Lake Wenatchee State Park
A stunning glacier-fed lake in the Cascades, offering camping, water sports, hiking, and horseback riding near Leavenworth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less wind, fewer crowds
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Best Time
Less wind, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacier-fed lake in the Cascades, offering camping, water sports, hiking, and horseback riding near Leavenworth.
"The water stays chilly (even in August!) thanks to its glacial source."
🚗 Get a Discovery Pass
You'll need a Washington State Parks Discover Pass for entry.
🛶 Bring or Rent Water Gear
Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are popular for enjoying the lake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glacier-Fed Lake Views
Lake Wenatchee
Stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Scenic Beachfront
South Beach
Ideal for relaxing, watching sunsets, and enjoying water activities like paddleboarding.
Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore diverse trails, from easy strolls to more challenging mountain climbs.
Horseback Riding
Icicle Outfitters
Experience the park's beauty from horseback with guided rides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Be Prepared for Wind and Bugs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Get a Discovery Pass
You'll need a Washington State Parks Discover Pass for entry.
🛶 Bring or Rent Water Gear
Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are popular for enjoying the lake.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months.
🌬️ Be Ready for Wind
The beach can be quite windy, so dress in layers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Get a Discovery Pass
You'll need a Washington State Parks Discover Pass for entry.
🛶 Bring or Rent Water Gear
Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes are popular for enjoying the lake.
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months.
🌬️ Be Ready for Wind
The beach can be quite windy, so dress in layers.
📍 Note Campsite Layout
Some campsites are close together; be aware of the one-way road system.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Wenatchee State Park for its stunning natural beauty, clear glacier-fed waters, and family-friendly atmosphere. The park offers a great escape for camping, water sports, and hiking, with many appreciating the proximity to Leavenworth. Some common drawbacks include strong winds on the beach and mosquitoes during summer, and the need for advance booking for campsites.
"Book camp site 10 months out hoping to catch sockeye salmon. Missed it by a week, but had a good time on the lake fishing.
Been over 40 years since I slept in a tent, but wasn’t an issue for me at all. Temps in the mid 50’s at night and upper 70’s durning the day. Stayed a week and no rain which my fishing buddies said was rare.
Plenty of trails to walk on. Couple of beach areas with paddle board and kayak rentals at the other side of the river."
Jim Leaskey
"Went camping with my husband and two dogs here for the first time. This is the lake that faced my fears. I finally went out on a kayak with my husband! Best choice ever. We will be back! Great camping for children! This camp will keep your kids busy all day!"
Marisa Lange
"Lovely campground overall, but many of the sites are very close together. Beach can be very windy, and the boat rental place shuts down if it gets too windy, which can be a bummer. Also, for those hoping to float the river, they don't allow rental boats/SUPs from the place on the beach to float the river. We had to go out to town to find a different rental place. Bathrooms were maintained well, air conditioned partially during the day also, which was a nice touch. All that said, we enjoyed our time there, and sunsets on the beach are stunning."
Mark McAfee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Wenatchee State Park is approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the park. An AWD vehicle is recommended, especially for winter visits.
Yes, Lake Wenatchee State Park is conveniently located about 20-25 miles west of the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, making it a great addition to a Leavenworth trip.
Public transportation options are very limited. Driving is highly recommended for accessing Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Roads can be snowy and icy in winter. AWD or 4WD vehicles are strongly advised, and chains may be necessary depending on conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required for entry. You can purchase daily or annual passes.
Lake Wenatchee State Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. Specific facilities like campgrounds have their own operating hours.
Entry requires a Discover Pass, which costs $10 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass.
Yes, campsite reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Many visitors book up to 10 months in advance.
Rental fees vary by business. Life jackets are required for all watercraft rentals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include camping, hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, horseback riding, and fishing.
Yes, the lake is popular for swimming, but be aware that it's glacier-fed and remains quite chilly even in summer.
Yes, there are businesses on the beach that rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
The park offers a variety of trails, from easy lakeside paths to more challenging mountain hikes like the Hidden Lake Trail. +1
Absolutely! It's a great spot for families with plenty of activities to keep children entertained, including swimming and exploring.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no full-service restaurants within the park. A small convenience store offers basic supplies, ice cream, and water sport accessories.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics and camping. Grilling is permitted in designated areas.
The nearby town of Leavenworth offers a wide range of dining options, from Bavarian-themed restaurants to casual eateries.
The small convenience store at the park has limited supplies. For a wider selection, plan to shop in Leavenworth or a larger town before arriving.
Alcohol is permitted in designated camping and day-use areas, but public intoxication is prohibited. Please drink responsibly.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake's shores, especially at sunrise and sunset, offer stunning views. The surrounding mountains and forests also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or during specific times. Always check park regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
Look for reflections on the glassy lake surface, the vibrant turquoise water, and the dramatic mountain backdrops. Wildlife sightings are also a possibility.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers
🚗 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Lake Wenatchee
Campers can enjoy amenities like well-maintained bathrooms, some of which are partially air-conditioned, offering a nice touch during warmer days.
Water Activities on the Lake
For those looking to explore further, some visitors mention needing to find separate rental places in town if they wish to float the river, as on-site rentals may not permit this.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
+1 Many visitors combine a trip to the park with a visit to Leavenworth, enjoying the contrast between the serene natural beauty of the lake and the festive atmosphere of the town. For those seeking more adventurous excursions, the park is also a stepping stone to the stunning North Cascades.
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