Lake Chelan — Washington State
Swimming at
Lake Chelan
Public beaches, swim parks, and water temperatures along 50 miles of crystal-clear water.
All Things to Do →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Swimming at Lake Chelan is a favorite summer activity, drawing visitors to its crystal-clear waters from late June through early September. The lake stretches 50 miles through the North Cascades and is one of the deepest in the United States, known for its pristine beauty and refreshing temperatures.
Public swim access is best at local and state parks scattered along the lake. Many hotels also have their own swimming areas for guests. Spring and fall swimming is possible but can be chilly, as the lake is fed by mountain snowmelt.
Water Temperature
Monthly average · °F
Twelve months of Lake Chelan
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Best Swimming Spots
Families
Don Morse Park
Kids
Lakeside Park
Protected Swimming
Manson Bay Park
Dog Friendly
The Old Swim Hole
Warmest Water
Riverwalk Park
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Where to Swim
Chelan
Don Morse Park
Don Morse Park, located in the heart of Chelan, is a prime spot for swimming on Lake Chelan. This 22-acre waterfront park features a sandy beach and a designated swim area that's shallow near shore — ideal for families and casual swimmers — while deeper water is available for stronger swimmers. Beyond the water, the park offers restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, and shaded grassy areas. A marina, boat rentals, skate park, volleyball courts, and mini golf round out the amenities. Located just a short walk from downtown Chelan, it's easy to grab a bite or explore shops nearby.
What to Know
- Free public park — no fee to enter
- Designated swim area with roped-off zone
- Shallow entry near shore, good for families with young children
- Restrooms, picnic tables, and playground on site
- Can get very crowded on summer weekends
Chelan
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park in Chelan offers a large sandy beach and a designated swimming area just a few minutes from downtown. The shallow entry makes it ideal for families with young children, while the deeper water provides a refreshing swim for all ages. The park is well-maintained and features restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a playground. The park itself is free to use, but parking spots inside the park require a fee and fill quickly in summer. There is also a nearby bus stop for the free Link Transit bus, which can be a useful option when parking is tight.
What to Know
- Free public park — no fee to enter
- Large sandy beach with designated swim area
- Restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills on site
- Paid parking spots inside the park fill quickly in summer
- Nearby bus stop for the free Link Transit bus
Chelan
Riverwalk Park
Riverwalk Park sits on the opposite bank of the river from downtown Chelan, offering a relaxed spot to swim and hang out in the sun. The park features a couple of access points where stone steps lead directly into the water, plus expansive grassy areas ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. Technically this is the start of the Chelan River rather than Lake Chelan itself, but it is the warmest section of water in the area — making it the best choice if you are chasing warm water temperatures. The calm, sheltered conditions also make it a popular paddleboarding spot. Riverwalk Park is right in downtown Chelan with plenty of street parking available on nearby streets.
What to Know
- Warmest water in the Chelan area — great for maximizing swim comfort
- Technically the start of the Chelan River, not Lake Chelan proper
- Stone step access into the water at a couple of spots along the park
- Large grassy areas for sunbathing and picnicking
- Typically calm conditions — great for paddleboarding
- Right in downtown Chelan with street parking available nearby
Chelan
Park Street Road End
Park Street Road End is a small public access point to Lake Chelan near downtown Chelan. It is part of the City of Chelan's broader plan to leverage public rights of way and road-end mini parks to create more lake access. The site has a small sandy area, a bench, and basalt columns, making it a useful spot for a quick swim, a quiet sit by the lake, or a short stop while walking nearby. There is no parking on the street next to the park, so plan to walk from nearby lodging, downtown, or legal parking elsewhere.
What to Know
- Small lake access point rather than a full beach park
- Part of Chelan's road-end public lake access effort
- Small sandy area with a bench and basalt columns
- Good for a quick swim or quiet lake stop
- No parking on the street next to the park
Manson
Manson Bay Park
Manson Bay Park is a favorite swimming spot on Lake Chelan, offering a safe and scenic place to cool off in the summer. Located in downtown Manson, the park features a protected swim area with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. The waters here are typically calm, and the designated swim zone keeps swimmers away from boat traffic. The park is equipped with public restrooms, picnic areas, and a nearby boat launch. One of the highlights is the proximity to downtown Manson — visitors can easily walk to local restaurants, wineries, and shops after a swim.
