Chelan Ranger District

Lake Chelan Winter

WELCOME TO THE CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT

Split by the 51-mile-long Lake Chelan, the Chelan Ranger District borders the Entiat Ranger District to the south along the Chelan Mountains divide and the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area and the Methow Ranger District to the north as part of the Lake Chelan- Sawtooth Wilderness Area.

Chelan Ranger District offers unique recreational opportunities on Lake Chelan and miles of recreational trails for all ages and experience levels. There are recreation opportunities for mountain bikers, hikers, motorcyclists, backpackers, hunters, fishermen, bird watchers and more.

Lake Chelan Boat-in and Drive-to Campground Guide and Map

Kayaking and Canoeing Lake Chelan

Sawtooth Backcountry - brochure and map (Methow Valley and Chelan Ranger Districts)

Sawtooth Backcountry - map only. This is a GeoPDF which can be downloaded into phone apps such as Avenza so that you can locate yourself on the map while out on the trails. 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Current Chelan Recreation / Roads Conditions
Operational Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Permit Info:
Restrictions:
Closest Towns: Chelan, WA
Passes: Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.
Information Center: Chelan Ranger District

General Information

Directions:

428 W. Woodin Avenue
Chelan, WA 98816-9724
(509) 682-4900 (Voice/TTY)
Fax: (509) 682-9004
 


General Notes:

Brochures and Fliers:

Winter Recreation:

Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area season passes are available at the Chelan Ranger District office and through the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club in mid-November!

For the latest grooming reports at Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area visit the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Clud site: lakechelannordic.org

See the Washington State Snowmobile SnoParks site for Chelan area SnoParks. This site has maps and information about groomed trails, passes you will need (Discover or SnoPark pass) and other updates.


Activities

Sand Play

Areas for Sand Play at Chelan Ranger District

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Chelan Ranger District

Campground Camping

Lake Chelan Boat-in and Drive-to Campground Guide and Map

Areas for Campground Camping at Chelan Ranger District

Dispersed Camping

Areas for Dispersed Camping at Chelan Ranger District

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Chelan Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Chelan Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Chelan Ranger District

Viewing Scenery

Areas for Viewing Scenery at Chelan Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Chelan Ranger District

Target Shooting

The forest is generally open to this activity. We do not have a recommended areas for shooting.  However regulations do address areas where the activity is specifically prohibited (such as campgrounds, administrative sites, rental cabins/ lodges, etc.). See below.  Additionally, hanging targets on trees is prohibited because it causes resource (timber) damage.  It is best to find an earth slope as a back stop to any shooting activity.  Other municipal and county ordinances may apply.  Most municipalities prohibit shooting within 1 mile of the city limits. 

36 C.F.R. § 261.10  --

Prohibited:

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows:

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or

(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge.

(3) Into or within any cave.

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Chelan Ranger District

Boating - Motorized

Areas for Boating - Motorized at Chelan Ranger District

Boating - Non-Motorized

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Chelan Ranger District

Swimming

Areas for Swimming at Chelan Ranger District

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Chelan Ranger District

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Chelan Ranger District