The 7 Best Washington Lakes for Swimming

Washington is a state with lush vegetation, majestic mountains, and dramatic coasts. Additionally, this Pacific Northwest state is home to more than 8,000 lakes. Despite the rain and clouds, Washington has very mild weather, rarely dropping below 45℉ or rising above 79℉. But on warmer-than-average summer days, you may consider cooling off in one of the state’s natural pools. Check out this list of the best Washington lakes for swimming and learn about their locations and other activities available. 

1. Lake Chelan

Resembling a fjord, Lake Chelan is an over-deepened lake surrounded by mountains and vineyards in Chelan County in north-central Washington. It is approximately 50 miles long and features pristine blue waters. It is also the largest natural lake in Washington. Lake Chelan is glacier fed and a popular attraction for residents and tourists. There are several swimming beaches, but Lake Chelan State Park is the most popular area. You can also boat, fish, paddleboard, kayak, and scuba. And the surrounding area provides even more activities, including hiking, volleyball, wine tasting, and perusing quaint lake towns.  

2. Lake Sammamish

Eight miles east of Seattle, Lake Sammamish is a 531-acre state park and a seven-mile-long freshwater lake. The lake in King County features two sandy swimming beaches, hiking trails through the forest, fishing spots, and plenty of wildlife viewing. Lake Sammamish is also a popular spot for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. If you visit during certain times of the year, you can participate in fairs, events, and summer concerts. This lake and state park is an excellent space to clear your head and be in nature. Plus, it’s family-friendly!

3. Cranberry Lake

Located in Deception Pass State Park on Fidalgo Island, Cranberry Lake gets warmer in the summer than other lakes, making it perfect for a summer swim. You will find a roped-off swimming area on the lake’s western side, while the eastern side is for boating and fishing. The surrounding area of Island County also boasts moderate to strenuous hiking trails through the forest, and some are a favorite among cyclists. This lake and state park give you the feeling of remoteness while still being close to civilization. And the scenery is one of the best parts of Cranberry Lake. Don’t forget to take pictures!    

4. Lake Washington

Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County near Seattle and the second-largest natural lake in Washington, featuring 21 miles. The lake is fed by the Sammamish River and borders several cities, including Seattle and Bellevue. Due to its proximity to major metropolitan areas, Lake Washington is a very popular recreational spot. While the water can be pretty cold, that doesn’t stop people from getting in it. There are several swimming beaches where you can kick back and relax. Check out the Magnuson Park Swimming Beach. You can also paddleboard, hike, bird watch, and pick fresh fruit. It can get crowded during summer, but the lake is large enough for people to spread out. 

5. Deep Lake

Despite its name, Deep Lake only has a maximum depth of 17 feet, which is considerably shallow compared to other lakes. This 66-acre lake is south of Olympia in Thurston County and is a peaceful retreat outside the city. Because no power boats are allowed in the water, you can safely swim across the lake if the mood strikes. It is also a popular area for kayaking and fishing. Because Deep Lake is a hidden gem, you won’t have to worry about large crowds. 

6. Lake Crescent

Unlike Deep Lake, Lake Crescent has great depths of 624 feet. It’s located in Olympic National Park near the Salish Sea. Lake Crescent is a glacial mountain lake popular for trout fishing, hiking, boating, camping, picnicking, and summertime swimming. The water is insanely clear and turquoise, making a quick dip tempting even when it’s freezing. As a bonus, there are hot springs close by to warm you up. This picturesque lake will have you coming back again and again.  

7. Sun Lakes

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is in Coulee City in Grant County. This state park covers over 3,700 acres of recreational fun along the National Ice Age Floods Geologic Trail. There are several areas for swimming, as well as boating, fishing, waterskiing, hiking, and camping. And there is a playground, amphitheater, golfing areas, horseshoe pits, and a museum. This state park is definitely a weekend camping getaway, especially during the summer.

Summary of the 7 Best Washington Lakes for Swimming

Here’s a recap of the seven swimming-suitable Washington lakes we took a look at.