Lake Chelan is a premier destination for water sports and mountain exploration, stretching 50.5 miles from the arid, vineyard-lined hills of Chelan to the rugged, glacier-carved peaks of the North Cascades. As the third deepest freshwater lake in the United States, its pristine, glacier-fed waters reach depths of nearly 1,500 feet. This dramatic landscape, where steep forested slopes meet crystal-blue water, offers a year-round playground for water-skiing, kayaking, and world-class fishing for kokanee and trout.
To preserve and maintain access to this unique waterway, a Federal Dock Permit is required for all boats using National Forest or National Park Service docks between May 1 and October 31. This permit grants access to numerous boat-in campgrounds and remote trailheads that are otherwise inaccessible by road.
For those planning to overnight, all federal boat-in campgrounds and dock spaces are available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. During the peak summer high-use season, especially on holiday weekends, dock space and campsites often fill to capacity by Thursday or early Friday.
Safety:
Boaters should note that lake levels fluctuate seasonally for flood control and power generation. Stay vigilant year-round for floating driftwood and large "deadhead" logs. These are common throughout the lake and can pose a significant strike hazard to hulls and propellers, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt. Boaters heading "up-lake" should be prepared for consistent, powerful winds that make the area a favorite for sailors but can create challenging conditions for smaller craft.
Validation: Required May 1 - Oct 31 for all USFS and NPS docks.
Permits valid at: Mitchell Creek, Deer Point, Graham Harbor, Graham Harbor Creek, Corral Creek, Prince Creek, Domke Falls, Refrigerator Harbor, Lucerne, Moore Point, Purple Point, Weaver Point, Stehekin Landing, and Manley Wham.
Connectivity: Download the Recreation.gov app and purchase permits before leaving the lower lake; cell service is unavailable in most "up-lake" areas past Wapato Point.
How to pay: For a season permit you must purchase the permit through recreatin.gov via the internet or the app.
For a day permit you can purchase the permit through recreatin.gov via the internet or the app. On site purchases can be made using the in app scanner to scan the QR code at one of our dock sites. Follow the instructions on the sign to complete the purchase.
Display: Once purchasing is complete boaters need to display their printed confirmation email (if purchased online), a blue day permit confirmation card, or a red season permit confirmation card on their boats dashboard for verification by USFS or NPS staff. Proof of purchase must be available for inspection by agency staff.
Overnight Stays: A permit is required for each day of dock use. Overnight camping requires a minimum of two-day permits or a seasonal permit.
Exclusions: This permit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and does not guarantee dock or campsite availability.