At 1,486 feet, Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the nation, extending nearly 400 feet below sea level. The azure blue water, orchards and rolling hills in the populated Chelan and Manson region provide a striking contrast with the granite cliffs and snow covered mountains that rise dramatically from glacier green water Uplake. Scenic Lake Chelan lies within an 80 mile long glacial valley near the center of Washington State. Roads extend less than halfway up Lake Chelan. Beyond the end of the road, rugged snowcapped peaks rise over 7,000 feet from the lake shore and dark green evergreens cover the mountainsides.
Deep valleys rise from the lake to massive glaciers in the heart of the North Cascade Mountains.
At the upper end of Lake Chelan, limited local roads do not connect the communities of Stehekin and Holden Village to the outside world. This remoteness and spectacular setting have inspired Federal protection for much of the region. Portions of a National Park, two National Forest Wilderness Areas, and a National Recreation Area encompass much of the Chelan Drainage. All Rights Reserved for all pages on the Lake Chelan Network.