Lake Chelan: The Greatest Lake in the World

Lake lovers everywhere are convinced their favorite body of water is the world’s greatest lake. John Fahey set out to prove it.

What unfolds is a story of remarkable endurance through extensive travel, exhaustive research, and countless baffled looks from friends and family. By foot, barstool, and paraglider, John explored Lake Chelan’s complex drainage system, from the cozy towns and vineyards to the glaciered peaks, and all the diverse microclimates in between. He determined to discover how this incredible body of water compared to others around the globe.

The Greatest Lake in the World is a spirited and endearing exploration of lake-living nostalgia: one man’s story of miscalculated first kisses and hundred-foot cliff jumps, of water-skiing deer, Transylvanian leeches, and bats on fishing poles.

John traveled to hundreds of lakes on four continents in an obsessive and hilarious journey to discover what makes a lake truly great. And everything he learned taught him how to appreciate the water he fell in love with in the first place—Lake Chelan, the greatest lake in the world.