Nothing quite beats a cooler full of sandwiches and sodas enjoyed lakeside on a hot summer day! During your summer stay at The Lodge, why not venture out to one of the many picturesque locations in the Lake Chelan Valley for a picnic with family or friends?
Read on for a list of our top spots for a summer picnic. But first, let’s dive into where to find your picnic supplies!
Where to Find Picnic Food & Supplies
Whether you’re after pre-made sandwiches or plan to go the DIY route, there are plenty of options to get you prepped for your picnic.
For a local one-stop shop, check out Lake Effect Provisions, just a 5-minute walk from Mountain View Lodge and Resort! Lake Effect Provisions has pre-made sandwiches, salads, and a deli case with meats, cheeses, olives, crackers, and other snacks to keep you full and happy during your outing.
If you’d like to craft your own meal, there are plenty of options for that, too! Here is just a small sampling of great spots in the Lake Chelan Valley to gather your goodies:
- The Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery has fresh bread made daily, plus an array of side salads to complement your meal.
- The Meat Shop is a great stop for all things picnic, including cheeses, meats, crackers, side dishes, and local wines.
- Bear Foods Natural Market is a Lake Chelan staple, with a large selection of food that caters to various dietary needs (dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free — you name it, they’ve got it!)
Now that you’ve got all your supplies let’s explore the top spots for a picnic in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Echo Ridge
Photo from Washington Trails Association
Echo Ridge is a beautiful 9-mile drive from The Lodge into the hills of Manson. The best part is that it features a versatile trail system with plenty of family-friendly options for those with younger kiddos. This means you can catch some excellent views of the valley with minimal effort! Check out the Echo Ridge Summer Trails map for the best recommendations based on your group’s ability level.
Lake Chelan State Park
Photo from Washington State Parks
The trip to Lake Chelan State Park involves a pleasant drive that takes you nearly to the end of the South Shore of Lake Chelan (at least, as far as cars can go!)
This park features a long, sandy beach, shared picnic areas, a playground, and access to the Little Bear Trail, which makes for a great family hike! While there are 52 picnic areas, they fill quickly on summer weekends, so be sure to plan ahead.
Don Morse Memorial Park
Photo from Lake Chelan Now
Don Morse Memorial Park is located in the heart of Chelan, making it an ideal spot for those looking to be close to amenities.
There are plenty of benches and picnic shelters to set yourself up in, plus areas along the shore perfect for laying a blanket down and taking in the lake activity. After your picnic, explore the other park features, including a playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, skatepark, and putt-putt golf.
Beebe Bridge Park
Photo from Chelan PUD
The Beebe Bridge Park is located along the Columbia River, about ten minutes from downtown Chelan. The park includes picnic shelters, a swimming area, tennis courts, and playground equipment to entertain people of all ages.
And be sure to check out the Beebe Springs Nature Area on your way out. Just across the river from the park, this nature preserve is part of a 207-acre park with interpretive trails, sculptures, and a fishing pond for kids. Pack up the sandwiches and the family and discover the wonder and excitement of this hidden gem!
Area Wineries
Many of the wineries in the Lake Chelan Valley offer stunning lake and mountain views and allow outside food, including picnics! Explore the wineries in the hills of Manson for proximity to The Lodge, or check out the Lake Chelan Wine Valley website for a complete list of options.
Book Your Summer Stay at The Lodge
Just steps from downtown Manson and Lake Chelan, Mountain View Lodge & Resort is the perfect jumping-off point for all your fun summer activities!
And with our full list of amenities, you can lounge by the pool with a book, barbecue at one of the grills under our pavilion, or entertain yourself for hours with lawn games. There’s something for everyone at The Lodge!
Book online or give us a call today to reserve your stay and discover why The Lodge will quickly become your home away from home.
There are so many fun things to celebrate in June! With high school and college graduations, Father’s Day, and the return of summer, the energy is perfect for bringing your celebrations to The Lodge.
If you have your sights set on a celebratory stay in the Lake Chelan Valley this June, here are five ways to show your dads & grads the love.
Take it to the Lake
No lake town visit is complete without a lake day. Mountain View Lodge & Resort is within walking distance of the Manson Bay Marina, where you can rent a boat or jet skis from Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals for half and full days.
Load up the cooler, lather on the sunscreen, and head out with the family for a day of sun, fun, and much-deserved relaxation.
Check Out Lakeside Surf
Photo from Lakeside Surf website
Lakeside Surf is a newer addition to the Lake Chelan Valley entertainment scene, located above Slidewaters just five minutes outside of downtown Chelan.
Whether your dad or grad is a surfer pro, or novice, they have the opportunity to try their hand at the largest stationary surf wave in the world!
Even if you’re not a fan of surfing, there is a taco shack, coffee cart, and beverage station to keep you satiated while you watch the surfers tackle the waves. Not to mention, there is direct access to both Slidewaters and High Trek Chelan to make a full day of it!
Bring a Picnic & Games to Willow Point Park
Photo from Manson Parks website
Willow Point Park is just a short drive from The Lodge, making it the perfect destination for a sunny park hangout with the family.
There is ample space to spread out with a portable grill or picnic spread, lots of old-growth trees to provide shade, and direct access to the lake to cool off when the sun becomes too much. Pack a few floaties and tie yourself to the buoys in the designated swimming area for ultimate relaxation. The dads and grads have worked hard — they deserve it!
Go on a Walking Wine, Beer, or Coffee Tour
You don’t need to leave the Village of Manson to celebrate big. Within mere minutes of The Lodge are breweries, coffee shops, and wine-tasting rooms to keep you occupied for hours. Whether dad is a beer or wine guy, he’ll have plenty of options to tantalize his palate and discover the joy of craft beverages made from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Chelan.
Celebrate at The Lodge
We have everything you need for an all-day Mountain View Lodge & Resort party.
Lounge by the pool with a book, barbecue at one of the grills under our pavilion, or entertain yourself for hours with lawn games. However you prefer to celebrate, The Lodge has its full list of amenities available to make your festivity one to remember!
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and grind and celebrate all the accomplishments of your dads and grads this June, make The Lodge part of your plans!
Book online or give us a call today to reserve your stay and discover why The Lodge will quickly become your home away from home.