The countdown is on until the long, warm days of summer and Washingtonians are ready to get outside. We’re fortunate enough to have nearly 8,000 lakes in our state, many of which make great destinations for sunny days. These 11 especially are perfect for making new summer memories and are the best lakes in Washington. 

1. Lake Roosevelt
Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Washington, USA
Karyn Christner / Flickr
Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, or Lake Roosevelt, is a popular destination of choice for much of Eastern Washington. Along with fishing, boating and other lake activities, several companies offer houseboat rentals so you can enjoy a floating vacation.

2. Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan, Washington, USA
Gregory Trieste / Flickr
Lake Chelan is one of the most popular places in Washington during the summer, and for good reason. Between the lake activities themselves (boating, fishing, water sports) and the fun things to do in the town of Chelan, a getaway here should be on everyone’s summer bucket lists as one of the best lakes in Washington.
3. Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault, Washington, USA
B Gallatin / Flickr
Lake Quinault is located within the Quinault Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula. You can fish the lake and take a scenic hike, then stay overnight at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge.
4. Loon Lake
Loon Lake, WA, USA
Tom Ruppe / Flickr
You’ll find Loon Lake in Stevens County about 30 miles northwest of Spokane. It’s a beautiful place to be all summer, but it’s especially magical on the Fourth of July. Locals and visitors bring out their decorated boats for the Loon Lake Fourth of July Boat Parade.
5. Omak Lake
Omak Lake, Washington 98841, USA
yimmy149 / Flickr
The largest saline lake in Washington occupies a former channel of the Columbia River. The locals once believed the lake was inhabited by spirits, but these days you’ll find it full of boaters, swimmers and lakeside sunbathers.

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6. Eunice Lake
Eunice Lake, Washington 98304, USA
Michael Toyama / Flickr
You’ve probably seen a classic picture of Mt. Rainier from Eunice Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Mount Rainier National Park. If you’re on a summer hike in the area, don’t forget to stop by and take pictures of the lake and the surrounding meadows with wildflowers.
7. Lake Sammamish
Lake Sammamish State Park, 2182 NW Sammamish Rd, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
blueviking63 / Flickr
This seven-mile lake in King County is bordered by the beautiful Marymoor Park. Summertime activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and jet skiing make it a magical place to be from June-September.
8. Packwood Lake
Packwood Lake, Washington 98377, USA
depo17 / Flickr
You can enjoy views of this stunning lake from the Packwood Lake Trail, then go fishing from its banks. Motors are prohibited in order to keep the lake pristine, but paddle boats are allowed so head out to one of the best Washington lakes soon.
9. Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps, WA 98391, USA
Buster Benson / Flickr
Head to Lake Tapps Park, a popular swimming and boat launch area on the north side of Lake Tapps, for some serious summer fun. Between the beach access, barbecue grills, picnic tables and stunning views of Mt. Rainier, it’s a perfect place to spend a warm day in Pierce County.
10. Blanca Lake
Blanca Lake, Washington 98251, USA
Jon Hathaway / Flickr
Reaching Blanca Lake is not easy. The trail is not meant for the novice hiker, and sometimes the roads are closed due to forest closures. But if you ever do manage to make the trek, you’ll be treated to one of the most striking lakes in the Pacific Northwest.

11. Green Lake
Green Lake, Seattle, WA, USA
javacolleen / Flickr
The path around Seattle’s Green Lake is a popular place to walk and run in any season. But summer means many activities like kayaking, sports leagues, summer camps and parades.

Do you have a favorite lake for summer fun? Which do you think are the best lakes in Washington state?

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Lakes in Washington State

SKS | May 28, 2022

What’s the most beautiful lake in Washington?

Colchuck Lake is the most beautiful lake in Washington.

Colchuck Lake is a glacial lake meaning that it gets its brilliant blue colors from the snow melt of the surrounding mountains. When you see it for the first time it's truly stunning to see such beautiful crystal clear blue water. To reach Colchuck Lake, take a 9-mile round-trip hike that has plenty of steep parts. However, the difficult hike is undoubtedly worth the incredible view you will get of the beautiful waters of Colchuck Lake surrounded by the towering mountains and pines. If you are looking for the most beautiful lake in Washington, look no further than Colchuck Lake.

What is the most popular hike in Washington?

Lake 22 Trail is the most popular hiking trail in Washington.

Lake 22 Trail is a 6-mile hike in Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest that may be the most popular hike in Washington. With 1,500 feet of elevation gain, the hike definitely isn’t an easy stroll, but it’s far from the more difficult hikes that can be found throughout Washington. Once you reach Alpine Lake 22, it will be easy to see why so many people love this hike, as there is nothing quite like the breathtaking view of Lake 22 with Mount Pilchuck towering overhead.

What is the most scenic waterfall hike in Washington?

Franklin Falls Trail is the most scenic waterfall hike in Washington state.

This two-mile trail will take you up to the giant 70-foot drop that is the final part of Franklin Falls and is a sight to behold. Popular throughout the year, no matter what season you visit in, you won’t be disappointed by this beautiful and scenic trail.

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