This campground is a hidden gem if your looking for a real camping experience--not a crowded RV…read moreparking lot with generators humming all night? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that's the real deal. Whistlin' Pine Ranch sits at the quiet end of Alta Lake, just one mile past the State Park. This four-generation, family-run ranch and campground was started by my girlfriend's grandparents and lovingly restored by Tara, who grew up hunting, fishing, and outfitting with her dad, Brian Varrelman. Many of you will remember Brian as the heart behind Sawtooth Outfitters, leading generations of families on unforgettable trail rides and backcountry hunts. This isn't just any trail ride. It's access to untouched wilderness--no joggers, no mountain bikes, no barking dogs. Just you, a sure-footed horse, and views so breathtaking they'll leave you speechless. If you're lucky, you might even spot the ranch's resident bear stretched out sunbathing by the pond. Whistlin' Pine is the kind of place that reminds you what camping should feel like--peaceful mornings, paddleboarding on the lake, fishing at sunrise, and star-filled nights. Tara has done an incredible job honoring her family's legacy while giving the ranch some love and new life. So if you're craving the real outdoors, not the Instagram version--this is it. Book a site, saddle up, and go make some core memories.

We first visited WPRSO about ten years ago, shortly after the fire that decimated the nearby Alta…read moreLake State Park. At that time we met Brian, the owner/outfitter, and were impressed with what he had to offer though we were just passing through at the time. We learned from his sidekick that the only reason the beautiful homes, cabins, and ranch at the south end of the lake weren't destroyed in the fire is that Brian and some helpers stayed to keep things watered down when official help wasn't. That's true grit. Fast track to now, and we were planning on staying in Chelan (about 40 minutes away) and I wanted to do some trail riding. I found the newly updated website (really well done - AltaLakeRanch) and contacted Tara, Brian's daughter, who has taken the reins of the ranch now that the Covid issues have passed. She returned my message immediately, something that sooooo many other riding places seem unable to do. She answers her phone. Long story short, we got two rides scheduled for early in the week. She does have a two rider minimum, like so many trail riding places. First two-hour ride ended up being just the two of us, and since I've had horses about forever we could take some of the steeper and rockier trails. This time I rode Bella, a draft/Friesian cross and a giant horse. These trails weren't the easiest, yet she never missed a beat. Since Bella hyper-enjoyed the spring grass, Tara did have to get off her horse to adjust (tighten) up Bella's cinch a few times around her round belly. Otherwise, the saddle fit me well. Tara was riding a young horse that wasn't "string" ready yet but still seemed very well trained to me. Dog Rip, already a great trail dog for his age, joined us. Second two-hour ride we had another person join us, not a regular rider though very fit. Tara asked if I wanted to ride her horse June from the day before (guess I passed the riding test!) so I rode third with her. Once she is on the official string she'll be a favorite as she is nicely trained, moved off the leg really well, was also very sure footed, and just was a pleasure to ride. Well, that plus she isn't a mile high like Bella. Tara rode June's sister, also a young horse in training, and she did great too. Got to add here that Tara knows her horses' quirks well and has appropriate tack for each horse and rider combo. It's awful trying to ride hilly ground on a saddle built for a giant that you slosh around in. This time we took different trails which were more suitable for less experienced riders and really enjoyed the scenery and mountain wildflowers. With 500 acres in this three-generation ranch and adjacent state land to ride on, there are lots of choices for riders from beginners to the more experienced. Reminder to people who don't ride regularly: don't start out with a long ride as you'll be using muscles you never thought you had. You'll realize that in 24 hours and beyond. I found two hours to be perfect for me. We haven't stayed in their campground or attended any equestrian events so I can't comment on that, though Tara is making improvements to the camping area and has more she is exploring. I'll be back to ride again and check on her upgrades as some of them sounded pretty cool.

So pretty!! I just…read morecame here for the weekend and I love it. The walks here are stunning. The views of chelan. The mountains! The choppy water. Amazing panoramic views all over. Park is currently open but faculties are closed. Still make it a fun little stop on your walk/ run or even a drive. Beautiful views!

Amazing cute little park in the cutest town. Walking distance from our hotel . We walked to rent a…read moreboat from Shoreline at this park one day. Best service! Walked here and swam wit the fam. Lifeguards are super friendly! And they have life jackets at park to borrow - how kind is that. You can walk into the water and swim. Another plus is there are actual bathrooms and they were clean!

