The sparkling waters of Washington lakes amidst glaciated mountains and dense forests are a favorite getaway destination for many. With several hiking trails having access points here, you can spend an adventurous time exploring the areas and enjoying the views. Some like the Lake Blanca and Colchuck Lake need to be hiked to get there. In contrast, others like Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish are easily accessible from downtown Seattle. No matter where its location is, the scenic beauty and serenity of the place will never disappoint you. Apart from the hike, numerous recreational activities from fishing, boating, and camping to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing make it an attraction throughout the year.
The state’s second-largest, Lake Washington, flows between Seattle and Bellevue in King County. It is the centerpiece of fun-filled activities with numerous parks and beaches like Seward Park, Denny Blaine Park, Madrona Park, and Madison Beach lining the shoreline. From boat launches to scenic paths, you will find it all here. You can embark on a cruise to soak in its surrounding beauty, including the views of the mighty Mt. Rainier.
Fishing: Fishing in this lake is a year-round activity with cutthroat trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie being the popular game fish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking
Within Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent sits on the northern side of the Olympic Peninsula. The sapphire waters and mountainous surroundings attract many to enjoy its serenity and beauty. Do not miss hiking the Spruce Railroad Trail to witness Devil’s Punchbowl, where you can take a cool dip. Another trail worth mentioning whose access point is near the lake is Barnes Creek Trail, leading to the spectacular Marymere Falls. Also, with boat rentals available on its western shoreline, you can spend time exploring its crystal clear waters. For overnight accommodations, there are several places, including Lake Crescent Lodge and Fairlome Campground.
Fishing: Lake Crescent consists of two trout species, crescent, and beardslee. However, due to their low population, only catch-and-release is possible here. The ideal time to fish is from June to September.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, camping, hiking, picnicking
Sitting on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula, Lake Quinault is pretty scenic with Quinault Rainforest surrounding it. You can hop into a shuttle offered by Lake Quinault Rain Forest Tours to witness towering spruce, cedar, and fir trees all around, breathtaking views of waterfalls, and various wildlife species. On the lake’s southern side is Amanda Park that houses an attractive visitor center and a museum. Nearby it, you’ll find the rustic Lake Quinault Lodge, which provides accommodation facilities.
Fishing: Trout-fishing in this lake is available only during the summer months. Though salmon inhabit here, catching them is not allowed. But you can fish them at the lower Quinault River adjacent to the lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, nature gazing
Blanca Lake, fed by the Columbus Glacier, is one of the key attractions in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness. It requires a hike along the 4-mile long Blanca River Trail to access it. Despite the challenging climb with multiple switchbacks, hikers frequent the place to soak in its beauty. Before reaching the spot, you’ll come across the small scenic Lake Victoria. Many enjoy taking a refreshing dip in its turquoise waters after the tiring journey. Backcountry campsites are available all around to stay overnight and admire the tranquil night scenery.
Fishing: As the waters of Blanca Lake are shallow, not many fish dwell here. If lucky, you might catch small sizes of rainbow trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking
Located just 8 miles east of Seattle, Lake Sammamish is a perfect spot to spend time with family. The Sammamish State Park sits on its southern shoreline featuring waterfront access and boat launch. In addition, you can rent a kayak at Tibbetts Beach or let your children enjoy the play area by the lake. At its north end lies Marymoor Park in Redmond, one of the most popular recreational spots. There’s an off-leash dog park here where dogs can swim or play in the fields. Moreover, you can engage in rock climbing or cycling along the scenic 10-mile Sammamish River Trail.
Fishing: Anglers mainly target cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. Other fish species like salmon and steelhead trout are also present but not allowed for fishing.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, wildlife viewing, rock climbing
Ozette Lake is the state’s third-largest natural lake, situated on the northwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula. It offers a diverse landscape with crystal clear water, towering sea stacks, and surrounding old-growth forests. A kayak ride would be ideal for witnessing all these and exploring the remote bays. If you prefer a land activity, you can hike the 9.4-mile Ozette Triangle Loop Trail to see the Wedding Rock petroglyphs and other unique rock formations. Many also tread along the coast’s boardwalk to spot seals and gray whales during the migratory period.
