Morse one of the easiest Lake Chelan parks for families with kids.
No Lifeguards
The beach and swim areas are not staffed with lifeguards. Keep a close eye on kids, especially outside the protected shallow swim area.
Seasonal Amenities
The go kart track and putting course are open seasonally, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours and pricing vary by operator.
Shelter Reservations
The two picnic shelters can be reserved in advance. Walk-in use is permitted when not reserved.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
