Are you looking for the perfect lakes to enjoy outdoor activities, fishing, boating, hiking, or just a relaxing picnic with family and friends near Seattle? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the best lakes in the area that offer something for everyone.
Seattle and its surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful lakes in the Pacific Northwest. From urban lakes that offer a quick escape from the city to secluded lakes that offer peace and quiet, there is no shortage of options.
Whether you want to enjoy water sports, hike scenic trails, or simply relax by the water, we have got you covered.
So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and let’s explore the best lakes near Seattle.
Key Takeaways
- Seattle and its surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful lakes in the Pacific Northwest that offer something for everyone.
- There are top lakes for outdoor activities, the best lakes for fishing enthusiasts, family-friendly lakes with playgrounds, scenic lakes for hiking and walking, lakes with the best water sports, quiet and secluded lakes for relaxation, and lakes with rich wildlife and bird-watching.
- Whether you want to enjoy water sports, hike scenic trails, or relax by the water, there is no shortage of options near Seattle.
Table of Contents
Top Lakes for Outdoor Activities
Are you ready for some fun outdoor activities? Look no further than these top lakes near Seattle! Whether you’re into paddleboarding, hiking, or just lounging on the beach, there is something for everyone.
Lake Washington
Lake Washington is the second largest natural lake in the state of Washington, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Seattle. With over 22 miles of shoreline, this lake offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Take a stroll on one of the many hiking trails, rent a paddleboard or kayak, or simply relax on one of the beaches.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, check out the playgrounds and picnic tables at Juanita Beach Park or Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.
Green Lake
Green Lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike in the heart of Seattle. This urban lake offers a 2.8-mile loop trail that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
You can also rent paddleboards or kayaks to explore the lake from a different perspective. If you’re looking for a more relaxed day, bring a picnic and enjoy the sunshine on one of the many grassy areas around the lake.
Lake Sammamish
Just 8 miles outside of Seattle, Lake Sammamish offers plenty of water activities. The freshwater lake serves as an excellent spot for water sports like paddleboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing.
For the angler, it offers a rich variety of species, including perch, bass, trout, salmon, and more. The lake also has several parks with picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Check out Lake Sammamish State Park for a full day of outdoor fun.
Best Lakes for Fishing Enthusiasts
As fishing enthusiasts, we know that finding the perfect lake to cast our lines can be a challenge. Lucky for us, Seattle and the surrounding areas are home to some of the best fishing spots in the country. Here are our top picks for the best lakes to visit when you’re in the mood for some fishing.
Haller Lake
Haller Lake is a small, quiet lake located in the Northgate neighborhood of Seattle. It is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts who come here to catch bass, trout, and catfish.
The lake is surrounded by a park, which offers plenty of space for picnics, hiking, and birdwatching. You can also rent a boat to explore the lake’s many coves and bays.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake is located in Sammamish, just a short drive from Seattle. It is one of the best lakes in the area for Rainbow Trout and Largemouth Bass.
Fishing at Beaver Lake is great all year round, but it’s especially good in the winter when the trout are biting. The lake is surrounded by a park, which offers plenty of space for picnics, hiking, and birdwatching. You can also rent a boat to explore the lake’s many coves and bays.
Family-Friendly Lakes with Playgrounds
When it comes to finding the perfect family-friendly lake near Seattle, there are a few things that come to mind. A playground is definitely one of them! Here are some of the best lakes near Seattle that have playgrounds for your kids to enjoy.
Pine Lake
Pine Lake, located in the city of Sammamish, is a great family-friendly lake that offers a lot of activities for kids. The lake has a playground that is perfect for young children.
The playground is near the bathhouse and picnic shelter, so you can easily watch your kids while they play. The lake also has a sandy beach area where kids can build sandcastles and play in the water.
Lake Boren
Lake Boren is another great family-friendly lake located in the city of Newcastle. The lake has a playground that is perfect for kids of all ages.
The playground is located near the picnic shelter, so you can easily have a picnic while your kids play. The lake also has a bathhouse, so your kids can change into their swimsuits and enjoy the water.
Rattlesnake Lake
Rattlesnake Lake, located in North Bend, is a beautiful lake that offers a lot of activities for families. The lake has a playground that is perfect for young children.
The playground is located near the picnic shelter, so you can easily have a picnic while your kids play. The lake also has a sandy beach area where kids can build sandcastles and play in the water.
Scenic Lakes for Hiking and Walking
If you’re looking for a scenic spot to hike or walk near Seattle, then you’re in luck! There are several beautiful lakes in the area that offer stunning views and great trails. Here are three of our favorites:
Lake Crescent
Located in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views.
There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Spruce Railroad Trail, which follows the route of an old railroad bed and offers beautiful views of the lake. If you’re looking for a shorter walk, there’s also a 0.8-mile trail that leads to the historic Marymere Falls.
Lake Chelan
Located near the North Cascades, Lake Chelan is a popular spot for hiking and water sports.
There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Lakeshore Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, there’s also the Chelan Lakeshore Trail, which is a 17-mile trail that follows the shoreline of the lake.
