Lake Wenatchee, Wa
The truth is I am not a huge fan of state parks. Well, actually I should qualify that. I love that state park designation protects beautiful places for the public to enjoy. Many state parks have wonderful trails, beaches, lakes, and views. What I don’t love is camping at state parks, especially in the summertime. There are always exceptions, but many state park campgrounds are quite large, offer a minimum of privacy at sites, and feel like a Disneyland parking lot filled with RV’s, packs of kids swarming on bikes, large and loud families gathered around picnic tables and bbq grills. All in the name of good summer fun—I get it! I love that these families and gatherings of friends are getting outside. But, for me, the allure of camping is the quiet— being among the trees and the wildlife. Listening to the birds and feeling connected to the natural world (not to my neighbors) is what I’m looking for. Sometimes having amenities such as showers are nice (especially on a long road trip). But, when I’m ready to immerse in nature, I’m also ready to leave behind the hookups and the hot water.
Ok, all that said, we just enjoyed a wonderful getaway to Lake Wenatchee State Park in Washington! I think it’s fair to say that this beautiful spot is a zoo in high summer. But, we planned our 3 nights here mid-week, just before Labor Day weekend. Suffice it to say, the campground was probably 3/4 empty. The large beach was quiet, the water was warm, and the park roads were empty enough for Dylan to cruise around on his skateboard with ease.
Fed by glaciers and snowmelt, Lake Wenatchee is a 5 mile long (nearly 2500 acre) glacially carved body of water located on the eastern slope of the Cascade mountains. This long and narrow, clear-water lake is rather shallow for it’s size, with a depth of 244ft. It warms up nicely in the summer and freezes over in the winter. The outflow to the Wenatchee River is on the eastern edge of the lake and is accessible from the State Park. Other major tributaries include the White River and Nason Creek. There is a little something for everyone here. Anglers will enjoy fishing for Sockeye Salmon. Hikers will enjoy exploring the surrounding mountains, and boaters will love paddling the large body of open water, adjacent rivers, and exploring the beautiful shoreline. While motor boats are allowed in the lake there are enforced speed restrictions, protecting paddlers and swimmers near the shoreline. In the wintertime the Park offers roughly 25 miles of groomed trails. Bring your cross country skis or snow shoes!
The Park has two large campgrounds, each with approximately 100 sites. Some sites have hookups, others are more primitive. While all of the sites are amongst the trees, most are close together and few of them feel private. This is not a huge deal if you plan to spend most of your time at the lake or getting out and enjoying the surrounding mountains. The North Campground, located over the bridge,on the north side of Wenatchee River, feels somewhat quieter than the South Campground. This is undoubtedly because the South Campground is where the big beach and day-use area is located. If you are looking for ease of access to the beach, choose the South Campground.
This trip was a quick getaway for Jon’s birthday. We wanted warm water for swimming and boating. The end-of-summer August days were hot (mid 90’s), so we opted to stay either in the water or on trails close to the water as opposed to heading out into the surrounding backcountry.
Sadly, summer in the northwest also means fire season. No campfires! (this is strictly enforced for good reason) Unfortunately, while we were camping we could see smoke and even some flames on the mountainside at the west end of the Lake, near the White River. While we never felt unsafe in this situation, we do stay alert during wildfire season and are always prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Lake Wenatchee is approximately 30 minutes from the town of Leavenworth, a fun (albeit contrived) Bavarian-themed mountain town. To celebrate Jon’s Birthday, we ventured into town one evening for our Leavenworth ritual- a (very large)Beer, Brats, and salted pretzels. Jon and Dylan hit up the comic book store while I walked Juneau.
For years I have shied away from camping at Lake Wenatchee because of it’s popularity and summer crowds. Now that we have checked it out I definitely see the allure. It’s beautiful. Mid-week, shoulder season is definitely the way to go! We will be back.
There is nothing quite like sunset at the water’s edge—the deep stillness and sense of peace as the sun slips away behind the ever darkening silhouettes of the mountain slopes. The colors of the sky blending together and mirrored below. Cradled like this you might find that you have never slept so well or so deeply…
Details:
Getting Here: Hwy 2 to WA-207N, left onto Cedar Brae Rd, exit at State Park Entrance.
Discover Pass: Yes (spring, summer, fall)
Washington Sno-Park Pass: Yes (winter)
Northwest Forest Pass: required for parking at some state lands nearby
Lake Wenatchee State Park (info and camping): Link Here
Other nearby (smaller and more primitive) Campgrounds:
For Hiking options, check out: All Trails
Information about Leavenworth, Wa