Summer may only last three months, but there’s still time to enjoy some of Washington’s finest swimming holes. These seven spots are known for their clean, beautiful, refreshing water – so if you only have time for one more summer swim, head to one of these places. And put the rest of these best swimming spots with some of the clearest water in Washington state on your bucket list for next year.

1. Devil’s Punch Bowl, Port Angeles
Stephanie Keys
Devil's Punchbowl, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Stephanie Keys
You’ll find the Devil’s Punch Bowl at Lake Crescent inside Olympic National Park in Port Angeles. It’s certainly one of the best swimming lakes in Washington. It’s reportedly about 1,000 feet deep, and thrill-seekers jump from heights of 15 to 50 feet.
2. Enchantment Lakes, Leavenworth
Anton Teplouhov/AllTrails
The Enchantments, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Chris Childs/AllTrails
The Enchantments are located on a high mountain lake basin with about a dozen named lakes that have some of the cleanest and clearest water in Washington. They can be accessed by a popular backcountry trail. The Enchantments Trail hike is rated hard, so it's certainly not for beginners. This hike will make you feel like you’re in another world. Day and overnight use permits are required, which you can learn more about on the web page.

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3. Dougan Creek Falls, Skamania County
Dougan creek falls, 32 Dougan Falls Ln, Washougal, WA 98671, USA
Sean T. / Yelp
Dougan Creek Falls is located near Stevenson along the Washougal River and has one of the best swimming holes in Washington. The little pool at the base of the waterfall is a serene spot to swim. To learn about the location of Dougan Creek Falls, visit the Northwest Waterfalls Survey website.

Take a look at this video by @waterfallpix1214:
4. Cranberry Lake, Anacortes
Cranberry Lake, Anacortes, WA 98221, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Located at Deception Pass State Park, Cranberry Lake is a peaceful place with a designated swimming area and slightly warmer water than the nearby Pacific Ocean. It's one of the best lakes in Washington to swim. Learn more by visiting the Deception Pass web page.
5. Lake Chelan, Chelan
Lake Chelan, Washington, USA
Marysabel V. / TripAdvisor
The state's most popular "summer lake" is a surprisingly clean place to swim with some of the clearest water in Washington state. Every year on the first Saturday after Labor Day, the Chelan Swim event raises money and awareness for local swimming lessons.
6. Bradbury Beach, Kettle Falls
Bradbury Day Use Area, Kettle Falls, WA 99141, USA
Daniel Salmon/Google Local
The clean, clear water at Bradbury Beach has a central floating dock that has been buoyed off for swimming. The water here tends to be slightly warmer than other parts of the lake, making for a more pleasant swim. Bradbury Beach is located at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and it's one of the clearest lakes in Washington to swim.
7. Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City
Steamboat Rock State Park, 51052 WA-155, Electric City, WA 99123, USA
Jake Khuon / Flickr
With 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline at the north end of Banks Lake, Steamboat Rock State Park offers plenty of swimming spots in its pristine waters. It's one of the best lakes in Washington to swim.

Each of these places has beautiful, clean water for swimming. Have you been to some of the best swimming spots with some of the clearest water in Washington state? Is your favorite swimming spot on this list? If not, add it in the comment section!

For an even more magical experience, try a waterfall swimming hole.

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Best Swimming Spots In Washington

Melissa M. | June 28, 2021

Where can I find the bluest water in Washington?

Located between glaciers in the North Cascade Mountains, you can find some of the bluest water in Washington state. Diablo Lake is a reservoir with an elevation of 1201 feet above sea level and water with such a vibrant turquoise color you won’t think it’s real. But it is real and you have to see it in person to believe it!

What are some of the best beaches in Washington?

With 157 miles of coastline along with shorelines of numerous lakes and rivers, the state has some incredible beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in Washington:  

  • Meadowdale Beach Park is located in the small city of Edmonds.
  • Port Williams in Sequim is a serene beach that’s perfect for a stroll.

 

Check out our Hidden Beaches Road Trip to find some of the best and more secluded beaches in the state.

Does Washington have any natural wonders?

Yes, Washington has plenty of natural wonders including:

  • Dry Falls near Coulee City
  • Mount Rainier
  • Columbia River Gorge

 

Check out more natural wonders in Washington state that you can see for free.

 

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