You’ve probably seen the shots. You know, the ones where the water looks impossibly blue and the Cascade Mountains frame a perfect sunset over Lake Chelan. Most of those "wish you were here" postcards and Instagram bangers start in the same 40-acre stretch of grass and sand known as Don Morse Memorial Park. But honestly? Most people just point and click without realizing they’re missing the best stuff.
Don Morse Memorial Park photos aren't just about the lake. If you’re just standing on the beach at noon, you’re basically getting the "default" setting. It’s fine, but it’s not it. To get the shots that actually make people stop scrolling, you have to know where to stand, when to show up, and how to dodge the crowds that swarm this place like bees on a soda can during July.
The Secret Spots for Don Morse Memorial Park Photos
Everyone heads straight for the 2,000 feet of waterfront. It makes sense. It’s gorgeous. But if you want something different, you’ve got to look behind you.
"The Green" is a professional 18-hole grass putting course right there in the park. It’s not your typical "clown’s mouth" mini-golf. It’s beautifully manicured, and the contrast of that deep green turf against the rugged hills in the distance is a photographer's dream. Catch it in the late afternoon when the shadows stretch across the grass, and it looks more like a Scottish highland than a city park in Washington.
Then there’s the skate park. Most people walk right past it. But for candid, high-energy shots, it’s a goldmine. The concrete bowls and rails create these sharp, industrial lines that pop against the soft blue of the lake in the background. If you're looking for "lifestyle" vibes, this is where you go.
Why Timing is Your Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)
Look, I’ll be real. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Don Morse is packed. It’s loud. There are kids everywhere, go-karts buzzing at Rally Alley, and more inflatable flamingos than you can count.
If you want clean Don Morse Memorial Park photos without a hundred strangers in the background, you have two choices:
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- The Dawn Patrol: Get there at sunrise. The lake is like glass. The light comes over the mountains to the east and hits the water at a low angle. It’s quiet, it’s cool, and you’ll actually hear the water lapping against the shore instead of screaming kids.
- The Shoulder Season: Come in late September or early October. The water is still blue, but the air is crisp, and the "Lakeview Drive-In" nearby isn't as slammed. Plus, the changing leaves in the surrounding orchards add a pop of orange and yellow that you won't get in July.
Capturing the Action: From Go-Karts to Paddleboards
The park is basically an outdoor gym/playground/resort all rolled into one. You've got sand volleyball courts that were recently redone. Action shots here are great because you can get low to the sand and shoot upwards, capturing the players against the sky.
And don't forget the watercraft. Shoreline Watercraft and LakeRider Sports operate right out of the park. Snapping a photo of a solo paddleboarder drifting toward the center of the lake creates a sense of scale. Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the US—hitting $1,486$ feet at its deepest point. That’s deeper than the bottom of the ocean in some places! Even though you can’t see the depth in a photo, the sheer vastness of the water translates through the lens.
Technical Tips for Lake Photography
When you're shooting at Don Morse, the glare can be a nightmare. The sun reflects off that crystal clear water and can blow out your highlights in a heartbeat.
- Use a CPL: A circular polarizer is a lifesaver. It cuts the glare on the water and makes the blues look rich and deep.
- Watch the Horizon: Nothing ruins a great lake photo like a tilted horizon. Keep it level.
- Find a Frame: Use the mature trees in the park to frame your shots. It adds depth and keeps the image from feeling like a flat postcard.
The "Old Man Don" Legacy
There’s a bit of history here that most tourists ignore. The park is named after Don Morse, a local legend. Locals still tell stories about him wearing his signature bolo ties and handing out apple slices to kids.
While you can't take a photo of the man himself anymore, the vibe he built—a place for families to just be—is still there. Capturing a photo of a family huddled around one of the charcoal grills at a picnic shelter or kids climbing on the playground structures feels more "real" than a filtered sunset. It’s the soul of the place.
Avoid the Tourist Trap Shots
We've all seen the photo of the "Welcome to Chelan" sign or the generic shot of the pier. If you want your Don Morse Memorial Park photos to stand out, look for the weird stuff.
The "protected swimming area" has these concrete walls that act as a wave barrier. They create these strange, geometric shapes in the water. At certain times of day, the reflections in that still, protected water are almost surreal.
Also, keep an eye out for the wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer wandering through the adjacent Lakeshore RV Park or down near the water’s edge in the early morning. A shot of a deer with the lake in the background? That’s a "Discover" feed winner right there.
Practical Info You Actually Need
If you're heading down there to shoot, keep these things in mind:
- Parking Fees: There are two lots, and yes, you have to pay. The southern lot is usually for trailers and boat launches, so it gets hectic. Stick to the upper lot if you're just there with a camera.
- Dog Rules: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, dogs are a no-go in the park. Don't bring your pup for a photo shoot during the summer or you'll get a ticket.
- Crowd Control: Arrive before 10:00 AM. After that, the putting course opens, the go-karts start up, and your "serene" photo op turns into a chaotic (but fun) mess.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your visit to Don Morse Memorial Park, start by checking the sunset times for Chelan, WA. Plan to arrive at least 90 minutes early to scout the shoreline near the sand volleyball courts, as the light hits the mountains across the water perfectly during this window. If you're shooting with a smartphone, toggle on your grid lines to ensure your horizon is perfectly flat against the lake's surface. Finally, consider walking the paved path toward the marina for elevated views that capture both the park's greenery and the vastness of the lake in a single frame.