Lake Chelan in Washington

Lake Chelan is an exceptionally narrow lake, stretching 50 miles into the Cascade Range while averaging only a mile in width. It is the deepest lake in Washington and the third-deepest in the United States, with a depth of 1,486 feet. The lake is situated in a glacially carved valley, resulting in extremely steep slopes and a lake floor that was gouged out by the weight of ice to below sea level. This unique geography has created breathtaking mountain scenery, much of which is now preserved. Despite recent wildfires damaging the forest cover, the area still boasts spectacular country. The rugged terrain has made road building challenging, and as a result, vessels on Lake Chelan have played a significant role in local transportation infrastructure. The village of Stehekin, located at the northwest end of the lake, has no road access and relies on barges for transportation. In contrast, the southeast end of the lake has more subdued topography and is more developed, with towns, agriculture, and lakefront property. This end of the lake is warmer and shallower, making it a focus of conventional lake recreation, including beaches. The lake's unique characteristics and varying landscapes offer a range of experiences, from wilderness exploration to more traditional lake activities.