What to Know
- Lifeguards on duty during summer months
- Protected swim zone away from boat traffic
- Restrooms and picnic areas on site
- Walking distance to Manson shops and wineries
- Boat launch also available at the park
Manson
The Old Swim Hole
The Old Swim Hole is a laid-back swimming spot located just uplake from Manson Bay Park, and one of the most popular places on the lake to bring dogs for a summer cool-off. There is a very small sandy area at the water's edge, though space to sit and sunbathe is limited. A handful of old posts in the water nearby are a favorite for kids to climb up and jump from. Parking is a small lot directly adjacent to the spot with room for a couple of cars; street parking is available on nearby streets if the lot is full.
What to Know
- One of the best dog-friendly swim spots on Lake Chelan
- Small parking area on site — room for a couple of cars only
- Street parking available nearby if the lot is full
- Very small sandy area — not much space for sunbathing
- Old posts in the water are a popular jump spot for kids
- Located just uplake from Manson Bay Park
South Shore
Lake Chelan State Park
Lake Chelan State Park is one of the best places for swimming and outdoor recreation along the lake. Located about 9 miles west of Chelan, the park features a large sandy swim beach with a designated swim area, 1.5 miles of shoreline, picnic areas, restrooms, camping sites, hiking trails, and a boat launch. It's an excellent destination for a full day or an extended stay. During peak summer months, the park is a lively hub for water activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
What to Know
- Discover Pass or day use fee required for park entry
- About 9 miles west of downtown Chelan — plan for the drive
- 1.5 miles of shoreline with a large sandy beach
- Full amenities: camping, hiking, boat launch, picnic areas
- Busy during peak summer; arrive early for beach space
Chelan
Chelan Ranger Station Access
Located next to the Chelan Ranger Station, just across the bridge from downtown Chelan, this lake access point offers steps leading directly into the water. It sits at the lower end of the lake where water temperatures tend to be warmer, making it a comfortable entry point through the summer. The spot is well-suited for launching a paddleboard or kayak, or slipping in for a quick swim — but there is no real space to spread out and relax, so it is best treated as a lake access point rather than a destination beach. There is no parking directly at the access; street parking is available on nearby streets.
What to Know
- Steps lead directly into the lake — good for a clean entry
- Best used as a launch point for paddleboards and kayaks
- No space to hang out or sunbathe — not a traditional beach
- Located at the lower end of the lake where water is typically warmer
- Just across the bridge from downtown Chelan
- No parking at the access — use nearby side streets
Chelan
Chelan Bay Pocket Park
Chelan Bay Pocket Park is a newly completed park (2025) that offers a quiet entry point to Lake Chelan right along the Lakeside Trail. Access to the water is via a series of stone steps with a handrail leading down to a very small sandy area — perfect for a quick dip or a rest on a walk. There is no parking immediately adjacent to the park, but it is conveniently located about a mile and a half from downtown Chelan along the trail. Street parking is available on nearby side streets; do not attempt to park on Alt 97.
What to Know
- Newly completed in 2025
- Lake access via stone steps with handrail
- Very small sandy area — not a full beach
- Located directly on the Lakeside Trail, about 1.5 miles from downtown Chelan
- No parking at the park itself — use nearby side streets
- Do not attempt to park on Alt 97
Near Manson
Willow Point Park
Willow Point Park is a hidden gem for swimming on Lake Chelan, offering a peaceful and less crowded experience near Manson. There is no real beach to speak of, but the park has a nice grassy area to sit, picnic, and look out over the lake. The water access is better for a quick swim or relaxed shoreline visit than a classic sandy beach day. One of the highlights is the panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. Compared to busier spots like Lake Chelan State Park or Manson Bay Park, Willow Point is an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter day on the water.
What to Know
- Free public park — no fee to enter
- Less crowded than other swim areas on the lake
- No real beach, but a nice grassy area to sit
- Restrooms, picnic tables, and shade trees on site
- Panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Nearby Alternatives
Near Manson
Wapato Lake
Smaller lake on the outskirts of Manson with warmer water and a more relaxed atmosphere. Access is available via Kamei Campground or Wapato Campground.
Columbia River
Chelan Falls Park
This Chelan PUD-run park on the Columbia River has a sandy beach, large grassy areas, tennis courts, playfields, firepits, and bathrooms — a great alternative when Lake Chelan is crowded.
beExploring / Lake Chelan
Related Guides
beExploring / Lake Chelan