Fishing: This lake is brimming with different fish species like yellow perch, largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, steelhead, coho salmon, kokanee salmon, and sockeye salmon.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching
Though less visited due to its remote location in Mount Rainier National Park, Mowich Lake does not fail to impress visitors with its enchanting beauty. The clear blue waters and quietness of the place make the bumpy ride on the rough, unpaved State Highway 165 worth it. With no motorized boats around, you can enjoy a relaxing time kayaking or paddleboarding. Hiking enthusiasts can tread along the Tolmie Peak trail leading to the lookout tower to admire the spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. During winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland, making it excellent for snowshoeing and skiing. Primitive campgrounds abound the area for those who wish to experience the beauty of the place overnight or spend days exploring the nearby spots.
Fishing: You can fish from the shoreline or a float tube to catch kokanee and brook trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, skiing
Lake Chelan lies on the eastern side of North Cascades in north-central Washington. At 1,486 feet, it is the state’s deepest and the nation’s third deepest body of water. The city of Chelan and Lake Chelan State Park sits on the southern end, offering various recreational opportunities. You can also head to its north part at Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to enjoy additional activities. Don’t miss visiting the neighboring vineyards for a fulfilling wine tasting experience. To spend the night in a less crowded campsite, the Snowberry Bowl Campground on its western shoreline is ideal.
Fishing: This lake is ideal for catches of chinook salmon and lake trout. It is an all-year-round activity, and you can also hire a fishing guide here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, paddle boarding, camping, hiking
Created by the Diablo Dam on the Skagit River, this stunning lake lies within North Cascades National Park’s Ross Lake Recreation Area. Its vibrant colored waters bordered with forested mountains make it breathtakingly beautiful. You can hike the trails like Diablo Lake Trail or Thunder Knob Trail to enjoy the picturesque views of the lake and its encompassing peaks. There are many campgrounds here with drive-in, boat-in, and backcountry options to spend overnight.
Fishing: Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brook trout. However, fishing for bull trout is not permissible.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, nature gazing
Flowing in the heart of alpine forests within Ross Lake National Recreation Area, this lake is an ideal spot to connect with nature. It sits at a higher elevation than Diablo Lake, also present in this vicinity. To rent boats or motorboats, you can visit the nearby Ross Lake Resort. For accommodation facilities, there are many campgrounds, like the Colonial Creek Campground, accessed only by boats. Water taxis at the lake also provide services to those who wish to reach the trailheads or campgrounds. You’ll find many well-equipped and boat-in campsites along with beach spots here. However, a backcountry permit is mandatory from the National Park Service for overnight camping.
Fishing: Fishing in the lake is open from July 1 to October 31. Large native rainbow trout are abundant, but it is closed to taking for bull trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, nature gazing
Lake Wenatchee is a pretty lake on the eastern slopes of the Cascades Mountains within the Wenatchee National Forest. An all-year-round hotspot for enjoyable activities, you may indulge in boating in its pristine waters in summer or cross-country ski in winter. You can launch your boats from the public boat ramp at Lake Wenatchee State Park, located at its eastern end. Besides these, hiking trails are plentiful. One of them is an 8.5-mile Dirtyface Peak Trail (out and back) that offers a spectacular panoramic view from the top.
Fishing: Fishing here is a limited activity from August 3 to September 7, allowing only four sockeyes per day. Those catching fish species like bull trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead trout must release them immediately.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, cycling, snowmobiling,
Alta Lake lies nestled in the hills between Winthrop and Lake Chelan. You’ll find Alta Lake State Park at its northern end, which houses dramatic canyon walls, campsites, and a public boat launch. Moreover, what better can it be than having a meal at the picnic spots with your loved ones while staring at the mountains and surrounding natural wonders. If you want to enjoy additional sports activities, you can head to Alta Lake Golf Course to play a challenging match on the greens.
