- Long, narrow Lake Chelan snakes its way almost 50 miles northwest through the foothills of the Cascades. The lake measures only about one to two miles wide, but at almost 1,500 feet deep it is the third deepest freshwater lake in the United States. The lake’s crystal clear waters and its long shoreline offer every type of recreational activity imaginable: hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, golf, fine dining, wine tasting, and lodging. Lake Chelan is a vacationing paradise! The lake itself is stunning, bright blue waters are surrounded by steep forested slopes. While enjoying the lake, take some time to appreciate its geologic story—were it not for the vast continental glaciers of the last ice age, none of this breath-taking scenery would exist.