Chelan Falls Park
Chelan Falls, Washington · on Lake Entiat · Chelan Falls Park
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- reservoir
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Chelan Falls Park
Chelan Falls Park is a free, 33-acre day-use park owned and managed by Chelan County Public Utility District, sitting on the Columbia River/Lake Entiat where the short Chelan River (outflow of Lake Chelan) meets the reservoir, about 4 miles from downtown Chelan. It has an official, roped-off designated swimming beach alongside a boat launch and a full slate of park amenities, making it a no-cost swimming hole for anyone looking for places to swim near Chelan.
The park occupies the confluence point where the Chelan River empties into the Columbia River (impounded here as Lake Entiat behind Rocky Reach Dam), near the Chelan River hydroelectric powerhouse in the small community of Chelan Falls. A concrete retaining wall overlooks the swim beach, and the site is described as quieter and less crowded than the busier Lake Chelan waterfront parks in town.
Swimming at Chelan Falls Park
Swimming happens in a roped-off, designated area of the reservoir/river cordoned from the rest of the waterway with a floating safety line; there is no lifeguard on duty, though loaner life jackets are kept near the boat launch. The water here is fed partly by the Chelan River's warmer outflow, which locals describe as making the swim area noticeably warmer than swimming directly in the cold, glacially-fed Lake Chelan.
How to get to this swimming hole
The park is at 555 First St., Chelan Falls, WA 98817, roughly 4 miles from downtown Chelan along the Columbia River.
Parking: Large free parking areas at both ends of the park; the southern lot is sized to accommodate vehicles with boat trailers.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up day-use park; the swim beach is a short walk (under a couple minutes) from either the north or south parking lot, no trail hike involved.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
There is an official, roped-off swim beach separated from the rest of the reservoir by a floating line, which helps for younger swimmers, but there is no lifeguard on duty and Chelan County PUD warns that dam operations upstream can cause sudden, unpredictable surface and underwater currents near the park. Loaner life jackets are kept near the boat launch.
Parking
Free
Large free parking lots at both the north and south ends of the park; the south lot is sized to handle vehicles towing boat trailers for the adjacent two-lane launch.
Restrooms
Yes
Two restroom buildings with showers: one at the north end of the park near the playground, and one at the south end next to the parking lot and picnic shelter.
Hours
Seasonal day-use hours: April 1-mid May 7am-7pm; mid-May-mid-September 7am-dusk; mid-September-November 1 7am-7pm. Closed to camping/overnight use year-round.
On the water
Restrictions: The designated swim area is cordoned off from the rest of the reservoir with a floating rope, keeping boat traffic separated from swimmers. Chelan County PUD warns that sudden changes in dam-controlled water flow can create dangerous surface and underwater currents near the park and recommends checking its river-conditions app before boating.
The park's own two-lane boat launch (free, with a mid-dock) serves motorboats; tubing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing on this stretch of the Columbia River/Lake Entiat are mentioned as popular activities, all of which are towed-boat sports. No source specifically confirmed or restricted hand-launched kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards at this park.
Rentals nearby
Motorboat and jet ski rentals, plus parasailing trips (no kayaks or paddleboards offered)
Prices: Jet skis $60/hour (early-bird 10:30-11am special); parasailing $99/person (early-bird special); boats 10% off for early-morning bookings
1228 W. Woodin Avenue, Chelan, WA 98816 - on the Lake Chelan downtown waterfront, about 4 miles from Chelan Falls Park · Monday-Sunday, 9am-7pm
Chelan Falls Park: FAQ
Does Chelan Falls Park charge a fee?
Free day-use park; boat launch use is also free.
Is Chelan Falls Park kid friendly?
There is an official, roped-off swim beach separated from the rest of the reservoir by a floating line, which helps for younger swimmers, but there is no lifeguard on duty and Chelan County PUD warns that dam operations upstream can cause sudden, unpredictable surface and underwater currents near the park. Loaner life jackets are kept near the boat launch.
Do I need to hike to reach Chelan Falls Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Chelan Falls Park?
Large free parking lots at both the north and south ends of the park; the south lot is sized to handle vehicles towing boat trailers for the adjacent two-lane launch.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Chelan Falls Park?
The park's own two-lane boat launch (free, with a mid-dock) serves motorboats; tubing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing on this stretch of the Columbia River/Lake Entiat are mentioned as popular activities, all of which are towed-boat sports. No source specifically confirmed or restricted hand-launched kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards at this park.
When is the best time to visit Chelan Falls Park?
Not explicitly stated in sources, but the park's operating hours run April 1 through November 1, and the swim/boat area is described as most active during the summer months.
What are the rules at Chelan Falls Park?
Day-use only, no camping; designated swim area is cordoned with a floating rope and is unguarded (no lifeguard); Chelan County PUD warns that dam operations can cause sudden, dangerous surface and underwater currents nearby and recommends checking its river-conditions app before swimming or boating; picnic shelters are reservable.
What water body is Chelan Falls Park on?
Chelan Falls Park is on Lake Entiat, a natural reservoir verified in USGS hydrography data.
