The Chelan River is only about 4.3 miles long. It is actually the
tailwater of Chelan Dam. When water is released at the dam, it
begins its descent through the gorge to its outlet in the Columbia
River. The river drops 400 feet in elevation. Chelan Gorge is
usually dry for most of the year due to the operations of the
hydroelectric dam, but the river is a sight to see when excess
water is released from the dam in early summer. The gorge is
extremely dangerous at that time, so please obey the signs and stay
out of the gorge. During spill season, the dam is capable of
passing 7500 cfs of water.
Facing the river and looking beyond in a Northeasterly
direction, the peak in the distance is Deer Mountain. Behind you,
(Southwest) is Chelan Butte.
The road continues down to the town of Chelan Falls at the
Columbia River. This is where the Chelan Powerhouse is located.
Built in 1928, it produces power from its two vertical
turbine-generators. The Chelan Powerhouse is listed on the National
Historic Register.