This dive site, Lake Chelan State Park, offers a very pleasant and easy shore diving experience. Known for its accessibility and good visibility, often exceeding 50 feet, it's an excellent location for refresher courses or training dives. The sandy bottom is resistant to silting, ensuring clear conditions, and surface amenities with ample parking are readily available during the summer season.
Divers exploring Lake Chelan can expect to encounter various freshwater species typical of temperate lakes. Common sightings may include Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Keep an eye out for Signal Crayfish scuttling across the sandy bottom and various freshwater mussels. While lacking the vibrant corals of marine environments, the dive offers a serene freshwater ecosystem to observe.
The best time to visit Lake Chelan State Park for diving is during the summer months when amenities are fully accessible and water temperatures are most comfortable. This site is highly recommended for new divers to practice buoyancy and navigation in a controlled environment. Freedivers will also find the 15-meter maximum depth and clear conditions ideal for training and exploring.
