Your Guide To Getting Around Chelan [No Car Required!]

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Travel

Oh, the places you’ll go…while visiting the Lake Chelan Valley!

Whether by land, lake, or air, there are many options for getting from Point A to Point B during your next visit to the area. 

Here are our favorite unconventional ways to get off the beaten path and explore the beauty of the valley!

E-Bike Tours

Electric Bikes

Photo credit: Chelan Electric Bikes

It’s hard to beat the wind in your hair and the sun on your back as you cruise between destinations on an e-bike! Whether you’re lucky enough to bring your own or are interested in a guided tour, this is a fantastic way to explore the area during your next visit.

Chelan Electric Bikes offers several fantastic tour options, including a four-hour wine tour that winds by the lush valley vineyards and along Lake Chelan, or the “Path Less Pedaled” Fat Tire electric bike tour along the Chelan River Gorge’s dirt roads.

Paddleboard

Keep cool on hot summer days with a relaxing paddle on Lake Chelan! Paddleboards are available to rent at Lake Rider Sports and Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals

Lake access is breezy in Downtown Chelan from the Lake Chelan Public Boat Ramp, Chelan Ranger Station, and Don Morse Park, or from Manson Bay Park in downtown Manson.

Lake conditions are often breezy, too, so always wear a lifejacket and practice basic paddleboard safety etiquette while on the water!

Wine Tour Vans

Taste of the Valley

Photo credit: Taste of the Valley

With over 40 boutique wineries and tasting rooms to explore, a wine tour van is the easiest and safest way to taste and tour the local wine scene!

Local wine tour vans offer half-day and full-day excursions so you can tailor your transport to your desired experience! They can also suggest routes and wineries to visit, taking the stress out of planning!

Local wine tour companies include:

12 Tribes Casino Shuttle

The Lake Chelan Valley’s best-kept secret…the 12 Tribes Casino Shuttle, offering transport between the 12 Tribes Casino in Manson and several destinations around Chelan, including Mountain View Lodge & Resort!

Just let us know your casino plans at check-in and we’ll provide their schedule or happily help book a pick-up to or from The Lodge! The casino shuttle will transport you back when you wish to return during their service hours.

Walking Paths

There are several beautiful walking paths to adventure on, offering different vantages of Lake Chelan’s natural beauty!

In downtown Chelan, enjoy a stroll along the Riverwalk Park, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains and even connects to the Chelan River Gorge Trail and Chelan Butte trailhead. Don Morse Park is right outside the historic core and has excellent trails to walk and bike along while you soak in the sun.

In Downtown Manson, stroll between the restaurants and tasting rooms before detouring to Manson Bay Park, which has a lawn area with large trees to offer shade from the heat and is an ideal spot to enjoy an ice cream!

Boat

Shoreline Rentals

Photo credit: Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals

Of course, nothing screams vacation like a day trip on the boat! Boat rentals are available at Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals, conveniently located just a short walk from The Lodge!

A boat is one of the best ways to explore the untouched natural beauty of Lake Chelan. The further uplake you travel, the more remote the landscape becomes, and there are a couple of great spots to drop anchor at, including Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, Mitchell Creek Campground, Graham Harbor Creek, and if you’re really feeling adventurous, Stehekin!

Helicopter

Lake Chelan Helicopters

Photo credit: Lake Chelan Helicopters

Traveling the Chelan Valley by air is an experience you won’t soon forget! 

Lake Chelan Helicopters offers three different tours that allow you one-of-a-kind aerial views of the lake, mountains, orchards, vineyards, and wildlife. They even have a winery tour option!  If you haven’t done this yet, it’s a bucket-list addition for sure!

Link Transit

Did you know that public transportation is FREE in Chelan County? Link Transit allows you to travel with ease between Chelan and Manson! 

Route 21 operates daily between Chelan and Manson. Be sure to check the timetables so you don’t miss your ride back!

Book a Stay at The Lodge

Mountain Views

Mountain View Lodge & Resort is your gateway to the remarkable beauty of the Lake Chelan Valley! A stay at The Lodge makes a perfect home base for all your adventures while visiting Lake Chelan, whether by foot, bike, paddleboard, or boat!

Book online or give us a call today to reserve your getaway to the Lake Chelan Valley. We look forward to hosting you!