I was lucky enough to spend the fall of 2023 living in Coles Corner, Leavenworth — minutes from Lake Wenatchee State Park. Within a few days of being in the area, I made my way to Lake Wenatchee and fell in love with the gorgeous lake and picturesque mountain landscape surrounding it.
That said, if you’re considering checking out Lake Wenatchee State Park, the answer is just do it. And if you have questions about what to expect, this guide should help.
Getting to Lake Wenatchee State Park
There are two entrances to Lake Wenatchee State Park — a South Entrance and a North Entrance. Since it’s closer for those coming from Seattle, the South Entrance tends to be a bit busier. The two entrances are about 5 miles apart.
If you’re coming from Seattle or the village of Leavenworth, you’ll turn left onto State Route 207 at Coles Corner. Drive about 4 miles to Cedar Brae Road and turn left (you’ll see a sign with an arrow that says, “Lake Wenatchee State Park South Entrance”). Follow the road until you reach the park entrance. You’ll see two parking lots, a playground, and a campground.
If you’d like to visit the North Entrance, instead of turning left onto Cedar Brae Road, you’ll continue driving about 5 more miles. After crossing a bridge over the Wenatchee River, you’ll veer left and see the North Entrance.
Overall, Lake Wenatchee State Park is very accessible and easy to find. The park is open daily from 6:30 AM until sunset. If you’d like to stay the night, campgrounds are available (reservations can be made online).
Parking at Lake Wenatchee State Park
There are two large parking lots available for day use at Lake Wenatchee State Park. During the summer (mid-June through mid-September), the parking lots can fill up quickly on the weekends. However, whenever I went (mid-September until late October), I never had an issue getting a parking spot — even on Saturdays.
To park at Lake Wenatchee, you need to pay a $10 fee or have the Discover Pass. There is a credit card fee station available, however it was broken every time I visited. My recommendation is to bring cash, which you can deposit in an envelope. If you’re planning on visiting the park three or more times, it makes sense to purchase a Discover Pass, which you can easily do online. Once you have your Discover Pass, simply display it in your dashboard, and you’ll be good to enjoy the park.
Hiking trails in and around Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park covers approximately 489 acres — so it should be no surprise that you can find a plethora of hiking trails in and around the area. During the summer, there are various trails that take hikers around the lake. In the winter, many of these trails convert to snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, making Lake Wenatchee State Park a year-round destination.
Some of the hikes you can find in or near Lake Wenatchee State Park include:
Hidden Lake Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles long with slightly over 200 feet elevation gain
Type of trail: Out-and-back
Description: This is a straightforward trail that leads to a small lake that is “hidden” within the forest. The lake is peaceful and surrounded by mountain peaks. The trail runs adjacent to Lake Wenatchee and is technically located within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Therefore, you will need the Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead (instead of the Discover Pass). Overall, this is an easy hike that is ideal for people of all ages and athletic abilities.
Lake Wenatchee North Route (Summer use)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 miles long with slightly over 70 feet of elevation gain (so mostly flat)
Type of trail: Loop
Description: To reach this trailhead, you’ll want to park at the North Entrance of Lake Wenatchee State Park. Once there, you can pick which way you’d like to go (clockwise or counter-clockwise). The trail takes you on a loop with plenty of views of the lake and campgrounds at the park. It’s a well-marked, straightforward trail that should be doable by people of all ages and athletic abilities.
Nason Ridge (via Lake Wenatchee)
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6 miles long with nearly 1,300 feet elevation gain
Type of trail: Out-and-back
Description: This trail offers manageable terrain and great views of Lake Wenatchee and Fish Lake. To find the trailhead, you’ll drive toward Kahler Glen Golf Course and follow the signs for the trail. The trail can be used in the summer for hiking and in the winter for snowshoeing.
Know before you go: Lake Wenatchee
While there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Lake Wenatchee State Park (hiking, camping, snowshoeing, horseback riding…the list goes on), the crème de la crème is the lake itself. Spanning 2,480 acres and reaching a depth of 244 feet, Lake Wenatchee is a popular place to spend the day. The lake (which formed from glaciers and snowmelt) feeds the Wenatchee River — a body of water that runs 53 miles from Leavenworth to Wenatchee.
The South Entrance of Lake Wenatchee State Park includes a sandy area with a section for swimming. During the summer, paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent.
Motorized watercraft like boats and wave runners are allowed on Lake Wenatchee. The South Entrance has a boat launch (follow the signs to find it) and costs $7 per vehicle. I don’t believe non-motorized watercraft need to pay a fee…at least, the two times I paddled on the lake, I did not pay to launch my board. The lake was great for paddling — it was calm and easy to navigate, and there were plenty of areas to pull off and rest (or get away from the noisiness of the South Entrance).
If you’re looking to fish, you can do so at Lake Wenatchee. However, due to low trout numbers in the lake, most fishermen and women focus on catching sockeye salmon.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, Lake Wenatchee is still worth a visit. The lake is surrounded by cascading mountains and a prime location for birding — every time I visited, I managed to see at least one bald eagle. It’s relaxing, especially in the early morning or evening. Plus, the sandy beach at the South Entrance provides the perfect setting for BBQs, picnics, or just simply taking in the view.
Lake Wenatchee State Park FAQs
Does it cost money to visit Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Yes — You will need the Discover Pass to visit Lake Wenatchee State Park. Alternatively, you can pay $10 per day to visit the park.
Are there facilities at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Yes — there are bathrooms at the South and North Entrances of Lake Wenatchee State Park. The South Entrance also has The Camp Store, where you can purchase water, ice cream, and camping supplies.
Can you launch a watercraft at Lake Wenatchee?
Yes — Boats, wave runners, kayaks, canoes, inflatable tubes, and paddle boards are allowed on Lake Wenatchee. Motorized watercraft can pay a $7 fee to launch from the South Entrance.
Can you fish at Lake Wenatchee?
Yes — Fishing is allowed at Lake Wenatchee. Sockeye salmon are the most popular fish in the lake.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Yes — Lake Wenatchee State Park is pet-friendly. Dogs should be leashed at all times, and there is no additional fee for bringing your pet to the park or campground.
Are there any restaurants near Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Lake Wenatchee State Park is approximately 16 miles from the village of Leavenworth, which has plenty of lodging and food options.
If you’re looking for something a bit closer, the Squirrel Tree Resort is less than 10 minutes from the South Entrance of Lake Wenatchee State Park. The Squirrel Tree has a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, outdoor patio, and hotel rooms.
Additionally, there’s the 59er Diner — also located 10 minutes from the South Entrance of Lake Wenatchee State Park. The 59er Diner is great for families looking for a quick bite, and it’s most famous for its cheese sticks (mozzarella sticks served with marinara dipping sauce) and milkshakes. In fact, the 59er Diner might be the area’s most notable dining establishment after being featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. In addition to delicious milkshakes, the 59er Diner also has cabins for rent.
The Traveling Worker 
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