Winter Walking and Running at Lake Chelan

Outdoor Rec

Feb 9

Written By

1-, 2-, and 4-mile options from Downtown Chelan

Getting outdoor exercise can be difficult in the winter. Especially if you love to walk or run. Thankfully, Chelan enjoys a growing number of trails near to town that are accessible year-round. Check out these one-, two-, and four-mile options to help stretch the legs and clear the mind.

One Mile - Riverwalk Loop

Everyone loves this classic year-round downtown walking loop. The paved Riverwalk trail covers just under one mile as it loops from the old Chelan bridge near Campbells to the Dan Gordon bridge and back again. I enjoy bird watching and people watching on this route.

Directions:

Starting at Campbell’s, walk across the Chelan Bridge towards the Grandview.
Take an immediate left onto the Riverwalk trail.
Follow the trail until you reach stairs leading up and to the right.
Turn left at the top of the stairs onto the Dan Gordon bridge.
Cross the bridge and on the north side, follow the trail to the left towards the water.
Follow the trail upriver until you reach a second set of smaller stairs.
Climb the stairs and head straight ahead to Campbells Lodge to complete the loop.
Repeat for a second mile!

Two Miles - To the Roundabout and Back

The new trail leading to the roundabout offers a longer two-mile walk/run from the Chelan Bridge. The route initially travels along city sidewalks and then detaches into a wide multi-use trail. The trail meanders along the edge of the Lakeshore RV Park and up "Long Jim Hill" to the roundabout. Views of the lake and town abound.

Directions:

Starting on the Chelan bridge, follow the sidewalk past Campbells and around the corner to Safeway.
Turn left onto Highway 150 and head west past the Lakeview Drive-in.
Continue ahead as the sidewalk turns into an asphalt trail. Proceed to the roundabout.
Turn around and return along the same route to the Chelan Bridge.

Four Miles - Roundabout Trail + Reach One Trail

This combo route has you covered if you want a longer run of four miles. The Roundabout trail earns you two miles. The trail to the Reach One trailhead earns you two more. The Reach One route travels along the river, through quaint south Chelan, and out into the sagebrush just east of town. Look for the quail and don’t forget to stop and marvel at the Chelan Dam built in 1927.

Directions:

Walk across the Chelan Bridge towards the Grandview.
Take an immediate left onto the Riverwalk trail.
Follow the trail under the Dan Gordon Bridge. (Be sure to stay left at stairs - look for Reach One trail sign.)
Follow the sidewalk up to E. Farnham St.
Turn left onto E. Farnham St. and continue ahead as the street curves to the right.
Take your first left onto E. Raymond St.
At the end of E. Raymond St. the asphalt trail will be on your left.
Continue along the trail for a half mile to the Reach One parking lot.
Turn around and return along the same route.

Safety First

With any trail in the winter, there is always the danger of ice. Monitor conditions and travel during the day so you can watch your step. A pair of ski poles or yaktraxs can be helpful as well. There are shady patches on the south side of the Riverwalk loop that ice up. The Dan Gordon Bridge can also be icy.