There is no shortage of amazing lakes in Washington. If you’ve lived in Washington for a good portion of your life, you’ve surely heard of our most popular lakes, like Lake Chelan and Lake Union. But there are also plenty of beautiful bodies of water that offer relaxation and fun on those hot summer days that are almost upon us. For a better chance at beating the crowds, head to one of these Washington lakes this summer. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know!

1. American Lake, Lakewood
American Lake Park, 9222 Veterans Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
Brittany N / Yelp
American Lake Park is a laid back lakeside retreat located on Veterans Drive in Lakewood. You're free to take your boat or jet skis, or stay ashore and enjoy the picnic areas, playground and swimming beach. It's one of the best lakes in Washington for swimming, so be sure to check it out.
2. Lake Lawrence
Lake Lawrence, Washington 98597, USA
Lake Lawrence Community Club Facebook
Scenic Lake Lawrence is located in the charming town of Yelm. It's a popular place for trout fishing, but you'll also enjoy some good old-fashioned lakeside lounging here. The Lake Lawrence Community Club is available for awesome private parties and weddings.
3. Long Lake
Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503, USA
Blaze V / Yelp
This freshwater lake in Lacey is a very popular swimming spot (specifically at Long Lake Park, which has lifeguards). But if you go early and during the week, you can avoid the madness and enjoy a nice, relaxing swim. The nearby boat launch is open during fishing season, and you'll need a WDFW vehicle use permit to access it.
4. Packwood Lake
Packwood Lake, Washington 98377, USA
Sasha Riley / alltrails.com
While most alpine lakes in the Packwood area remain snow-covered well into spring, Packwood Lake rewards hikers with an early thaw. The 9 mile Packwood Lake Trail is beautiful and ends with this stunning reward. Learn more about hiking to Packwood Lake, then plan your visit there.

Go on a short field trip to Packwood Lake right from your couch:

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5. Yale Lake
Yale Lake, Washington, USA
MrPants / Flickr
Have you ever wanted to jet ski or wakeboard with Mt. St. Helens in the background? Yale Lake is a reservoir on the Lewis River, and the scenery is spectacular. It's one of the best lakes in Washington, so be sure to pay it a visit.

Check out this awesome birds-eye view of Yale Lake in glorious 4K:
6. Rattlesnake Lake
Rattlesnake Lake, Washington 98045, USA
Ghia W / Yelp
The Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area is a day-use area located just outside of North Bend. Swimming is allowed here, though no lifeguards means it is done at your own risk. If you're lucky, you just might see some wildlife during your lake day. Read more about the trail that takes you to view one of the cleanest lakes in Washington, then pencil in your next visit.
7. Curlew Lake
Curlew Lake, Washington 99166, USA
Kevmin/Wikipedia
Located near the charming gold rush town of Republic, Curlew Lake is 921 acres of beautiful water. Curlew Lake State Park is one of the most relaxing places to camp in Washington, and it's also a great spot to hang out for the day.
8. Lake Quinalt
Lake Quinault, Washington, USA
B Gallatin / Flickr
Located within the Quinault Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, this piercing blue lake is perfect for fishing, swimming and hiking nearby. Check out more on the Lake Quinault Rain Forest and one of the best beaches in Washington.
9. Rimrock Lake
Rimrock Lake, Washington 98937, USA
SGSchumann / Flickr
Rimrock Lake is located along the Tieton River in Yakima County, and those who live in Central Washington know how amazing it is for fishing and camping, especially in the summertime. Lakefront RV and tent camping are available at the Rimrock Lake Resort.

Let this spellbinding drone footage make you fall in love with Rimrock Lake before you ever even see it in person:

Don’t you agree that these are some amazing lakes? Our beautiful freshwater lakes in Washington are too numerous to list. Check out some more magical Washington lakes worth visiting this summer.

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Lakes In Washington

Jessica Bohl | May 19, 2022

What are some great swimming spots in Washington?

There are some amazing swimming spots in Washington. Some of our favorites have some of the clearest, most pristine water you’ll ever see.

  • You’ll absolutely want to check out Devil’s Punch Bowl at Lake Crescent, which is inside Olympic National Park In Port Angeles. As it’s reportedly about 1,000 feet deep and offers daring visitors the ability to jump from heights of 15 to 50 feet, this lake is definitely for experienced swimmers.
  • Another fantastic lake for swimming is Enchantment Lakes in Leavenworth. This high mountain lake basin with 12 named lakes has some of the most pristine water in Washington. Only accessed via a difficult trail, this swimming location is for experienced hikers who want to escape to a magical lake.

 

Are there any hidden lakes in Washington?

Some lakes in Washington are so amazing that they attract a ton of visitors. But sometimes it is nice to find a wonderful lake that isn’t quite so popular.

  • If you’re up for a strenuous hike that leads to a beautiful, quiet alpine lake, then Rachel Lake is the Washington Lake for you. Located east of Snoqualmie Pass, this 3.5-mile trail leads you to a little alpine lake at the base of Rampart Ridge. This serene lake is a wonder to behold, so you may want to stay overnight in one of the campsites at the lake. So if this sounds like an amazing day or weekend trip, be sure to check it out.

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