Lake Wenatchee State Park in Washington State is a beautiful glacial lake that's a popular destination for hiking, swimming, paddling, and more.
The lake is located around 25 minutes from Leavenworth and is a perfect summer escape from the heat in surrounding cities and towns. The lake sits among 492 acres of beautiful forestland and camp spots, including the Nasson Creek Campground.
Facts about Lake Wenatchee
Depth: 244 feet
Length: 5 miles
Park Acreage: 492 acres
Elevation: 1,873 feet
Lake Acreage: 2,480 acres
Islands: Emerald Island
Directions to Lake Wenatchee State Park
Follow the link in the map for directions to Lake Wenatchee State Park, the public boat launch, and North and South Campgrounds.
Leavenworth to Wenatchee State Park: 25 minutes
Seattle to Wenatchee State Park: 2.5 hours
Wenatchee to Wenatchee State Park: 55 minutes
Lake Wenatchee State Park Weather
Visitors to Lake Wenatchee can expect highs in the 80s and 90s in the summer and lows in the 50s. In the winter, the highs are around 30 degrees, and the lows are in the 20s.
The best time to visit the lake is in the late spring through summer and early fall. Early or late in the year, you're likely to encounter very cold lake water, though! But, this may be a fair tradeoff to avoid the peak summer crowds.
What to Do at Lake Wenatchee
At Lake Wenatchee, you can choose from trails, water-based activities, winter sports, and more!
Water-Based Activities include:
Boating
Fishing
Kiteboarding
Sailboarding
Waterskiing
Windsurfing
Winter Activities:
Cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing
Sledding
Other Activities:
Amphitheater with performances
Volleyball
Biking
Bird and wildlife watching
3 Best Hikes in Lake Wenatchee State Park
#1 Hidden Lake Trail
The Hidden Lake Trail is our #1 recommendation if you only have one day at Lake Wenatchee!
It takes you around the shoreline and through beautiful forestland. If you're lucky you might see some of Lake Wenatchee's bountiful wildlife. It is an out-and-back trail meaning that when you've gone as far as you want to go you have to turn around.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
1.9 miles | 220 feet | 45 mins | 2/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.83955345497119, -120.80709117306678
#2 Lake Wenatchee North Snowshoe Trails
An easy loop that's possible to finish in under an hour. During the winter, it allows you easy access to the beautiful, snowed-in landscape of Lake Wenatchee.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.3 miles | 80 feet | 45 mins | 2/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.81345229840283, -120.72090464633231
#3 Nason Ridge Snowshoe Route via Lake Wenatchee
Another popular snowshoe route is a longer alternative to the north trails. It can be muddy later in the season and you may hit a few downed logs here and there.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
6 miles | 1,300 | 3 hours | 5/10 |
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.807314525005985, -120.72730518749708
Map of the Best Hikes in Lake Wenatchee State Park
Explore the best hikes in Lake Wenatchee State Park below!
Lake Wenatchee Camping
If you're visiting Lake Wenatchee in the peak season, you may struggle to get a camping reservation. Make sure to book early to avoid this! Or consider camping outside the state park in another, smaller, less popular area.
Within the park itself, you'll have the choice of the North and South Campgrounds, both of which are grouped under the name Nason Creek Campground.
Explore our Guide to Nason Creek Campground for everything you need to know about camping at Lake Wenatchee!
North Campground at Lake Wenatchee
The North Campground is on the north side of Nasson Creek within walking distance of Lake Wenatchee.
Facilities: playground, welcome station, multiple parking lots, horseshoes, RV camping, picnic tables, park office.
Good to Know
Reservations need to be made before 1:00 PM on the day before
Campsites cost $32 a night.
Some have shade, others partial shade or sun.
Some have space for an RV.
South Campground at Lake Wenatchee
Located on the south side of Nasson Creek, the South Campground is closer to the lake, the volleyball court, and a picnic shelter.
Facilities: restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and picnic shelter, two parking lots, close to the equestrian rental, and a volleyball court.
Good to Know
Reservations need to be made before 1:00 PM on the day before
Campsites cost $32 a night.
Some have shade, others partial shade or sun.
Some have space for an RV.
To make camping reservations go to Washington.goingtocamp.com.
FAQs
Do you need camping reservations at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
You need to make reservations at the campground before 1:00 PM the day before.
Where to camp at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
You can camp at Nason Creek Campground. There is a North Campground and South Campground.
Where to park at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
There are numerous parking lots around Lake Wenatchee, all of which require a Discover Pass. When you pull into the park, continue until you see the lake. The closest parking is available on the left side of the road.
How many miles from Wanapum State Park to Lake Wenatchee?
It's 102 miles, or 2 hours, from Wanapum State Park to Lake Wenatchee.
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