There’s something special about teeing off with Lake Chelan glimmering in the background and the warm Eastern Washington sun on your shoulders. Chelan may be known for its wine and waterfront, but its golf scene quietly holds its own. From scenic public courses to members-only clubs, this is a golfer’s haven wrapped in small-town charm and sunshine.
Where Nature and Nine Irons Collide
Chelan has a unique rhythm: laid-back, outdoorsy, and surprisingly refined. That same spirit carries over to its golf offerings. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or someone who’s still figuring out which end of the club to hold, there’s a course here with their name on it. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the golf season in Chelan stretches longer than most places in the Pacific Northwest.
The area’s geography (rolling hills, vineyards, and lakefront terrain) naturally lends itself to golf. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the setting. Golf courses in Chelan offer sweeping vistas, uncrowded fairways, and a refreshing pace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
The area’s geography (rolling hills, vineyards, and lakefront terrain) naturally lends itself to golf. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the setting. Golf courses in Chelan offer sweeping vistas, uncrowded fairways, and a refreshing pace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Lake Chelan Golf Course: The Local Legend
Let’s start with the anchor of the Chelan golf scene: Lake Chelan Golf Course. Tucked into the north shore hillside, this 18-hole public course has been a local staple since 1971. The layout blends elevation changes, tight fairways, and expansive lake views that make every hole feel like a postcard.
Don’t be fooled by its approachability; this course has teeth. Long par fives, challenging doglegs, and sloped greens will test players who come in overconfident. Still, it’s the kind of course that welcomes all skill levels and rewards smart play. Golfers often say that hole 7, with its panoramic overlook of the lake, is worth the green fee alone.
The pro shop is well-stocked, the practice facilities are solid, and the on-site café has the kind of burgers that somehow taste better after 18 holes. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible golf courses in Chelan and is open to the public, making it perfect for weekenders and full-timers alike.
Don’t be fooled by its approachability; this course has teeth. Long par fives, challenging doglegs, and sloped greens will test players who come in overconfident. Still, it’s the kind of course that welcomes all skill levels and rewards smart play. Golfers often say that hole 7, with its panoramic overlook of the lake, is worth the green fee alone.
The pro shop is well-stocked, the practice facilities are solid, and the on-site café has the kind of burgers that somehow taste better after 18 holes. It’s one of the most scenic and accessible golf courses in Chelan and is open to the public, making it perfect for weekenders and full-timers alike.
Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course: Elevated Play
For those craving a bit more drama (on the scorecard and the scenery), Bear Mountain Ranch Golf Course delivers. This semi-private course is set high above the lake, winding through rocky outcrops and desert sage with breathtaking elevation drops and wide-open vistas.
Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Bear Mountain Ranch is a championship-level course that feels like it was carved into the land rather than imposed upon it. It’s the kind of place where every tee box feels like a viewpoint, and every shot demands attention.
The course is meticulously maintained and features five sets of tees, so even casual players can find a rhythm while more experienced golfers get the challenge they crave. The signature par-3 15th hole (an elevated tee shot over a canyon) is both a photo op and a test of nerves.
Bear Mountain also offers a private-club feel without requiring a full membership, though many second-home owners in the area opt to join for the perks and priority tee times. It’s a crown jewel among the golf courses in Chelan for good reason.
Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Bear Mountain Ranch is a championship-level course that feels like it was carved into the land rather than imposed upon it. It’s the kind of place where every tee box feels like a viewpoint, and every shot demands attention.
The course is meticulously maintained and features five sets of tees, so even casual players can find a rhythm while more experienced golfers get the challenge they crave. The signature par-3 15th hole (an elevated tee shot over a canyon) is both a photo op and a test of nerves.
Bear Mountain also offers a private-club feel without requiring a full membership, though many second-home owners in the area opt to join for the perks and priority tee times. It’s a crown jewel among the golf courses in Chelan for good reason.
Alta Lake Golf Resort: A Relaxed Round in a Scenic Valley
About 30 minutes north of Chelan near the town of Pateros, Alta Lake Golf Resort offers a laid-back golfing experience in a peaceful valley setting. This 18-hole course is nestled between towering basalt cliffs and the tranquil waters of Alta Lake, giving golfers a quieter, more casual alternative to the busier in-town options.
Alta Lake is known for its friendly vibe, forgiving fairways, and affordable rates, making it a local favorite for players who want to squeeze in a round without overthinking every shot. It’s the kind of course where the pace is easy, the views are steady, and the atmosphere feels more like a weekend getaway than a competitive showdown.
The resort also includes a small lodge and RV park, so it’s popular for overnight golf trips or as a pit stop on a Central Washington adventure. While it may not be as polished as some of the other golf courses in Chelan County, it more than makes up for it with charm, scenery, and room to breathe.
