Loyal Canine Companions at Lake Chelan, Washington
- Luie Boone
- Sep 29
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Luie Boone doesn't know how to read, but if he did, he'd one-hundred-and-ten percent read Tsilly, the Monster of Lake Chelan. He'd bark at the cover and wag his tail at every mysterious splash Tsilly makes. Tsilly isn't just any lake monster; he's the friendly guy of the deep. In fact, he's the male counterpart to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. With wings like a bat, scales like velvet, and heart of a goldfish, Tsilly is a sight to behold. Legend says that Tsilly hatched from a Scottish treasure chest dropped into the lake in 1812. He was guarded by mermaids and born in the shadows of the underwater caverns.
Tsilly's roots go deeper than just folklore. His name echoes the Indigenous word "Tsillan," which comes from the Wenatchi tribe and means deep water. Did you that deep water is where Lake Chelan gets its name from? Lake Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in the entire United States, plunging over 1,500 feet into the Earth. And how exactly did it get so deep? Glaciers. Giant, slow-moving ice beasts from the last Ice Age, which carved out the valley. When they finally melted, they left behind a lake so deep and cold, it practically begged for a mysterious monster to move in.
And that's where Luie Boone comes into the story. His hoomans are planning a vacation to Lake Chelan, Washington. You know what that means? He's about to embark on adventure to find Tsilly and befriend him, because who doesn't want a cool lake monster as one of your best buddies?
Lake Chelan in Washington State is an ideal vacation spot for hoomans and their adventure loving pooches. The lake itself is absolutely breathtaking, with its deep blue waters that stretch for miles and are framed by mountains and vineyards. A unique variety of Towns line the shore of Lake Chelan and welcome pooches.
In the city of Chelan, you'll find plenty of places to explore with your pup. One local gem is the Chelan Riverwalk Park. This spot is a popular choice, offering a scenic paved loop along the water, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll with your pup... except if your pup is like Luie Boone, who will want to do cannonballs into the water. To appease him (or your pooch), check out the local boat and paddleboard rental companies, as some allow pets to come along on the ride. Lake Chelan State Park is another great local gem to check out. This state park provides shady trails and picnic areas. Who doesn't love a picnic area? Luie Boone is a big fan, especially when his hoomans pack a picnic basket with tasty treats inside. Around the town of Chelan, there are dog-friendly patios at many local restaurants, including Stormy Mountain Brewing and Local Myth Pizza. Luie Boone wonders if that pizza joint knows any myths (or truths) about Tsilly!
A short drive up the shoreline leads you to the charming and equally gorgeous lakeside community of Manson. This community is known for its wineries, with many welcoming dogs on their patios and lawns. Luie Boone can hang out and sniff all the smells, while his hoomans sip on wine. Tipsy Canyon Winery is a favorite. Another local gem in Manson is the Mill Bay Park, which has open spaces and waterfront access (paw-some for the cannonball enthusiasts). Although the downtown area is small, that makes it walkable for you and your pooch. There are several cafés and tasting rooms that have outdoor seating, where you pup can join you for a nibble or two.
For those who want to experience the remote beauty of the lake, the community of Stehekin awaits at the far northern end. It is only accessible by boat, seaplane, or hiking trail! Personally, Luie Boone would enjoy arriving by ferry boat, because all the smells of the lake and the wind in his fur? Lovely. A seaplane? Woof, Luie Boone isn't too sure about that one. He's never ever been in a plane before, especially not one that is designed to land on water instead of land. But, if his hoomans are right by his side, he supposes he can be a big, tough dog and handle it. If not, a hike on a trail would be just fine with him, too.
The secluded community of Stehekin is surrounded by wilderness and offers a slower, unplugged pace. Trails near the Stehekin Valley and Rainbow Falls provide scenic hikes, where pups can stretch their paws. The quiet shoreline is a great place to retreat for some relaxation, while trying to spot Tsilly out in the waters. Luie Boone is going to find him. Please don't doubt him; he's a brave and eager soul. After a day of looking for Tsilly (and, hopefully, spotting the scaley guy), we recommend you visit the Stehekin Pastry Company. This a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Together, the communities of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin make Lake Chelan a paw-some vacation destination for pooches and their hoomans. Whether you're strolling along lakeside trails, sipping wine at a local vineyard, hiking through the wilderness, or trying to find Tsilly, each of these towns have something unique for you!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Lake Chelan, Washington. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Rocky Point Lodge
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 3 beds, and double futon, as well as 2 full and 2 half bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of VacayinWA.
