Here Are 11 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Washington, According To Our Readers
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Chris Muras
Author
Washington can lay claim to some of the most amazing lakes in the United States. But what are the best lakes in Washington?
With majestic mountains reflected in glass-like pools of the most vibrant glacier-fed blue and green water, it’s hard to choose just one. That’s why we polled our supportive lake lovers on our Only In Washington Facebook page and our Washington Nature Lovers Facebook group to find out which one is their favorite.
We won’t go so far as to pick just one as the winner, but all 11 of these Washington lakes deserve a visit the next time you get the urge to travel.
Colchuck Lake, Washington 98826, USA
As the summer sun bathes The Enchantments in its warm glow, a dip in the pristine waters of Colchuck Lake makes for a refreshing reprieve after the 4-mile hike on Stuart Lake Trail. It's easy to see why Colchuck Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Washington.
Diablo Lake, Washington 98283, USA
Diablo Lake is another beautiful reservoir lake in Washington created by the Diablo Dam. You’ll notice something special about this amazing lake - its color!
Diablo Lake gets this stunning unique color when sunlight refracts on suspended rock particles called glacial flour. This "Diablo Flower" is a gift from surrounding mountains as they are eroded by ice and flow into Diablo Lake through glacial streams.
Diablo Lake gets this stunning unique color when sunlight refracts on suspended rock particles called glacial flour. This "Diablo Flower" is a gift from surrounding mountains as they are eroded by ice and flow into Diablo Lake through glacial streams.
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Reflection Lakes, Washington 98361, USA
Mount Rainier reflected in all its glory gives
Reflection Lake its majestic moniker. While swimming is prohibited in this beautiful lake, it will always remain a must-see lake known for its stunning views of spring wildflowers, mirror-like surface, and abundant wildlife.
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Lake Chelan, Washington, USA
Our science word of the day is ultra-oligotrophic. It means low levels of phosphorus and other nutrients, and it’s the reason why Lake Chelan remains so crystal clear.
Lake Chelan is a wonderful lake for all kinds of water recreation if you enjoy a refreshingly cool swim. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving as it is Washington’s deepest lake at nearly 1,500 feet!
Lake Chelan is a wonderful lake for all kinds of water recreation if you enjoy a refreshingly cool swim. Visitors also enjoy kayaking, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving as it is Washington’s deepest lake at nearly 1,500 feet!
Silver Lake, WA 98645, USA
As the sunrise burns off the morning mist over Silver Lake you will be treated to some of the most amazing sunrise views. It’s the perfect time to drop a line in to hopefully catch one of the many species of pan-fish, bass, and even rainbow trout, which is stocked in the spring.
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Summit Lake, Washington 98502, USA
This glistening alpine lake nestled between big mountain views and rich evergreen forests is fewer than 10 miles from Washington’s state capital, Olympia. Summit Lake is another wonderful recreation lake in Washington for water sports, fishing, and swimming.
Lake Ann, Washington 98826, USA
Lake Ann comes alive in the fall when gold, red, green, yellow, and orange battle for your attention against the pristine pool below Maple Pass in the Cascade Mountains. That’s not to take away from the beauty you’ll find here year-round.
Clear Lake, WA 98328, USA
Clear Lake on a haunting early morning before the sun wakes is a beautiful reminder to enjoy a quiet moment of peace each day. This spring-fed lake in Spokane County Washington is a local hot spot for bass fishing and is even touted as the leading bass fishing lake in the country.
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Corral Lake, Washington 99344, USA
Located near Potholes Reservoir,
Corral Lake is another stunning lake known for its trout fishing. In fact, the lake was rehabilitated in 2007 to get rid of nuisance fish and restore the trout population.
Bench Lake, Washington 98361, USA
We sure do love a lake that can reflect the surrounding mountains and forest with such exuberant glee as Bench Lake. Bench Lake (along with its neighbor Snow Lake) is one of the most visited lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and for good reason.
Surrounded by hiking trails, these two lakes offer mesmerizing views of Mount Rainier and the pristine ice-melt waters of the lakes themselves. Dip a toe in if you dare because they are chillingly refreshing.
Surrounded by hiking trails, these two lakes offer mesmerizing views of Mount Rainier and the pristine ice-melt waters of the lakes themselves. Dip a toe in if you dare because they are chillingly refreshing.
Bumping Lake, Washington 98937, USA
Beautiful Bumping Lake has the unique distinction of being a natural lake and a reservoir. Its capacity is controlled by Bumping Lake Dam, yet it is naturally fed by the Bumping River.
A popular swimming, boating, and fishing lake for campers in the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest, Bumping is one of those calm Washington lakes we all love to visit when the nature bug bites us in the...you know what.
A popular swimming, boating, and fishing lake for campers in the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest, Bumping is one of those calm Washington lakes we all love to visit when the nature bug bites us in the...you know what.
Since there are nearly 8,000 of them, we can’t say for sure what the best lakes in Washington are, but we definitely think you should add all 11 of these lakes to your Washington nature bucket list.
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More to Explore
Natural Wonders in Washington
What are the best hiking trails in Washington?
The best hiking trails in Washington are:
- Sleeping Beauty Trail, near Stevenson and the Columbia River Gorge. This 2.5-mile trail weaves through verdant forests and majestic mountains.
- Tolmie Peak Trail, Mount Rainier National Park. This difficult trail is worth the effort; astonishing views await you around every turn.
- Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail. This easy one-mile hike starts from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, and it's full of magnificent trees and plant life.
- Shi Shi Beach Trail, Olympic Peninsula. This is a 6.7-mile trail that meanders through sandy shores and refreshing water.
- Ape Canyon Trail, Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This is a difficult nine-mile hike that will make you sweat. If you're up for the challenge, it's absolutely worth it.
What are the best waterfalls in Washington?
The best waterfalls in Washington are:
- Snoqualmie Falls
- Palouse Falls
- Franklin Falls
- Myrtle Falls
- Silver Falls
- Tumwater Falls
What are the best parks in Washington?
The best parks in Washington are:
- Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop. This beautiful place has 11,000 feet of pristine shoreline. Whether you come to hike or boat, you'll have a great time.
- Joemma Beach State Park, Longbranch. You could spend all day soaking in these stunning sights.
- Curlew Lake State Park, Republic. We love camping here! The peaceful views never get old.
- Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City. This is a scenic place to hike, fish, and camp.
- Flaming Geyser State Park, Auburn. In addition to gorgeous hiking trails, this state park is home to two geysers and a model airplane flying area.
- Ike Kinswa State Park, Silver Creek. Complete with RV hookups and boat ramps, this state park is perfect for a weekend getaway.
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