Great little bowling alley…read more We came on Saturday night for cosmic bowl. Bowling was $10 per person per game and $5/each for shoes. Pretty costly but not exorbitant for peak time. Good sound system inside for party vibes. Service was good and friendly. The lane we were on kept messing up which was irritating but someone is out quick each time to fix it. Fun arcade with new games that function properly and take quarters, not reloadable cards. Games are about $1 per play. Overall really nice place. Would definitely come back on our next swing through Chelan.

A fun space that offers cosmic bowling. Clean and family friendly. They offered shoes for rental,…read moreand even have socks to rent if you didn't come prepared! Music is fun and dance-able, from varying decades to appeal to most any audience. Staff member was friendly, quiet and unobtrusive.

Great time with my boys on the putting course. And for all you golfers out there don't laugh it's…read morenot putt putt it is real putting on a real mini golf course. Lots of fun

Our women's group really liked this beautiful course--it's very pretty to look at the hills across…read morethe way. It has a bathroom on the back nine along with a honey bucket on the front. However, the signage really needs improving. (We noticed that at their Alta Lake course, too.) And the hole with two different greens DEFINITELY needs signs explaining what's going on. The nice young guy in the pro shop mentioned that to us, but by the time we got there a couple hours later we'd forgotten what he said and lost balls in the canyon trying to make it to the green for longer hitters, and then couldn't find our way to the cart path. Speaking of which, the way to the cart path needs to be much more clearly indicated. That's probably a large reason people get slowed down!

So fun! They gave great instructions so we knew what to do. We had a great time. Will come back if…read morewe can.

We have been renting here for over 10 years. Never had any issues! Elaine is great and we are…read morealways happy to see here in the office every year we come! We usually rent 2-3 boats and 6-8 jet skis 2-3 days for the week of 4th of July. We did have our first issue with a jet ski but they are always helpful with anything we need help with. Thanks Elaine! Don't retire just yet we love seeing your beautiful smile and you always give us the best customer service! See you next year 2024! There will be more of us and we plan to rent up to 15 jet skis one of the days!

Yoga Pravaha, and specifically Amber, is the best in Chelan…read more Yoga bodies don't start out being yoga bodies, Amber is a patient, attentive, and recognizes that. Yoga Pravaha offers a great selection of hot yoga, restorative, and sunrise classes throughout the work week. A great way to start the day, in my opinion. Also, they offer some specialized classes focusing on other things, like the cacao ceremony (which is the class I attended and thoroughly enjoyed!) Keep up the awesome work!

We were in town for Christmas and all of the sleigh rides fully booked. I emailed Eagle Creek Ranch…read moreand they contacted me early the next day and we were able to set up a sleigh ride on Christmas Day :) They provide blankets on the ride. Just bundle up if it's snowing. They have a warm waiting room with coffee and hot cider. All the staff was great and informative

When looking for things to do, sleigh rides popped up. Yes,horses pull the sled, not reindeer. When…read moreits your turn you hop up into the sleigh & are given blankets. The person pulling the sleigh gived you a little background on the ranch & horses. Thought it was cool that most horses come here from Montana & will go back after the season is over. It was a magical experience. There hadn't been much snow fall recently, but there was still enough for it to feel like a winter wonderland. After the ride is over, youre free to take photos with the horses & then head inside to get some hot cider & coffee. All the workers were really nice & welcoming. The one who was with us was born & raised in Hawaii, so it was nice to have a little piece of home with us on this ride. Such a cool experience, highly recommend.

As much as I like this course, it was incredibly disappointing. From being hassled by a Marshall (…read morelying to our group about our progress ) and the poor conditions of the course. Specifically the fairways were terrible, the tee boxes were not just uneven but lacked any sort of grass that resembled a somewhat healthy tee off area. This could be a far superior course but lacked the proper care to charge these prices. It would be difficult to recommend this course to friends or anyone else... what a shame.

Wife and I are members here. Wife is a stick. Me not so much. What doesn't take any experience…read moreis seeing the change already this year. They are working very hard on tee boxes, greens, places that dry up. And the topography on this course makes the "dry up" a very real thing and they are working incredibly hard to keep that at bay. From the top down in their personnel, they are all working to make this the best experience possible for anyone who comes here. Do not blame management for a difficult course. This will keep you humble at times, but that's part of the challenge. From the people who meet and greet you at the carts to the people in the pro shop, the food and beverage people downstairs all the way to the top of management...there is a new purpose and vision for what this course can be and they are stopping at nothing to make sure it happens. Looking forward to changes from now to the end of the year as well as next year. They just keep chipping off things that haven't been dealt with for a while. Well done BMR!