Lake Chelan — Washington State
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
on Lake Chelan
Crystal-clear water, mountain views, and quiet coves — 50 miles of lake to explore by paddle.
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Overview
Lake Chelan is one of the most scenic places in Washington to kayak or paddleboard. The lake stretches 50 miles through the North Cascades, with crystal-clear water, dramatic mountain scenery, and a mix of busy shoreline parks and quiet coves far from the powerboat traffic.
The lower lake near Chelan and Manson is the most accessible area for day paddling, with multiple public launches and rental options nearby. For a longer adventure, the upper lake past the Narrows offers remote shorelines and eventually leads to Stehekin — only accessible by water.
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Water Conditions
Live lake level and water temperature for planning time on the water.
Lake Level
Water Temp
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Boat Launches
Chelan
Lake Chelan Public Boat Launch
About
Located on the Chelan River just above the dam, this launch is managed by the Chelan Public Utility District and is one of the few free boat launches on the lake. It has a single ramp and is open year round.
What to Know
- Free to launch — no fee required
- Single ramp; can get busy during peak summer weekends
- Open year round
- Located on the Chelan River just above the dam, not directly on the lake
Chelan
Lakeshore Marina Boat Launch
About
Located next to Don Morse Park in Chelan, the Lakeshore Marina boat launch is run by the City of Chelan. A single ramp with convenient access to downtown, fuel, and marina services nearby.
What to Know
- Launch fee required
- Single ramp — plan for a wait on busy summer days
- Convenient to downtown Chelan and Don Morse Park
South Shore
Lake Chelan State Park Boat Launch
About
Located within Lake Chelan State Park on the south shore, about 9 miles from downtown Chelan. A good option if you're camping at the park. Check the state park website for current launch status before heading out.
What to Know
- Discover Pass or day use fee required for park entry
- $7 launch fee (included with camping fee)
- Open year round, but check the state park website for current status
- Heavier traffic on summer weekends
South Shore (far end)
25 Mile Creek State Park Boat Launch
About
Located near the end of the road on the south shore, 25 Mile Creek State Park has two ramps making it the highest-capacity launch on the south side of the lake. The park also sells boat gas on the dock — the only fuel stop in this part of the lake.
What to Know
- Two ramps — more capacity than other south shore launches
- Open seasonally; check ahead before visiting
- Discover Pass or day use fee required, plus $7 launch fee (included with camping)
- Boat gas sold on the dock
Near Manson
Old Mill Park Boat Launch
About
Run by the Manson Parks and Recreation District, Old Mill Park is located about a mile downlake from downtown Manson. With three ramps it is the most capable launch near Manson, and sees heavy use during summer weekends.
What to Know
- Three launch ramps — the most capacity near Manson
- Daily launch fee required
- Annual pass available for $75
- Expect significant traffic on summer weekends
Manson
Manson Bay Park Boat Launch
About
Located in downtown Manson, the Manson Bay Park Boat Launch has a single ramp and is open in winter only. Summer boaters near Manson should use Old Mill Park instead.
What to Know
- Winter only — not available during summer
- Single ramp
- Use Old Mill Park for summer launches near Manson
Chelan
Lakeside Park Non-Motorized Boat Launch
About
Lakeside Park has a non-motorized boat launch intended for off-season use, after Labor Day through mid-May. It is most relevant for kayakers, paddleboarders, and small hand-launched craft rather than motorboats. Paid parking is available next to the launch, but the lot is sized for regular passenger vehicles and does not have room for boat trailers.
What to Know
- Non-motorized launch only
- Off-season use only: after Labor Day through mid-May
- Best for kayaks, paddleboards, and small hand-launched craft
- Paid parking is available next to the launch
- No boat trailer parking; regular-sized vehicles only
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Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Multiple Locations
Shoreline Watercraft
About
Shoreline Watercraft operates five locations spread around the lake, offering open bow boats, pontoons, jet skis, and paddleboards for full or half day rentals. A limited number of tubes are available to take out at no additional cost.
What to Know
- Five locations including spots in Chelan and Manson
- Tubes available at no extra charge (limited supply)
- Book early in summer — popular with families
Downtown Chelan
Jet Skis Ahoy
About
Jet Skis Ahoy offers one of the most complete rental lineups on the lake, with wake surf boats, open bow runabouts, pontoons, jet skis, and paddleboards all available. A strong option if your group has different preferences or you want to keep options open.
What to Know
- One of the widest rental selections in Chelan
- Convenient waterfront location right on the rental strip
- Book ahead for peak summer weekends
Downtown Chelan
Chelan Parasail & Watersports
About
Chelan Parasail & Watersports offers boat rentals alongside their parasailing and water activity operation. Their fleet includes speed boats, pontoons, and paddleboards, making them a good option if your group wants to mix rental time with other on-the-water activities.
What to Know
- Also offers parasailing — good for mixed-activity groups
- Downtown Chelan waterfront location
- Multiple rental types available for different group needs
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Tips for Paddling Lake Chelan
Paddle early. Wind on Lake Chelan picks up from the southwest in the early afternoon, building chop that makes paddling exhausting and potentially unsafe for kayaks and SUPs.
Stay close to shore when paddling the main channel. The lake is up to two miles wide with heavy powerboat traffic, and wakes can swamp a loaded kayak.
The non-motorized launch at Lakeside Park is the easiest put-in for kayaks and paddleboards in Chelan, with parking nearby. It is open after Labor Day through mid-May only.
The lake narrows north of Manson at the Narrows, and opens into The Straights farther up. Past the Narrows you will find far less powerboat traffic and quieter paddling.
Even in summer the lake is cold deep down. If you capsize, get out of the water quickly — hypothermia is a real risk in the deeper sections of the lake.
Wear a PFD. A life jacket is required for all non-motorized watercraft under Washington state law, and conditions on Lake Chelan can change quickly.
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