Fishing: Alta Lake is well known for its rainbow trout in summer.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailboarding, windsurfing, jet-skiing, camping, hiking, golfing, picnicking
Baker Lake is one of the main attractions in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The mountains form a magnificent backdrop and provide several hiking opportunities. Among these, you can choose the 14-mile Baker Lake Trail for a backpacking adventure, starting from its eastern shoreline. It meanders through all-growth forests and provides occasional glimpses of Mt. Baker. For an overnight stay, the western shore is dotted with numerous campgrounds.
Fishing: Kokanee salmon are plentiful in April, May, and June and also during fall. There’s a size limit of 6-18 inches on trout and kokanee. You can also expect to catch sockeye, the population of which is gradually expanding.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, picnicking
You can find Lake Cushman on the southwest border of Olympic National Park, flowing along the north fork of the Skokomish River. The surrounding mountains like Mount Rose and Mount Elinor provide picturesque views and opportunities for hiking. Boating is a sought-after activity in its clean blue waters, with provisions of boat rentals on its shoreline. Rental cabins and campsites are available at the nearby Lake Cushman Resort to stay overnight.
Fishing: Kokanee salmon is plenty in summer, while cutthroat trout is available during the late season.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, picnicking, golfing
This alpine beauty may require a strenuous hike along the 4.5-mile Stuart Lake Trail to reach it. But, once you are here, you will never regret it. You can enjoy swimming in the turquoise water and have lunch while admiring the views of Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Peak at its southern end. If you’re planning to camp overnight, do remember to acquire permits from May 15 – October 31.
Fishing: It has a stock of cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, kayaking, camping, hiking, nature gazing
The state’s largest lake is actually a reservoir boasting about 603 miles of shorelines. Encompassed by Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, it gets its waters from the Columbia River. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the numerous activities provided here. Besides the activities, it is also ideal for spending a relaxing vacation with not many people around. You can also stay at the various campsites ranging from primitive to full-hookups.
Fishing: Fish species like rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, walleye, white sturgeon, and smallmouth bass populate the lake. All except white sturgeon are available throughout the year. Other species that you might also catch are yellow perch, burbot, and lake whitefish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, picnicking
This large artificial reservoir of 27 miles is a part of the Columbia Basin Project. At its north-central part sits Steamboat Rock State Park, where you can take the pleasure of several land and water activities. In addition, you can climb up to the Steamboat Rock, an 800-foot butte jutting out of the lake, to get spectacular views of the body of water and its surroundings. With about seven boat launches, you won’t find it a problem to access it with your boats to enjoy exploring.
Fishing: This lake is brimming with different fish species like smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, walleye, kokanee, and whitefish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, rock climbing, snowshoeing
Spectacle Lake is a large alpine freshwater lake, sitting at an elevation of 1376 feet in Kittitas County. It stays true to its name as its scenic views, including the surrounding lofty peaks, are indeed a sight to behold. It requires a long and challenging hike starting from Pete Lake Trail to reach it. Many campsites dot the area for backpackers and campers to enjoy a peaceful night.
Fishing: Fish species like bluegill, brown trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch dwell in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, kayaking, camping, hiking
You’ll find this glacial-fed lake at the end of a 3-mile hike. Its glistening waters and picnic spots make it a favorite holiday destination. In addition, you will be rewarded with the mesmerizing views of Mt. Adams and subalpine pine-lined all around. There’s also a small campground on its shores with five campsites to stay overnight.
Fishing: Stocks of rainbow trout are plentiful in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, picnicking
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Lake Chelan, Ross Lake, Banks Lake
Best Lakes for Swimming: Banks Lake, Lake Chelan, Lake Sammamish
Best Lakes for Boating: Ross Lake, Lake Crescent, Ozette Lake
Best Lakes to Live On: Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Lake Quinault, Lake Crescent
Best Lakes for Camping: Lake Quinault, Lake Wenatchee, Banks Lake
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