This dive site, known as Lake Chelan Monument, offers a challenging deep wall dive experience culminating in a unique discovery: a rotted-out '50s era car found deep on the wall, near the site's maximum dive depth of 31 meters. Divers can access the site via a wooden ladder from the shore, located 1.8 miles south of the Lake Chelan State Park entrance. Navigation begins by following a bottle line that guides divers directly to the submerged car, making it easier to locate this intriguing artifact against the deep wall.
The cool, deep waters of Lake Chelan are home to various freshwater species. Divers can expect to encounter Steelhead, Walleye, and Smallmouth bass during their exploration. While not a coral reef, the unique lake environment provides a different kind of ecosystem to observe, with fish adapted to colder, freshwater conditions.
To enhance the experience at Lake Chelan Monument, divers are strongly advised to bring a powerful dive light, as the site is known for being extremely dark, even on bright days, due to depth and water penetration. The best time to visit would likely be during warmer months for more comfortable surface conditions, though the underwater temperature will remain cold. This site is particularly well-suited for advanced divers comfortable with deep, dark, and potentially cold water conditions, and offers a unique wreck and wall combination for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts.
