Washington's Idyllic, Hidden Lake Town Is A Gorgeous, Budget Alternative To Lake Chelan

Central Washington's Lake Chelan is a great addition to your wine vacation bucket list, with its sparkling lake, prime location, and gorgeous vineyards. However, it also can be very expensive, especially during the peak summer months — one Tripadvisor review claims that "all rates go up by 25% starting in April." But if you drive just 100 miles southeast of Lake Chelan, you'll find a gorgeous alternative that is easier on your wallet: Moses Lake, a sunny, secluded spot lined with waterfront parks, is a great option to consider instead of the popular, but expensive, Lake Chelan.

The lake was named after Chief Moses, leader of the Columbia-Sinkiuse tribe, who used to collect roots and waterfowl eggs along its shoreline. When the area was colonized, first orchards then potato and onion fields were planted around the lake. The lake was dammed around 1911 and eventually became part of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, while the city of Moses Lake was incorporated in 1938 and grew quickly. It's now a vibrant community where, thanks to more than 300 days of sunshine each year, its residents get to enjoy plenty of recreational activities along the water. Moses Lake's remote spot in the desert makes it feel secluded, and makes it more affordable than Lake Chelan's high hotel rates.

Moses Lake is an easy drive from both Spokane and Seattle. Spokane is just over an hour and a half to the northeast, past the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a tranquil wildlife refuge with scenic trails on the outskirts of the city. Seattle, which has a lot of overlooked must-see attractions, is 2 hours and 45 minutes to the west. Both cities have international airports that receive nonstop flights from locations all over the United States.

Moses Lake is now a 6,500-acre body of water known for its water sports and its parks – there are 35 of them! Blue Heron Park, a 24-acre park, is a pretty spot along the lake's western shore, and it's a popular place to go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It has a boat ramp and a fishing dock, so you can try to catch rainbow trout and walleye. It also has a 9-hole disc golf course, walking trails, and undeveloped wetland areas.

Montlake Park, on the eastern shore of the lake, is another scenic park with a public boat launch and trails with water views. It is also a well-known birdwatching location, where killdeers and black-billed magpies have recently been spotted. Best of all, it is a beautiful, west-facing place to watch the incredible sunset.

If you are looking for a bit more excitement, head to McCosh Park. This is where you will find an amphitheater hosting a summer concert series, and Surf 'n Slide Water Park. The family-friendly water park has a lazy river, a surfing simulator, and waterslides. Then, near dog-friendly Cascade Park, you will find the Cascade Marina and Resort. The lakefront property has boat rentals, RV campsites, and even a food truck called the Hungry Heron. You can eat, play, and sleep with a view of the water along Moses Lake.

Though much of your time in Moses Lake will probably be spent in or on the water, there's one land-based adventure that you shouldn't miss here. The Moses Lake Sand Dunes cover more than 3,000 acres at the southern tip of the lake. This is where ATVs, dirt bikes, and off-road vehicles are allowed to race across not only the sand dunes, but on mud flats and trails as well. There are no bathrooms here, but primitive camping (that means no facilities) is allowed. You can rent ATVs from JWT Powersports. 

For those who would prefer to sleep in a comfortable bed, there are plenty of reasonably-priced hotels in Moses Lake. Comfort Suites Moses Lake, starting at $100 per night, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moses Lake, starting at $170 per night, are conveniently located off Interstate 90, which crosses Washington (and the country) from west to east. Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, meanwhile, has an ideal spot along the waterfront and an outdoor, heated pool (though it's closed in winter). All three hotels have solid reviews. This might just be one of the most budget-friendly lakeside spots in the entire state.