42 Lake Chelan Facts: Second Largest Natural Lake In The States!

Lake Chelan is the largest lake in the United States, by all measures.

'Lake Chelan' comes from the Salish word, 'Tsi-Laan', which means deep water. The lake is 50.5 mi (81.3 km) long and is located in north-central Washington state, U.S.

Lakes have mesmerized humans for years. Lakes and rivers are the backbones of any civilization and country, and Lake Chelan is no exception.

From the serenading calm that surrounds this lake to the range of recreational activities on offer, this lake is not just a fantastic sight but also an incredible source of freshwater. Lake Chelan receives an average of 2,200 cu ft/s (62 cu m/s) of water every year.

Two streams provide approximately 75% of the water that flows into the lake.

The Stehekin River, which averages 1,401 cu ft/s (39.6 cu m/s) annually, supplies 65% of the water to Lake Chelan. Railroad Creek, the other significant tributary, with an annual flow of 202 cu ft/s (5.7 cu m/s).

The rest of the water comes from various minor streams, alongside rain and snowfall. Native Americans most likely inhabited the lower Chelan Valley for thousands of years before it was discovered by pioneer trappers, prospectors, and explorers in the 1800s.

Lake Chelan, the third deepest lake in Washington, United States, and the 25th deepest in the world, has a maximum depth of 1,486 ft (453 m). The lake's deepest point is 388 ft (118 m) below sea level. The lake's broad catchment area is just 924 sq mi (2,393 sq km).

More than 90% of the watershed is covered with forest. The lake itself (5.6%) and farmland make up the rest of the basin (3.5%). Lake Chelan is 2730.2 mi (4393.8 km) away from Philadelphia.

However, it's not only the depth of Lake Chelan that's fascinating to visitors. The lake and its surrounding shoreline have a lot more to offer.

Major Events In Lake Chelan

Chelan, well renowned for its warm sun and pure blue lake, is located on the southeast point of glacier-fed Lake Chelan, where the Cascade Mountains meet the eastern Washington desert. The resort town of Chelan stands on one end of the lake, where visitors come to enjoy the unending water and outdoor activity and rest at the lake. 

The secluded community of Stehekin and the North Cascades National Park are only accessible by boat or float aircraft at the end of the lake, where North Cascades mountain hills rise to almost 9000 ft (2743 m).

Chelan has a lovely lake, a booming wine industry with many wineries, golf facilities, and mountain-biking paths, as well as boutique shopping and great eating.

Visitors and residents alike enjoy a trip to the lake in spring and summer for a variety of sports, including sightseeing, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing for cutthroat trout, wine tasting, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, tubing, paddle boating, cruise, windsurfing, and sailing. Fishing is most popular during July.

The people of Chelan valley also host a winter fest and a Christmas ball.

The lake levels change so much at Lake Chelan because it is highly dependent on precipitation, glaciers, and temperatures.

The Ecology Of Lake Chelan

Naturally, the largest and the deepest lake of the United States is an ecological hotspot, with the millions of life forms it supports, aquatic or otherwise. Some of the lake's water is set aside for current and future household and agricultural irrigation needs in the Lake Chelan water basin.

Approximately 6,300 acre feet per year are still accessible (as at October 2019). It's so deep because the underlying rock is easily molded and eroded. Its water is clear because it comes from glaciers.

At Lake Chelan's junction with the Chelan River, a hydroelectric dam has existed in one form or another ever since 1892. As the name suggests, the dam was essentially built for power generation with a power-generating unit nearby.

According to records, the project's 10-year average power generation is around 365,000 megawatt-hours. In 1997, the Lake Chelan drainage system received 1,530,000 acre-feet of water, 140% of the 55-year normal of 1,040,000 acre-feet. This year, almost 74% of the reservoir's usable storage was drained for electricity generation.

By the late 1990s the water quality problem in the river had immensely affected aquatic life in Lake Chelan. The water body had lost its beloved salmon fishes.

As a result, the Department of Ecology was required to produce a Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification when the Public Utility District (PUD) sought to renew the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee license to operate the dam.

Salmon has returned to spawn in the lower reaches of the Chelan River, thanks to the work of the Chelan County PUD and its partners to restore and monitor the river's health.

As a result, the state's shortest river, which acts as a link between the state's longest and greatest natural lake, Lake Chelan, and the Columbia River, was stabilized.

Habitats were re-established due to these efforts.

Other fishes that can be found in the lake and the Columbia river are Bridgelip sucker, Burbot, Chinook salmon, Kokanee fish, Lake trout, Largemouth bass, and Largescale sucker.

The weather at Chelan will include precipitation at most times.

Tourism Opportunities In Lake Chelan

The Lake Chelan Valley, which includes the towns of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin and is surrounded by the 50.5-mile Lake Chelan, provides four seasons of enjoyment, lovely commercial areas, and abundant farmland, including a burgeoning wine industry with plenty of wineries.

The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is located near the north end of the lake, bordering the town of Stehekin. The Wenatchee National Forest surrounds much of the lake on both sides.

On the southern end, not far from the city of Chelan, are two state parks. Another place that is a must-visit is Chelan Falls, which is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Chelan County, Washington.

Chelan is also known for its apples and wine grapes, so grab some of these on your way home. Between 9,000 and 10,000 acres of the Chelan Valley are devoted to growing wine grapes, apples, and many other fruits.

As well as recreational activities, there are lots of activities on offer at the lake. Check out the below if you're visiting Chelan city:

• In the winter months, inhabitants throw fests and events like the Wine and Chocolate Festival and the iconic Winterfest that are not to be missed.
• Devour some wine grapes with a trip to popular wineries and vineyards like the Tsillan Cellars and Tunnel Hill Wineries.
• Find your inner explorer by exploring the shores on foot or on electric bikes.
• Plan a trip to the Lake Chelan Historical Society to bring out the history buff in you.
• Plan a summer trip to Slidewaters Water Park, also named the best water park in the U.S.
• If you fancy a spot of camping, head to the Lake Chelan State Park or the Chelan dam.

Safety Measures For Visiting Lake Chelan

While special spots have been designated for recreational activities, these should be performed with a trained professional or a knowledgeable local. Unexpected shifts in water flow can occur near the dams, causing severe surface and underwater currents. Follow all warning notices put in place by Chelan County PUD.

When swimming, fishing, or paddling in a river, monitor the lake level and periodically look for signs of rising water or increased currents while on your boat.

Above the Chelan dams, safety measures are in place to keep everyone safe, and they forbid people from venturing past safety obstacles. For the nearest cities, you could turn to the South Shore waterfront area that stretches from the town of Chelan to Chelan Lake State Park along the south end of Lake Chelan.

Lake Chelan can be an excellent spot for a fun family vacation, but make sure you keep safe and follow signs and instructions.