|
Lake Wenatchee Overview
Lake Wenatchee is a high mountain lake in the Cascade range located about 120 miles east of Seattle and 45 mile west of Wenatchee. The lake is 6 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is fed by two rivers, the White River which originates at the base of Glacier Peak and the Little Wenatchee.<p>
Sailing is usually April thru October after and before the snow. The lake is quite cold in the early season but will warm up in August if the weather gets hot and the mountain snow runoff is not huge. April thru June when the runoff is occurring people have to watch for drift as they sail. The lake is not controlled by a damn so the water can get quite high thus creating a decent to serious current.<p>
This lake is rather windy most of the sailing season w/ conditions tapering around the middle of August into September. Although we can get some good days, they become much more hit/miss and frontally driven. Most of the sailing days are 6.5 to 5.0 but we can have some really strong winds. If it is raining in Seattle and hot out East with a marine push, it can get big. We have recorded winds in the 40 to 60 miles per hour range.<p>
Access to the lake is limited as 75 percent of the shoreline is privately owned. University Beach on North Shore Drive above the YMCA camp is the most popular site to launch from but there are no facilities, campsites, or parking area. Everyone has been pretty good about picking up the area to keep it clean. Camping is available at the state park located at the East end of the lake as well as Glacier View Park located on South Lake Shore Drive at the West end, you can launch from both sites. If you like the bigger swells then U Beach is the best, if you like flat water then Glacier View is the ticket. It should be noted that U beach is an advanced launch spot, where even experienced kiters flail and put kites in trees during launch and landing. Did I forget to mention mosquitoes, oh yes we have them, usually they go away around August, on the lake when you are sailing they don't bother you, they can't fly that fast!
|
 |
Local Expert?  Edit this Page!
Regional Directory
|
|
Shops,
Schools,
Clubs,
Events,
Food,
Lodging,
More,
|
|
 |
|
| Season: |
April thru October |
|
| Water: |
Fairly cold until late summer |
|
| Ability Level: |
Intermediate to Expert |
|
|
 |
|
Maps & Directions
Lake Wenatchee is off of Highway 2 between Steven's Pass and Leavenworth. The turnoff from Highway 2 is clearly indicated with signs. From 2, go north about 5 or 6 miles, past both state park entrances. Look for a left turn onto North Shore Dr. (there should also be a small sign directing you to a YMCA camp). Go about a mile along North Shore Dr. to where the shoulder widens and you'll probably see some windsurfing vehicles parked. A short trail through the woods takes you to the beach. If you start driving by a bunch of lake front homes, you've just passed it.
|
|
|
|
