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.
All Things to Do →beExploring / Lake Chelan
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.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
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.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Boat Launches
Chelan
Lake Chelan Public Boat Launch
Free single-ramp launch on the Chelan River, managed by Chelan PUD. Open year round.
Chelan
Lakeshore Marina Boat Launch
City-run single-ramp launch next to Don Morse Park. Launch fee required.
South Shore
Lake Chelan State Park Boat Launch
South shore launch inside Lake Chelan State Park. Discover Pass and $7 launch fee required.
South Shore (far end)
25 Mile Creek State Park Boat Launch
Two-ramp seasonal launch near the end of the south shore road. Boat gas also sold here.
Near Manson
Old Mill Park Boat Launch
Three-ramp launch about a mile from downtown Manson. Daily fee required; annual pass available.
Manson
Manson Bay Park Boat Launch
Single-ramp launch in downtown Manson, open in winter only.
Chelan
Lakeside Park Non-Motorized Boat Launch
Off-season non-motorized launch at Lakeside Park for kayaks, paddleboards, and small hand-launched craft.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
Multiple Locations
Shoreline Watercraft
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
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
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
Water Temperature
Monthly average · °F
Twelve months of Lake Chelan
Lake Level
Lake Chelan rises and falls each year on a schedule managed by Chelan PUD, tied to snowmelt, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations. The key threshold for boat-in camping is 1096 ft — the elevation at which several upper-lake campground docks become accessible. Graham Harbor Creek, Moore Point, Flick Creek, and Weaver Point all have seasonal docks that open around 1096. Other campgrounds, including Prince Creek, Corral Creek, Graham Harbor, Domke Falls, Refrigerator Harbor, and Purple Point, have year-round dock access regardless of lake level. The 1096 mark also matters for private boat lifts along the shore.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Related Guides
beExploring / Lake Chelan
