Lake Chelan Car Wreck - Pacific Northwest

The Lake Chelan Car Wreck isn't about tropical fish or gin-clear seas. This is Pacific Northwest diving at its most atmospheric, and we love it for being genuinely different. Dropping into the cool, dark freshwater, the wreck of a 1950s Ford Coupe materialises out of the gloom. It sits upright, surprisingly intact, feeling like a time capsule rather than just a rusty hulk. We’ve seen burbot peeking from the engine compartment and crayfish scuttling across the dashboard. The dashboard itself, remarkably, still has some dials visible. Penetrating the interior is a tight squeeze, but if you’re comfortable, the sensation of being inside this submerged relic is fantastic. Look for the way the light filters through the shattered windows, creating these beautiful, shifting patterns on the seats. It’s a low-vis dive usually, so bring a good torch and take your time. This site suits divers who appreciate a bit of history and don't mind a chill – it’s a cool 4°C down there, even in summer.

Location
Pacific Northwest, United States, North America
Coordinates
47.861465, -120.169220
Type
wreck

Best Time to Dive in Pacific Northwest

The warmest water temperatures in Pacific Northwest occur in August, averaging 16.5°C (up to 15.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at 6.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 7.1°C (air: 6.3°C)
  • February: 6.9°C (air: 4.5°C)
  • March: 7.7°C (air: 6.6°C)
  • April: 9.5°C (air: 8.7°C)
  • May: 12.0°C (air: 11.7°C)
  • June: 14.0°C (air: 13.7°C)
  • July: 15.7°C (air: 14.9°C)
  • August: 16.5°C (air: 15.7°C)
  • September: 14.3°C (air: 14.0°C)
  • October: 11.4°C (air: 10.5°C)
  • November: 8.8°C (air: 7.4°C)
  • December: 7.7°C (air: 5.5°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Pacific Northwest

Nearest Dive Centres to Lake Chelan Car Wreck

Marine Life in Pacific Northwest

Home to 38 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 7 crabs & lobsters, 3 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lake Chelan Car Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 11.0°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 11°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories