Lake Wenatchee State Park is a popular, year-round destination. Visiting Lake Wenatchee in winter is very different from summer but still just as beautiful.
If you want to visit Lake Wenatchee in winter, you should be prepared for very cold weather, snow-covered trails and sand, and nearby hikes turning into snowshoe trails.
The nearly 500-acre park is in a super convenient location, meaning that in summer, you're going to be fighting for spots on the beach with visitors from Seattle, Tacoma, and throughout central Washington. If you prefer some solitude, definitely consider visiting Lake Wenatchee in the winter.
Remember, if you visit one of the Sno-parks, you'll need a Washington Sno-Park permit between December 1st and March 31st. The pass is $25 a day or $50 a season.
Is Lake Wenatchee Open in Winter?
Yes, Lake Wenatchee State Park is open in winter! It's a popular destination for year-round boating and snowshoeing in the winter. Plus, the landscape covered in snow is hard to beat!
Visiting in the winter presents its own challenges, especially if there's been a lot of snow. So, make sure to do your research and ensure that the roads are in good enough condition to get to the park.
Where is Lake Wenatchee?
Lake Wenatchee is just 20 minutes from Leavenworth in central Washington. You can follow the map below to find the lake and the main parking area.
To Do at Lake Wenatchee in Winter
It's a large state park that's usually used to swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing during the summer. In the winter, the landscape is transformed into a different kind of paradise.
Go Snowshoeing
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't enjoy the lake! Around the lake are a few different snowshoe trails that you can enjoy when the temps drop.
We recommend checking out the Lake Wenatchee North Snowshoe Trail, which takes you around in a 2.3-mile loop near the main parking area. There are also trails on the other side of the main state park area that you can explore.
Explore Nearby Hikes
Near Lake Wenatchee are a few other areas that you might want to check out. They include Nason Ridge and Chiwawa Sno-Parks, where you can enjoy a variety of snow sports, including skiing and sledding. You can even ski and snowshoe with your dogs after 10 A.M.
Go Sledding
There is a sledding hill inside the skate park that you'll want to check out as well!
Winter Camping at Lake Wenatchee
You can camp in winter at Lake Wenatchee too! The Nason Creek campground is open year-round, and you're sure to find a good spot as it's far less popular after the temperate starts to drop.
Winter conditions do change camping a great deal. But, the state park is well-equipped with ways to stay warm. There are warming shelters, and the bathroom has heat as well.
The campground is divided into two sections, North and South, and can be booked through recreation.gov.
