Visitor guide
Things to do at Lake Chelan & Wapato Point
Wapato Point sits on a 116-acre peninsula reaching into Lake Chelan, in the heart of Manson on the lake's sunny north shore. You can fill an entire vacation without leaving the resort grounds, but the surrounding valley adds waterparks, world-class wineries, mountain trails, and small-town dining all within a short drive.
Tip: Most units include full kitchens, washer/dryers, and private grills, a major draw for families managing meals, naps, and laundry on a longer stay.
On-resort activities
Everything is included with your stay or available for a small rental fee at the beachfront Recreation Kiosk, which also posts a rotating schedule of organized activities.
Sandy Beach & Swimming
The resort's private shoreline along Lake Chelan has a roped-off swimming area and lounge chairs. Crystal-clear, glacier-fed water and Chelan's famous sunshine.
Pools & Hot Tubs
Eight pools total: a year-round indoor pool and indoor hot tub, plus seven outdoor pools spread across the peninsula. Rain or shine, all season.
Paddleboards, Kayaks & Canoes
Rent right from the beachfront Recreation Kiosk and launch directly into the calm waters off the point. No car needed.
Jet Skis & Boat Rentals
Speed boats, pontoons, and jet skis available from the resort marina, one of the largest rental fleets on the lake. Reserve ahead in peak summer.
Pickleball & Tennis
Recently expanded pickleball courts (paddle sets at the Kiosk) alongside six tennis courts. One of the most popular daily activities on the property.
Mini Golf
A family-favorite putt-putt course set near the beach. Clubs and balls available to rent at the Kiosk, great for all ages.
Biking & Walking Paths
Paved paths wind around the scenic 116-acre peninsula. Bikes available to rent at the Kiosk for cruising the point or pedaling into downtown Manson.
Organized Activities
The Kiosk posts a rotating daily activity schedule: pottery painting, tie-dye, giant lawn games, bracelet making, s'mores by the fire pit, and more. Great for kids of all ages.
Court & Lawn Sports
Basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts round out the active options.
Fitness Center
An on-site gym for guests who want to keep up a routine.
Seasonal Trout Pond
A stocked pond where you can cast a line without ever leaving the property.
The resort's own winery is a short walk from every village. Nearly 30 years of winemaking and a full restaurant. See the wineries guide for details.
Family & toddler-friendly
Wapato Point built its reputation as the family resort on Lake Chelan. The layout is especially manageable with little ones. Everything you need is within a short walk.
Roped-Off Swim Area & Sandy Beach
The protected, marked-off zone and gradual sandy entry make the beach approachable for toddlers. Bring water shoes for the little ones.
Playgrounds
On-site playgrounds give younger kids a dedicated space to burn energy between beach and pool sessions.
Indoor Pool
A lifesaver for nap-schedule flexibility and cooler days. With eight pools to choose from, families can find quieter, shallower spots.
Kiosk Craft & Game Sessions
The daily activity schedule covers pottery painting, tie-dye, hula-hoop contests, and giant lawn bowling, geared toward keeping kids of varying ages happily occupied.
Manson Bay Park
A public lakeside park and beach in downtown Manson (~0.5 mi / 2-min drive) with grassy space, a playground, and an easy swim area.
Willow Point Park
A small day-use park (~10 min drive) with beach access and shade, good for a low-key picnic with young kids.
Hiking & trail walking
The Manson side of the lake is the gateway to high-desert ridges and forested trail systems. Lower-elevation trails are hot and exposed in midsummer, so go early and bring plenty of water.
Peninsula Paths (On-Property)
Easy0 mi from resort
Easy, flat, paved. The walking and biking paths around the 116-acre point and the stroll into downtown Manson are the most accessible options of all, and stroller- and toddler-friendly.
Echo Ridge Recreation Area
Easy-Challenging~20 min drive via Hwy 150 / Boyd Rd
The standout local trail system: roughly 25-35 miles of interconnected loops perched above Lake Chelan with sweeping views of the lake, Cascades, and Okanogan Highlands. Difficulty ranges from easy to challenging. Trailheads sit at 3,400-4,300 ft so it's noticeably cooler in summer. Also a popular mountain-biking and winter Nordic-ski area. $5/vehicle or Northwest Forest Pass required.