Alta Lake is known for its friendly vibe, forgiving fairways, and affordable rates, making it a local favorite for players who want to squeeze in a round without overthinking every shot. It’s the kind of course where the pace is easy, the views are steady, and the atmosphere feels more like a weekend getaway than a competitive showdown.
The resort also includes a small lodge and RV park, so it’s popular for overnight golf trips or as a pit stop on a Central Washington adventure. While it may not be as polished as some of the other golf courses in Chelan County, it more than makes up for it with charm, scenery, and room to breathe.
Gamble Sands: Worth the Short Drive
Technically outside of Chelan in nearby Brewster (about an hour’s scenic drive north), Gamble Sands is too good not to mention. This David McLay Kidd-designed course sits atop a massive sand dune overlooking the Columbia River and is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in the country.
With wide fairways, firm fescue turf, and a minimalist design, Gamble Sands offers a links-style experience rarely found in the U.S., let alone Central Washington. It’s a course that invites creativity, rewards strategy, and keeps golfers talking about it long after the last putt drops.
Even if it’s just a once-a-season pilgrimage, Gamble Sands is a must-play for anyone who takes their golf (or their views) seriously. And if you’re staying overnight, the on-site lodge and Danny Boy Bar & Grill make it easy to turn a day trip into a mini getaway.
With wide fairways, firm fescue turf, and a minimalist design, Gamble Sands offers a links-style experience rarely found in the U.S., let alone Central Washington. It’s a course that invites creativity, rewards strategy, and keeps golfers talking about it long after the last putt drops.
Even if it’s just a once-a-season pilgrimage, Gamble Sands is a must-play for anyone who takes their golf (or their views) seriously. And if you’re staying overnight, the on-site lodge and Danny Boy Bar & Grill make it easy to turn a day trip into a mini getaway.
Seasonal Play and Local Tips
The golf season in Chelan typically runs from late March through October, though some years stretch longer thanks to the mild climate. Spring offers cooler temps and green fairways, while summer guarantees dry days and dazzling views. Fall, with its golden vineyards and crisp air, might be the best-kept secret.
For those new to the area, it’s worth booking tee times early, especially on weekends and holidays. Both Lake Chelan and Bear Mountain Ranch fill up quickly during peak season, particularly when paired with wine tasting weekends or lakefront events.
Locals recommend playing early in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch the best light and avoid the heat. And if it’s a group outing or special event, both main courses offer tournament packages and group rates.
For those new to the area, it’s worth booking tee times early, especially on weekends and holidays. Both Lake Chelan and Bear Mountain Ranch fill up quickly during peak season, particularly when paired with wine tasting weekends or lakefront events.
Locals recommend playing early in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch the best light and avoid the heat. And if it’s a group outing or special event, both main courses offer tournament packages and group rates.
Why Golfers Are Making Chelan Home
More than just a vacation spot, Chelan is increasingly attracting second-home buyers and full-time residents who want to live where they play. For golfers, the access to top-tier courses, stunning natural scenery, and a low-key yet connected lifestyle is hard to beat.
Imagine starting your mornings with a round at Bear Mountain, grabbing lunch at a local winery, and spending the afternoon paddleboarding or relaxing lakeside. That’s the Chelan rhythm, and or many, it’s the dream lifestyle that keeps them coming back, or better yet, putting down roots.
The variety of golf courses in Chelan makes the area appealing to everyone from retirees and snowbirds to younger buyers looking for a work-from-anywhere lifestyle with room to breathe (and swing).
Imagine starting your mornings with a round at Bear Mountain, grabbing lunch at a local winery, and spending the afternoon paddleboarding or relaxing lakeside. That’s the Chelan rhythm, and or many, it’s the dream lifestyle that keeps them coming back, or better yet, putting down roots.
The variety of golf courses in Chelan makes the area appealing to everyone from retirees and snowbirds to younger buyers looking for a work-from-anywhere lifestyle with room to breathe (and swing).
Let Justin Skaar Help You Find Your Perfect Home Base
If the idea of sunny fairways, lakeview tees, and a relaxed golf lifestyle has you imagining life in Chelan, it might be time to explore homes near the course. Whether you're drawn to the community feel near Lake Chelan Golf Course or the luxury homes overlooking Bear Mountain Ranch, real estate in this area is as appealing as the scenery.
Justin Skaar knows the local market inside and out and can help you find a property that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a full-time residence. Get in touch today to explore listings, neighborhoods, and insider tips on life (and golf) in Chelan.
Justin Skaar knows the local market inside and out and can help you find a property that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat or a full-time residence. Get in touch today to explore listings, neighborhoods, and insider tips on life (and golf) in Chelan.
