Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: about 73, 000
Area: 2,994 square miles
County Seat: Wenatchee
OVERVIEW
Chelan County is known for its great summers with beautiful weather and blue lake. This county is located on the territory where the Cascades Mountains and the eastern part of Washington desert are joined together. The main attractions here are, of course, the views of the superb mountains, rivers and lakes. Lake Chelan is a glacier-fed lake and is one of the must-see attractions in the area. Travelers come to the lake to enjoy endless opportunities of water recreation, such as water-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, tubing windsurfing, etc.
It goes without saying that Chelan Lake is one of the most popular lakes not only in Washington, but around the country.
The cities of Lake Chelan and nearby Manson have become a very popular recreational area. These cities attract travelers with numerous recreational possibilities as well as with perfect vineyards. Chelan County is one of the Washington’s fast growing wine regions, you can make certain of this fact if you drive through the hills that surround Manson and Lake Chelan, and you will see lots of first-class grapes.
Chelan County has lots to propose to its’ visitors: wonderful trails along Lake Chelan, water recreation opportunities, public parks, wine tours and unusual trips to unusual Stehekin, which is accessible only by boat or a seaplane. This unusual community lies in the North Cascades on Lake Chelan and is considered to be a magic place lost in beautiful nature.
HISTORY
The history of this region has begun with the Wenatchee tribe that lived along the Wenatchee River. This river took its’ beginning in the Cascades and flew into the Columbia River. “Wenatchee” is a Sahaptian word, which means “water coming out”. The Chelans are the people who lived along the south part of Lake Chelan. These people paddled canoes to the head of Lake Chelan and then crossed the mountains to trade with the Puget Sound’s tribes.
People from these tribes were mostly fishermen, though they also gathered berries and roots, some of them were hunters. It should be said that early fur traders show them and taught them how to grow potatoes.
COUNTY SEAT
Wenatchee is the largest city of the Chelan County and its’ economic center. This historic city is situated on the Columbia River and is considered to one of the best places in the county for living and recreation. In the summer the city is full of tourists who enjoy the river. This city is also famous for the 13-mile Apple Capitol Loop Trail that attracts lots of runners, cyclists and hikers. This trail is known as one of the best urban public place in the state.
Wenatchee and its’ foothills offer great opportunities for biking, hiking, horseback riding, etc. In winter travelers can enjoy short trips to Mission Ridge. You don’t even need to drive there, because city transit bus takes the skiers to the hill.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Exploring Stehekin
If you visit Chelan County, a must-do is to take a boat ride up the Lake Chelan to Stehekin. This community is located on the territory of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (North Cascades National Park Complex). The community is accessible only by boat, seaplane or hiking trail. This place has been a very popular recreation area amid mountains.
Website: http://stehekinvalley.com/
Apple Capital Loop Trail
Apple Capital Loop Trail is a system of shoreline trails along the Columbia River. This is the longest trail system in Washington State. This is a busy trail that is popular among cyclists, hikers, joggers and those who just love to relax and enjoy the views of the river. The trail has exits at Riverwalk Crossing Pedestrian Overpass, which is located in the downtown of Wenatchee. Do not worry about parking lots; there are plenty of them on both sides of the Columbia River. The park and the trails are open from dawn to dusk.
Lady of the Lake
A nice boat that will take you on a trip to Stehekin, Holden Village, the North Cascades National Park, and other points along Lake Chelan.
Visit the official website to get all the information on the schedule and the tickets.
Website: http://www.ladyofthelake.com
Wine Tasting in the Lake Chelan Valley
This region is one of the youngest wine regions in the state, but here visitors will find first-class kinds of wine. Chelan County offers various tours that will tell you about the history, the present and the future of the vineyards.
Website: http://www.lakechelanwinevalley.com/
Information: Marina Petrova
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