This deep, narrow, glacier-fed lake stretches for 55 mi/90 km on the eastern slope of the Cascades. Few roads run near the lake. Most visitors drive to the town of Chelan at the lake's southeastern end. From there, passengers can take the Lady of the Lake II or Lady Express over to Stehekin. Phone 509-682-4584. http://www.ladyofthelake.com.
Boats run to the town of Stehekin, at the lake's northwestern end (only accessible by ferry or on foot). Startlingly steep walls line the lake in places, and the combination of mountains, blue waters, forest and waterfalls makes for stunning scenery. Apple orchards offering sweet Chelan apples line the shores of the area. Lodging is available in Stehekin, and buses leaving from there provide access to trailheads within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Some trails connect to North Cascades National Park, which is northwest of the lake.
For more information, contact the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. Phone 509-682-3503 or toll-free 800-424-3526. http://www.lakechelan.com. 110 mi/175 km east of Seattle.
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