It features the following amenities:
150 feet of private waterfront
Huge wrap-around deck
Gorgeous views of the lake
Two docks for fishing and swimming
Blow-up lily pad float
Outdoor patio
Gas grill
Outdoor dining
Fire table
Hot tub
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
You know where my hoomans are going to stay during their vacation to Lake Chelan, Washington? It's this paw-some rental called Rocky Point Lodge. And guess what? My big tooshie is going to be coming along! At this lodge, there is 150 feet of private waterfront just for us to enjoy. That means I can splash, paddle, sniff, and do as many cannonballs as I want! My hoomans might even rent a boat and tie it up at the buoy, so I can sit pretty and supervise the ducks. I love ducks. Who doesn't love those little fellas? My hoomans are talking about this big lily pad floating that they're going to lounge on and a hot tub that they're going to toast their tooshies in. While they do that, I am going to curl up and keep watching for Tsilly. Inside, the lodge is huge and cozy. It has two living rooms, fireplaces for perfect nap spots, and two kitchens! There's a BBQ outside for grilling, along with a patio lounge, fire table, and outdoor dining table. You want to know the only tricky part? There are three spiral staircases inside. I do not do well with staircases, so I'll let my hoomans tackle them, while I scout for treats and, of course, Tsilly.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Lake Chelan, Washington!
Little Bear Trail: Bitterbrush Loop
The Bitterbrush Loop at the Lake Bear Trail is a must-stop for you and your pooch. It showcases various plant species and views of Lake Chelan. The trail itself winds through a beautiful pine forest, where you may or may not spot bears! Please keep calm and always give them space. Also, please note that you will go under the road and through a dark, damp culvert on this trail. This can be creepy to some, but not to Luie Boone, who will wear his flashing collar!
Jet Skis Ahoy
That's right: Dog on a boat! You better be ready. At Jet Skis Ahoy, you can enjoy a unique boat experience with your pup. Staff will ensure a smooth day on the stunning lake. Safety is a priority, so all drivers must have a valid ID and sign liability waivers.
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
This state park is a paw-some place to explore Lake Chelan. Outdoor activities include boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking, mountain biking, volleyball, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Luie Boone cannot wait to get on that rock and do a cannonball!
The Old Swim Hole
At the Old Swim Hole, pups are welcome to run and play off their leash, because this recreation space is fenced in. Luie Boone will be doing a big dive and trying to find a stick to carry around, just like that cute pooch pictured swimming! Maybe Tsilly will offer him the biggest stick of all.
Chelan Riverwalk Loop
The Chelan Riverwalk Park is 12 acres of fun with your dog set on the Chelan River and is located at the lake's southern end. The Riverwalk Loop is one mile around the river. You will use pedestrian bridges to cross over—no bridge jumping allowed, Luie Boone. The views of the water are gorgeous, and the wildlife is abundant. Overall, this is a great day out for the hoomans and their furry friends. It is also a popular place to get exercise.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a must-visit for you and your pup. The water drops 312 feet into the Stehekin Valley, which helps to cause a spray. And on sunny days, it creates a rainbow! At Rainbow Falls, you can the Rainbow Loop Trail. This trail takes you past a pastry shop, a flower garden, and horse stables! You will also be rewarded with great views of Lake Chelan and the Stehekin River.
Beebe Springs Wildlife Area Unit
The Beebe Springs Wildlife Area Unit is located along the Columbia River, which is southeast of Chelan in Chelan County. There are miles of trails here, which offer hiking opportunities. You can see life-size metal sculptures of indigenous peoples, created by Virgil "Smoker" Marchand, a Colville Confederation Tribe member. Interpretive signs inform visitors about the natural and cultural history of the area. Don't miss Frank's Pond, providing fishing opportunities to anglers under 15 years of age.
Blueberry Hills Farms
The Blueberry Hills Farm are located on the sunny banks of beautiful Lake Chelan. It is a working 20 plus acre farm—home to 18 different varieties of blueberries! Do you think Luie Boone should try them all? Their famous restaurant is known for its fantastic, down-home, scratch-country cooking— including fresh fruit pies, huge juicy burgers, French dips, Reuben's, Danish yeast waffles, blintzes, and more! Dogs are considered honored guests on their big outdoor deck year-round. Just let them know you are there, and they will bring your pooch a frozen beef marrow bone, so everyone will enjoy eating together at Blueberry Hills!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Lake Chelan, Washington
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Did you know that Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the entire United States? I didn't, not until I sniffed out the weekly bark-lore. Some pooch said that Lake Chelan is about 1,486 feet deep... and I howled! That's deep! Deeper than any hole I've ever dug in my backyard (sorry, paw-rents). Deeper than my entire pile of toys, and I have a lot. I couldn't believe it. To be honest, it made me a little nervous. What if my favorite tennis ball sinks? What if I accidentally cannonball and end up all the way at the bottom? Nah-uh, no thanks. Thankfully, my hoomans have everything under control. They'll pack my trusty camo green life jacket, and they'll make sure it's on me nice and snug. And if my tennis ball sinks? They'll get me a new one. Besides, what do I really have to worry about? Tsilly's out there, gliding through the deep, keeping watch over me and my hoomans, just like the gentle lake guardian he is!
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