By: Hannah Doherty, Reservations Manager
Lake Wenatchee State Park, WA, has become a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys outdoor adventure, my hope is to inspire you to visit the area and see for yourself all the magic it has to offer. Bonus points if you choose to book one of our Lake Wenatchee rentals to call home during your time here!
The park itself centers around stunning Lake Wenatchee, a glacier fed lake stretching about 5 miles in length with marvelous mountains and forest land surrounding it. A wide array of both summer and winter outdoor recreation opportunities can be found inside the State Park, including (but not limited to), paddleboarding, fishing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and more. Before planning your visit, be sure to read through my essential tips in order to get the most out of your adventure!
Tip #1: Bug spray, bug spray, and more bug spray.
When the warm weather hits, the mosquitos hit (or rather bite) back. Lake Wenatchee State Park provides an environment where all of us can thrive, mosquitos included! If you’re planning a visit during the spring or summer months, be sure to pack your insect repellent. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants during the early morning and late evening hours when mosquitoes are most present is also helpful. While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and pack some sunscreen as well!
Tip #2: Bring your Discover Pass.
If you’ll be bringing a vehicle into the park, a Discover Pass is required. If you don’t already have one, Discover Passes can be purchased online or at the park itself. There’s the option to purchase either an annual pass or a day pass, and each pass applies to two vehicles. By purchasing a Discover Pass, you are helping keep this fantastic outdoor recreation site open and available to the public. Thanks for that!
Tip #3: Save room on packing by renting your gear instead.
Summer visitors can rent paddle boards, paddles, and kayaks right from the beach. Gear can be rented by the day or by the hour, and when you’re done adventuring, the Lake Wenatchee Camp store offers delicious hand-scooped ice cream, coffee, candy, and more.
If you happen to be a golfer, the Kahler Glen Golf Course is adjacent to Lake Wenatchee State Park and they offer golf club and cart rentals. Before teeing off, be sure to grab a craft cocktail at the nearby Wildflour restaurant!
For winter visitors, snowshoes and cross-country skis/poles can be rented from the nearby Plain Hardware store which everyone should stop in and check out anyways – they have fantastic coffee, fresh pastries, and an adorable gift shop with gifts for the whole family.
Tip #4: Reserve your campsite in advance!
The park features over 150 campsites suitable for tents and RVs, with some sites offering lake views. During the spring and summer months, campsites tend to fill up fairly quickly. Be sure to reserve a spot online before packing your bags. There are two campgrounds to choose from – one on the South Shore and one on the North Shore. Both are equally as beautiful! One thing to keep in mind before planning your summer camp trip is that burn bans tend to go into effect for most of the summer, making campfires illegal. Please do your research and come prepared!
To reserve your campsite in advance: Click Here
Tip #5: Camping isn’t for everyone. If you’re seeking adventure during the day and relaxation at night, book a nearby rental!
There are tons of rental options near the Lake Wenatchee area. Whether you’re hoping for glamorous waterfront accommodation  or a secluded cabin in the forest, Love Leavenworth Vacation Rentals has you covered. I happen to work for this local, family-owned business, so I can personally attest to the fantastic inventory of homes we have the pleasure of managing. Take a look for yourself by browsing our Lake Wenatchee Vacation Rentals.
Tip #6: Do your research before hitting the trail.
There are several hikes in Lake Wenatchee State Park, and they range from easy to challenging. Before hitting any trails, make sure you know where they lead! If you’re bringing young kiddos along, the Lake Wenatchee Trail is an easy hike along the lakeshore and it’s very family-friendly. Hidden Lake trail is another great hike for young kids. The Nason Ridge Trail is moderately difficult, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with marvelous views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Up for a real challenge? Dirty Face Mountain Trail offers over 4,000 feet of elevation gain and is meant for advanced hikers. The view from the top is enough to make the grueling hike worthwhile.
Tip #7: Check fishing regulations!
Lake Wenatchee is stocked with trout, but the kokanee and sockeye salmon are what bring most anglers out to the lake. During salmon season, one can expect to see a large volume of fishing boats out on the water from dawn until dusk. If you’re eager to join in on the fishing fun, download the Fish Washington mobile app for up-to-date fishing regulations. There are boat launches on both sides of the lake and plenty of fish for all!
To check fishing regulations or to purchase a fishing license: Fish On!
Tip #8: Pack your picnic supplies.
Picnic tables and barbecue grills can be found throughout the State Park, and if you ask me, there’s no better place to sit down, enjoy a meal, and revel in the panoramic views. With limited dining options nearby, it’s best to bring a cooler, some protein-packed snacks of your choosing, and a positive attitude about the bugs who may try to join in on your meal. Please remember: pack it in, pack it out!Â
Lake Wenatchee State Park offers a little something for everyone. As someone who has been exploring the park since I was a young kid, I now find joy in bringing my own child to experience the magic that can be found there. Whether you’re looking for a sandy beach to relax on or an adventure that will get your blood pumping, this place truly has it all.
Start Planning your next getaway to Lake Wenatchee State Park!
Now that you’ve read through my tips for planning a visit to Lake Wenatchee, you’re ready to start planning your own. The first step in the planning process is to find a place to call home during your time here. Maybe that’s a dusty campsite, or maybe it’s a beautiful cabin surrounded by nature. Start browsing our Lake Wenatchee vacation rentals to take the next step in planning your getaway!
