Twenty-Five Mile Creek

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park is a scenic waterfront destination located on the south shore of Lake Chelan in Chelan County, Washington. The park encompasses 235 acres of diverse terrain ranging from lakefront to steep hillsides covered in Ponderosa pine forest. Named for its distance from the former town of Chelan Falls, the park provides a gateway to the remote upper Lake Chelan region. The park features a full-service marina, making it a popular launching point for boaters exploring the 50.5-mile-long lake. With limited road access to upper Lake Chelan, the park serves as an important transition point between road-accessible recreation and wilderness areas. The combination of desert-like climate and pristine lake waters creates a unique recreational environment.

The park's wildlife reflects the transition between shrub-steppe and montane forest ecosystems. Mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk are commonly observed, particularly during morning and evening hours. Black bears occasionally pass through the park, especially in late summer during berry season. Smaller mammals include yellow-bellied marmots, chipmunks, and ground squirrels adapted to the rocky terrain. Lake Chelan supports populations of rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. Bald eagles and osprey fish the lake waters, while California quail and chukar inhabit the shrubland areas. Rattlesnakes are present in rocky areas during warm months. The park provides important habitat connectivity between lowland and alpine zones.

The park features distinctive vegetation zones reflecting its elevation range and arid climate. Ponderosa pine dominates the forested areas, with scattered Douglas-fir at higher elevations. The understory includes bitterbrush, serviceberry, and oceanspray adapted to dry conditions. Riparian areas along Twenty-Five Mile Creek support cottonwood, alder, and willow. Shrub-steppe vegetation includes big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and bunchgrasses on exposed slopes. Spring wildflowers include arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, and Indian paintbrush creating vibrant displays. The park's vegetation reflects the rain shadow effect of the Cascade Range, receiving only 10-12 inches of annual precipitation. Fire-adapted species dominate, shaped by the natural fire regime of the region.

Lake Chelan occupies a deep glacial trough carved by repeated ice age glaciations, reaching depths of 1,486 feet. The surrounding mountains consist of metamorphic rocks including gneiss and schist, part of the North Cascades crystalline core. Twenty-Five Mile Creek has carved a steep canyon through these resistant rocks, creating dramatic topography. Glacial deposits including till and outwash terraces are visible throughout the park. The lake's extraordinary depth and steep surrounding slopes reflect the powerful erosive force of Pleistocene glaciers. Bedrock exposures show evidence of intense folding and faulting. The current landscape continues to be shaped by mass wasting, stream erosion, and occasional seismic activity along regional fault systems.

The park experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters typical of Washington's interior valleys. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F from July through August, with overnight lows in the 60s. Annual precipitation averages only 10-12 inches, with most falling as snow during winter months. The area lies in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range, creating desert-like conditions. Spring and fall are mild with variable weather. Winter temperatures average 25-35°F with occasional cold snaps below zero. Lake Chelan moderates temperatures slightly near the shoreline. Strong afternoon winds are common during summer months. The extended dry season creates high wildfire risk from July through September.

The Lake Chelan area has been home to the Chelan people for over 10,000 years, who relied on salmon runs and game hunting. The lake served as a vital transportation corridor for indigenous trade networks. European-American miners and prospectors arrived in the 1880s, seeking minerals in the surrounding mountains. Orcharding and ranching developed in the early 1900s as irrigation systems were established. The construction of Lake Chelan Dam in 1927 raised the lake level by 21 feet, expanding its recreational potential. Tourism grew steadily through the mid-20th century as the region became known for its scenic beauty. The area's isolation from major population centers helped preserve its natural character while supporting a recreation-based economy.

Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park was established in the 1950s as public interest in Lake Chelan recreation grew. Early development focused on basic camping facilities and lake access. In 1976, a marina was constructed to serve the growing boating community, though it experienced periods of closure. The park underwent major renovation in 2011-2013, including rebuilding the marina with 100 slips and modernizing camping facilities. New amenities included improved water systems, electrical infrastructure, and accessible facilities. The renovation transformed the park into a premier destination for Lake Chelan exploration. Concessionaire-operated services including store and boat rentals enhance visitor experience. The park now serves as a critical access point for backcountry areas accessible only by boat or floatplane.

The park's centerpiece is its full-service marina offering moorage, boat launch, fuel dock, and rental services. A short interpretive trail explores the riparian corridor along Twenty-Five Mile Creek. The beach area provides swimming access to Lake Chelan's crystal-clear waters. Fishing is popular both from shore and by boat, with the lake supporting multiple game fish species. The marina store offers supplies, snacks, and local information. Nearby, the historic Lucerne townsite and Holden Village are accessible only by boat or trail. The park serves as the trailhead for the remote Grade Creek Trail accessing Sawtooth Wilderness. Evening gatherings around lakeside campsites create a community atmosphere. The park's location offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and the lake's deep blue waters.

The park offers 67 campsites including full hookup RV sites, partial hookup sites, and tent sites spread across multiple campground loops. Modern restroom facilities include flush toilets and coin-operated showers. The marina features 100 boat slips, fuel dock, pump-out station, and seasonal concessionaire services. A boat launch accommodates trailered vessels. Day-use facilities include picnic tables, grills, and a designated swimming beach. The park store sells groceries, camping supplies, and fishing tackle. Potable water and dump station serve RV campers. The park is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Chelan via State Route 971. A Discover Pass is required for day use. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when the park reaches capacity.

Park management balances intensive recreation with protection of Lake Chelan's exceptional water quality. The marina implements best practices for fuel handling and waste disposal to prevent lake contamination. Riparian restoration projects along Twenty-Five Mile Creek improve fish habitat and water quality. Invasive species monitoring focuses on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through boat inspections. Wildfire prevention is a critical concern, with fire restrictions enforced during high-risk periods. Educational programs emphasize Leave No Trace principles appropriate for the arid environment. The park participates in regional efforts to monitor and protect Lake Chelan's ecosystem. Climate change impacts including reduced snowpack and increased wildfire risk inform long-term management planning. Partnerships with local tribes support cultural resource protection.