25 Mile Creek State Park
Nestled deep in the forested mountains of central Washington, Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park serves as a remote, heavily wooded gateway to the glacier-carved wonders of the North Cascades. Situated exactly 18 miles northwest of the city of Chelan, it physically marks the end of the paved road along the precipitous southern shore of massive, 50-mile-long Lake Chelan.
Because it is the final vehicle access point before the lake completely disappears into the inaccessible alpine wilderness of the Stephen Mather Wilderness, the 235-acre park is a major hub for serious adventurers. With a modern marina, 67 shaded campsites, and direct trail access leading high into the surrounding peaks, Twenty-Five Mile Creek is a destination designed for boaters, hikers, and those looking to completely disconnect.
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park at a Glance
- Location: 20530 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816 (Chelan County)
- Entry Fee: Washington Discover Pass required ($10/day or $45/annual).
- Main Attractions: Lake Chelan, modern marina, North Cascades hiking access.
- Camping: 67 total sites, including 21 full hookup/utility RV sites and 46 standard tent sites.
- Park Store: Fully stocked store offering fuel, firewood, fishing gear, and local wine (Memorial Day – Labor Day).
Boating and Lake Recreation
Lake Chelan is the defining feature of the park. Plunging to a staggering depth of nearly 1,500 feet, the crystal-clear waters of the glacially fed lake offer an unparalleled playground for water sports enthusiasts.
The Modern Marina
Because many areas further uplake (like the remote village of Stehekin) are completely inaccessible by car, the park’s modern marina is highly utilized. It features two boat launches and 20 overnight moorage slips capable of handling boats up to 23 feet long. Critically, the marina dock is the absolute last place to buy gasoline on the entire lake before heading into the wilderness.
Swimming and Water Sports
A designated, buoy-protected swimming area is located immediately adjacent to the marina, offering a cool respite during the baking heat of central Washington summers (no lifeguards are on duty). The expansive lake perfectly absorbs the wakes from water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing, while the rocky, clear drop-offs make it a surprisingly popular destination for freshwater scuba diving.
Basecamp for the Cascades
While the water is the main draw for many, twenty-Five Mile Creek is also deeply respected by mountain bikers and hikers who use the park’s campground as a low-elevation basecamp for summiting the surrounding peaks.
| Activity Type | Notable Destinations / Features |
|---|---|
| Intense Hiking | The park connects to the staggering North Cascades trail network. The 7.6-mile Pot Peak Trail is legendarily difficult, punishing hikers with brutal elevation gain but rewarding them with panoramic, top-down views of the lake. |
| Mountain Biking | Advanced riders flock to the nearby Devil’s Backbone trail system, renowned statewide for its intense physical challenge, technical ridgeline riding, and jaw-dropping alpine scenery. |
| Trophy Fishing | Lake Chelan is aggressively stocked with over 600,000 fish annually. Anglers consistently pull massive Lake Trout (Mackinaw) from the extreme depths, along with Kokanee and landlocked Chinook Salmon. |
Camping and Facilities
The park is divided roughly into two areas. The marina, day-use picnic areas, and the remarkably well-stocked park store sit right on the lake level. The campground is nestled directly across the road, tucked into a shady, forested canyon carved by Twenty-Five Mile Creek itself.
The campground offers 67 total sites. RVers have access to 21 utility sites offering electricity and water (with several offering full sewer hookups), while tent campers can pitch along the rushing creek at one of 46 standard sites. A single group camp area can accommodate up to 50 people. The park features modern restrooms, hot showers, and an RV dump station.
Note: If you prefer a roof over your head, the state park also manages a massive, 2,400-square-foot rentable vacation house located roughly a mile outside the main park boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the park open during the winter?
No. Due to heavy alpine snows and freezing temperatures, Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park generally closes its gates and shuts off all water/utilities from November 1st through April 1st. Always check the official Washington State Parks website for exact seasonal opening dates.
Can I buy supplies at the park?
Yes, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the high season, the 25-Mile Creek Park Store is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. It is surprisingly well-stocked, offering everything from ice, firewood, and basic fishing lures to snacks, hot food, cold beer, and locally produced Washington wine.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
While walk-ups are sometimes possible early or late in the season, advance reservations are intensely recommended—and often absolutely required—during the peak summer months of July and August when the lake is heavily crowded.
Plan Your North Cascades Adventure
Journey to the end of the road and the beginning of the rugged Washington wilderness.
📍 Primary Location: 20530 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816
🌐 Official Website / Reservations: Washington State Parks – Twenty-Five Mile Creek
🏕️ Camping: 67 sites, Group Camp, and Vacation House (Reservations Highly Recommended)
