Fall is for Lovers
Fall is our favorite time of the year! Okay, fine – we love all the seasons. But fall happens to be a local favorite. As the days grow shorter and the evenings cool off, we’re getting excited for the autumn days ahead of us. It’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes in the morning and robust red wines in the evening. It’s the season of changing colors, falling leaves, and ripened fruit. We highly recommend taking part in the fall season here in Lake Chelan. The lake might be too cold for a dip, but there are dozens of ways to soak up the season!
Catch the colors
Fall’s moderate temperatures are perfect for getting outside and taking in the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Spend a day hiking one of the many trails and getting up close and personal with nature. You’ll hear the crunch of leaves under your feet and breathe in that distinct autumn scent. It’s not just the trees that are changing, though. Catch glimpses of the gorgeous golden vineyards that cover the valley’s hills. There’s nothing quite like row after row of rustling, colorful leaves in the setting sun. But don’t take our word for it. Get here and see for yourself!
Taste the flavors
Fall means farms and vineyards are buzzing with harvest season duties. Fall harvest includes grapes, apples, pears, hops, and more! Between picking, crushing, and pressing there’s never a dull moment. Join in by grape stomping at the Lake Chelan Crush Festival, tasting wines straight out of the barrel at the Fall Barrel Tasting, or attending one of the many harvest dinners throughout the valley. If wine isn’t your thing, spend a warm autumn day cider tasting in the valley to get your apple fix! Lake Chelan has long been known for its apples, but the hard cider industry is a recent development. Experience Lake Chelan apples in a new and refreshing way this fall season and sip your way through the cideries of Chelan and Manson!
Get off the grid
If you’re looking to get off the grid, spend a weekend in Stehekin – the remote village at the far end of the lake. Enjoy the ride up on the Lady of the Lake ferry as you leave town behind and escape the chaos of everyday life. Stay at Stehekin Valley Ranch, the North Cascades Lodge, or pack your tent and camp! Grab cinnamon rolls from the Stehekin Pastry Company before hitting the trails to catch the changing colors. While many people are drawn to Stehekin for the hiking, there’s plenty of other activities as well! Rent electric bikes to zip around and explore or take a guided horseback ride at Stehekin Valley Ranch. There’s something fun for everyone and you’ll head back down lake feeling refreshed and ready to take on the winter season.
Cozy up
The scenery and landscape of the Lake Chelan Valley is breathtaking but, as the nights grow colder, getting cozy indoors can be just as wonderful. Grab a bottle from your favorite winery then cuddle up and watch the sunset or enjoy a delicious dinner downtown. If you’re looking for nightlife, grab a glass of wine, enjoy live music or enjoy a beer and an evening of trivia! For a full list of events happening around the valley, check out our calendar!
If you’ve never enjoyed the fall season in Lake Chelan, we highly recommend you give it a try. The fall foliage, stunning scenery, cozy towns, and access to plenty of outdoor adventures make for a perfect autumn getaway. Our golden-tinged valley awaits you!