Lake Wenatchee State Park
Region
NCW
Lake Wenatchee State Park: Northwest Icon with Year-Round Mountain Recreation
Lake Wenatchee State Park stands as a Northwest icon, featuring a clear blue glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains and offering year-round recreation near the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. This 492-acre waterfront park provides 12,623 feet of shoreline on 5-mile-long Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River, transforming from a premier summer destination for swimming and boating into a comprehensive Sno-Park with groomed ski trails, sledding hills, and winter camping during snow season.
Lake Wenatchee State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington |
| Address | 21588 Lake Wenatchee Hwy, Leavenworth, WA 98826 |
| Size | 492 acres |
| Shoreline | 12,623 feet on Lake Wenatchee and Wenatchee River |
| Camping | 197 total sites (North and South campgrounds) |
| Lake Length | 5 miles (glacier and snowmelt-fed) |
| Distance to Leavenworth | 16 miles |
| Winter Designation | Sno-Park with groomed trails |
| Bear Country | Yes, cooler storage required |
Park Overview
Lake Wenatchee State Park occupies a spectacular setting at the eastern end of glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee within the Wenatchee National Forest on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range. The park splits into two distinct areas, North Shore and South Shore, separated by the Wenatchee River and connected by the lake’s pristine waters and surrounding mountain vistas. This natural wildlife area requires visitor awareness of bears and other wildlife, with cooler storage mandatory throughout the park.
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Get the Free ChecklistThe park’s unique dual-season identity sets it apart from other Washington state parks, operating as a traditional summer recreation destination during warm months and transforming into an official Sno-Park when winter arrives. Lake Wenatchee State Park provides the rare combination of warm-weather lake activities and comprehensive winter sports facilities, making it one of the few state parks offering world-class recreation in both seasons with heated restrooms and showers available year-round.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Clear glacier-fed lake waters with swim beach | Summer | Easy |
| Boating | ADA boat launch, motorboats and personal watercraft | Spring-Fall | Easy |
| Fishing | Lake and river fishing with special sockeye season | Year-round | Easy |
| Water Skiing | 5-mile lake perfect for water sports | Summer | Moderate |
| Kayaking | Rentals available, white-water river access | Spring-Fall | Easy-Moderate |
| Cross-country Skiing | Groomed trails for classic and skate skiing | Winter | Easy-Moderate |
| Snowshoeing | Marked snowshoe trails through forest | Winter | Easy |
| Horseback Riding | Guided tours with Icicle Outfitters | Summer | Easy |
| Winter Camping | Heated facilities in designated area | Winter | Moderate |
Facilities & Amenities
Lake Wenatchee State Park provides comprehensive facilities including visitor center, amphitheater, kitchen shelters, picnic areas, and playground equipment in both North and South park areas. The Lake Wenatchee Park Store operates daily during peak season, offering prepared foods, camping supplies, firewood, ice, and espresso service. Lake Wenatchee Adventures provides kayak and standup paddleboard rentals from their beach location near the swim area.
Winter facilities transform the park into a major Sno-Park destination with groomed cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing, a groomed sled hill, and marked snowshoe trails. The park maintains heated restrooms and showers year-round, supporting winter camping in a designated area when regular campgrounds close. Additional amenities include ADA boat launch, trailer dump station, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Camping & Accommodations
The park offers 197 total campsites divided between North and South campgrounds. The South Campground features 100 standard sites designed for tents, camper vans, truck campers, and small trailer combinations under 20 feet. The North Campground provides 2 ADA sites, 55 standard sites, and 42 partial utility sites with water and electric hookups, plus centrally located comfort stations with hot showers and the park’s trailer dump station.
Camping reservations are now required and can be made online or by calling (888) 226-7688, with same-day reservations available between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each campsite includes one vehicle, with additional vehicles subject to a $10 per night fee. During winter when regular campgrounds close due to weather, winter camping remains available first-come, first-served in the designated South Park day-use parking area.
Planning Your Visit
Lake Wenatchee State Park operates year-round with summer hours from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, extending to 4 a.m. opening during sockeye salmon season (July 23-August 6). Park gates close at dusk and reopen at posted morning hours. During winter, the park becomes an official Sno-Park requiring Sno-Park permits rather than Discover Pass, with permits available online or at the park.
Summer weekends experience high demand with parking lots frequently full, requiring early arrival or carpooling. The park offers live webcams showing current lake conditions and seasonal snow accumulation. Spring and fall campground operations are weather-dependent, and visitors should check alerts for current conditions. Bear country precautions require proper cooler storage at all times.
What to Bring & Know
- Bear country protocols require secure cooler storage and awareness of wildlife presence throughout the park
- Summer weekend parking fills early, arrive before mid-morning or consider carpooling to secure day-use spots
- Winter Sno-Park permits replace Discover Pass requirements when snow season begins, available for purchase at the park
- The park provides heated restrooms and showers year-round, supporting comfortable winter camping experiences
- Sockeye salmon season brings special early opening hours and increased fishing activity from late July through early August
Final Word
Lake Wenatchee State Park delivers the ultimate four-season Northwest experience, combining pristine glacier-fed lake recreation with comprehensive winter sports facilities in a spectacular Cascade Mountain setting.
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Explore more of Wenatchee: This is part of our complete Wenatchee, Washington guide, covering things to do, where to stay, restaurants, festivals, day trips, and more.
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What to Do
Activities
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a Discover Pass to visit Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Yes. Washington State Parks requires a Discover Pass for all vehicles parking at state recreation lands. A daily pass costs $10 and an annual pass costs $45. You can purchase one online at discoverpass.wa.gov, at a sporting goods retailer, or at the park entrance. Camping fees are charged separately and do not include a Discover Pass.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Lake Wenatchee State Park. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times and must have proof of a current rabies vaccination. Dogs are not permitted in designated swimming areas or inside park buildings. Please clean up after your pet to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
Can you camp at Lake Wenatchee State Park, and how do you make a reservation?
Yes, Lake Wenatchee State Park has two campground loops, North and South, with hundreds of sites ranging from primitive to full hookup. Reservations are available at reservations.washington.gov and are highly recommended for summer weekends as this is one of the most popular campgrounds in central Washington. The campground sits in a gorgeous setting among towering ponderosa pines just steps from the lake.
Is Lake Wenatchee State Park open year round?
Lake Wenatchee State Park is open year round, though the campground is seasonal and the access road can be affected by snow and ice in winter. Day use areas are generally accessible throughout the year. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities when snow conditions allow. Check the Washington State Parks website and WSDOT road conditions before visiting between November and March.
What are the best things to do at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of central Washington's most beloved outdoor destinations. In summer, swimming in the glacier cold lake water, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are the top draws. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest. In winter the park transforms into a nordic skiing and snowshoeing destination with stunning mountain scenery. The park sits near the confluence of the White and Wenatchee rivers, where salmon runs are visible in fall.
Is there food available at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Lake Wenatchee State Park does not have a restaurant or concession stand on site. The nearest food options are in Leavenworth, roughly 22 miles to the south, which has a wide variety of restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores. The town of Plain also has a small general store closer to the park. Plan to bring your own food and supplies, especially for busy summer weekends when nearby services can get stretched. The park has picnic areas with tables and fire rings if you want to cook your own meals.
Trip Planning
What to Pack
Required Pass
Required for parking at all Washington State Parks. One pass covers your vehicle for a full year.
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Washington State Parks Directory
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