Riverwalk Loop, Downtown Chelan
Easy~15-20 min drive
An easy ~1-mile paved loop crossing two bridges over the Chelan River in historic downtown Chelan. Flat, scenic, and ideal for a casual family stroll combined with downtown shopping and ice cream.
Roundtop Mountain / Antilon Lake
Moderate-Hard~15-20 min drive north of Manson
A short-but-steep climb (~3 mi round trip with significant elevation gain) rewarded with spectacular Lake Chelan views and excellent spring wildflowers. Very exposed in summer heat; better in spring and fall. Some cross-country sections; better for confident hikers.
Chelan Butte
Hard~25-30 min drive
A challenging, exposed climb to one of the county's most popular summits with 360° views of Lake Chelan and the Columbia River. For experienced hikers wanting a workout, with little to no shade, so plan for early starts and lots of water.
Water & outdoor recreation
Beyond the resort beach, the surrounding area offers attractions you won't find anywhere else.
Lake Chelan's beloved waterpark with 19 attractions: lazy river, wave pool, kids' activity pool, 60-person hot tub, sand volleyball, and full concessions. Open roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, typically 10am-7pm. A summer must-do for families.
Home to citywave USA, the world's largest standing wave (16 meters / ~54 ft wide). This deep-water stationary wave lets beginners and experts surf real, rideable sets with coaching available. Spectator-friendly (free to watch) and runs a longer season than the waterpark (roughly April-October). Book sessions ahead.
Washington's original parasail company, offering parasailing flights plus boat, jet ski, paddleboard, and tube rentals. The best way to see the wineries, mountains, and towns from the air.
Lady of the Lake Ferry to Stehekin
Departs from Chelan (~25-min drive)The 55-mile glacial lake's upper third is only reachable by boat, float plane, or ferry. The passenger ferry to the tiny village of Stehekin runs daily in summer through stunning North Cascades scenery. An unforgettable full-day trip.
Fishing
On-resort and lake-wideCast from the resort's seasonal trout pond, off the docks, or charter a guided trip on the lake. Kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, lake trout, and bass depending on season. Washington fishing license required.
Restaurants
A mix of on-resort convenience, walkable downtown Manson spots, and a few worth-the-drive favorites.
The resort's flagship dining: an upscale steakhouse-style restaurant paired with an estate winery. Wine tasting and lunch by day, full dinner service in the evening, plus happy hour and small plates.
A cozy downtown cafe for creative breakfast, brunch, and lunch with house-made pastries, with indoor and outdoor seating just steps from the lake.
Manson's downtown brewpub serving in-house craft beers alongside burgers, beer-battered fish and chips, and pulled-pork poutine. Casual, family-welcoming, outdoor seating.
A working 20+ acre blueberry farm with a farmhouse restaurant famous for scratch-made country breakfasts, huge burgers, French dips, and fresh fruit pies baked daily. U-pick berries in season make it a fun family outing.
A popular local pizzeria and a reliable casual dinner option.
Mi Paloma
Downtown MansonFamily-recipe Mexican for lunch or dinner. The Baja fried fish tacos are a standout, with a dedicated vegetarian/vegan menu.
Fonda Oaxaquena
Downtown MansonOne of Manson's newer spots, serving flavorful Oaxacan cuisine with quality ingredients.
Buddy's Place
Downtown MansonA laid-back local bar and grill with cold beer, pool tables, and darts for a casual evening out.
The Market at Wapato Point
On-resortA handy on-site shop for groceries, snacks, local products, and grab-and-go essentials.
Time your trip around an event
Winterfest ice sculptures, the Manson Apple Blossom parade, Bach Fest, Crush harvest weekends: the valley has a signature event most months. The events calendar updates automatically from local listings.
Lake Chelan events calendarWine country
The Lake Chelan AVA has emerged as one of Washington's most exciting wine regions. From Wapato Point you're within walking distance of several tasting rooms, with dozens more just a short drive away. Wineries, craft breweries, and cideries all covered in the full guide.
Lake Chelan winery & brewery guideReady to visit?
Rent direct from Wapato Point owners, condo weeks or whole homes. No booking fees, no middleman.