5 Things to Know About Washington’s Beautiful Lake Chelan

So, you want to know more about Lake Chelan? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Though I’ve never spent any time there – IKR – I’ve done some research, so you don’t have to.

And I’ve lived vicariously through my co-workers on the east and west sides of Washington State, who all love to spend their long summer weekends at Lake Chelan.

Here then, is what I’ve learned…

1. Lake Chelan is One of the Cleanest Lakes in Washington

Lake Chelan is known statewide for its clear, clean, glacier fed water.

2. Lake Chelan is the Largest Natural Lake in Washington

Lake Chelan is 50.5 miles long, making it the largest natural lake in Washington.

This begs the question, “what is the largest artificial lake in Washington?” So, I’ll go ahead and answer that trivia question for you as well. Banks Lake is the largest human-made reservoir in the state.

3. Lake Chelan is the Deepest Lake in Washington

At a depth of 1,486 feet, Lake Chelan is the deepest lake in Washington.

It’s the 3rd deepest lake in the United States (behind #1, Crater Lake in OR, and #2 Lake Tahoe in CA/NV).

And Lake Chelan is the 28th deepest lake in the world.

4. Has Anyone Been to the Bottom of Lake Chelan?

Nope. But there’s no shortage of speculation as to what lies beneath the surface.

5. Legend Has it There’s a Deadly Monster Living in Lake Chelan

Stories of a strange creature in the waters of Lake Chelan have been passed down from generation to generation. One sighting even made the local paper. Described as a beast, a devil, and a water dragon – let’s hope it’s just make-believe.