5 Best Places to Paddle Board in Lake Chelan, WA

Discover the best places to paddle board in Lake Chelan, Washington.

Imagine gliding on crystal-clear waters surrounded by stunning mountain views.

Lake Chelan welcomes you to experience its breathtaking beauty firsthand.

Embark on a paddle boarding adventure through this pristine paradise. Are you ready to make a splash?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Lake Chelan

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 90 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Lake Chelan

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Don Morse Memorial Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Don Morse Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, salmon, ducks, ospreys
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Chelan Butte, lake views
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, suitable for all skill levels

Don Morse Memorial Park is a popular access point for paddle boarding on Lake Chelan. The park offers a boat launch and a sandy beach perfect for paddle boarders of any skill level.

Enjoy the beautiful lake views while cruising on the pristine waters.

#2 Manson Bay Park

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Manson Bay Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm lake waters, occasional afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bass, ospreys, eagles
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding hills and orchards
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to park regulations, respect private properties

Manson Bay Park provides paddle boarders with a scenic and peaceful setting. The park offers easy access to the water along with a picturesque backdrop of hills and orchards.

Enjoy a leisurely paddle, keeping an eye out for wildlife and spectacular views.

#3 Lakeside Park

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Lakeside Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, possible afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, salmon, waterfowl
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Lake views, nearby marina
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, suitable for all skill levels

Lakeside Park offers a family-friendly spot for paddle boarding on Lake Chelan. With a nearby marina and tranquil lake waters, it’s an ideal location for beginners as well as experienced paddle boarders.

Enjoy the serene surroundings as you glide across the water.

#4 Chelan River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Riverwalk Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, salmon, waterfowl
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Downtown Chelan, surrounding orchards
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect private properties

The Chelan River provides a unique paddle boarding experience in downtown Chelan. Riverwalk Park serves as an access point to explore the gentle river currents.

Enjoy the scenic surroundings of downtown Chelan and the nearby orchards as you paddle along the calm waters.

#5 First Creek

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: First Creek Public Dock (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters, afternoon winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl, deer
🏞️️️ Landmarks & Views: Stehekin Valley, surrounding mountains
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow dock rules, beware of wildlife

First Creek on Lake Chelan offers a secluded and peaceful paddle boarding experience. The public dock provides easy access to explore the turquoise waters and lush, green surroundings.

It’s an ideal location for a quiet, nature-inspired escape from the bustling city.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case