Lake Serene
Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Lake Serene is a beautiful alpine lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
There’s a 7.2-mile trail that leads to the lake, which is considered moderate to difficult. Along the way, you’ll pass by several waterfalls and enjoy beautiful views of the forest.
Lakes with the Best Water Sports
When it comes to water sports, Seattle has plenty of options to choose from. Here are three of the best lakes in the area for water sports enthusiasts.
Angle Lake
Angle Lake is located in SeaTac, just south of Seattle. It’s a popular spot for water sports, thanks to its clear waters and sandy beaches.
The lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Fishing is also a popular activity at Angle Lake, with a variety of fish species available, including trout, bass, and catfish.
Lake Union
Lake Union is a large and busy city lake located just a stone’s throw away from downtown Seattle. It’s a popular spot for all kinds of water sports, including sailing, rowing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
Kayakers and paddleboarders will also find plenty of space to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets.
Green Lake
Green Lake is a freshwater lake that sits at the center of Green Lake Park in Seattle. It’s a great spot for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming here. The lake also offers a variety of fish species, including perch, bass, trout, and salmon. This makes it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
These lakes offer a variety of water sports activities for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time kayaker, there’s something for everyone at these Seattle-area lakes. So grab your gear and head out to the water for a day of fun in the sun.
Quiet and Secluded Lakes for Relaxation
Sometimes, we need to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and find a peaceful place to relax. Luckily, Seattle is surrounded by many serene lakes that offer a perfect getaway for those seeking solitude. Here are some of the best quiet and secluded lakes near Seattle:
Lake Cushman
Located in Olympic National Forest, Lake Cushman is a picturesque lake that offers a peaceful and secluded environment. The lake is surrounded by towering trees and mountains. This makes it a perfect place for camping, hiking, and fishing. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing at the lake’s sandy beach. The lake’s crystal-clear water and natural beauty make it an ideal place for relaxation and unwinding.
Lake Quinault
Nestled in the heart of Olympic National Park, Lake Quinault is a quiet, peaceful lake that offers a perfect escape from the city’s noise and crowds. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, and its crystal-clear water is home to a variety of fish species. You can enjoy camping, hiking, and picnicking in the lake’s scenic surroundings. The lake’s natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Lake Wenatchee
Located in the Wenatchee National Forest, Lake Wenatchee is a stunning lake that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. The lake’s crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. You can also enjoy camping, hiking, and picnicking in the lake’s scenic surroundings. The lake’s peaceful environment and natural beauty make it an ideal place for relaxation and unwinding.
Lakes with Rich Wildlife and Bird Watching
If you’re looking for a serene escape from the city, Seattle’s lakes offer an abundance of wildlife and bird-watching opportunities. Here are some of the best lakes near Seattle to explore:
Martha Lake
Located in Snohomish County, Martha Lake is a popular spot for bird-watching. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout, making it a great spot for fishing.
Baker Lake
Baker Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The lake is known for its clear waters and stunning mountain views. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and coyotes. The lake is a popular spot for kokanee and salmon fishing.
Colchuck Lake
Nestled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Colchuck Lake is a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. It’s also a popular spot for bird watching, with sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons.
Urban Lakes for a Quick Escape
When we need a quick escape into nature, we often turn to the urban lakes near Seattle for a quick getaway. Here are some of our favorites:
Lake Union
Lake Union makes this list again, as it also falls into this category for Urban lakes. The city of Seattle surrounds the lake on just about all sides. As we already mentioned, it offers a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and more. Thanks to its touristy nature, there are plenty of places to rent kayaks nearby and enjoy the day. Agua Verde Paddle Club is one of our favorites, and they also just so happen to have a Baja-style Mexican Restaurant. Who doesn’t love tacos after a day on the water!?!?
Green Lake
Green Lake is a popular destination for picnics, walks, and runs. It has a 2.8-mile path around the lake that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick jog. The lake is also great for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are plenty of grassy areas for picnicking, and the lake is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. It is also perfect for families thanks to its calm waters, playgrounds, and easy walking trails. There are also seasonal splash pools that the kids will love!
Lake Sammamish
Lake Sammamish also falls into this category as well. As mentioned above, it’s a beautiful lake located between the city of Redmond on the North end and Issaquah on the south. Lake Sammamish State Park is also found on the South End of the lake. It’s a great place to go for a swim, paddleboard, or kayak. There are also plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails around the lake.
Have you visited any of these lakes near Seattle? Share your favorite lake and what makes it special in the comments below. Let’s discover more beautiful spots together!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top lakes for swimming within a short drive from Seattle?
If you’re looking for a lake to swim in near Seattle, there are several options within a short drive from the city. Lake Sammamish is a popular choice, as it is only about 20 minutes east of Seattle and offers a large swimming area. Green Lake is another option, located within Seattle city limits, and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and paddleboarding.
Which lake is considered the most beautiful around the Seattle area?
Beauty is subjective, but many people consider Lake Crescent to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the Seattle area. Located about 2.5 hours west of Seattle, this glacier-fed lake offers stunning views of the surrounding Olympic Mountains and crystal-clear water.
Are there any lakes near Seattle that are particularly good for living on?
Lake Washington is a popular choice for those looking to live on a lake near Seattle. It is the second-largest natural lake in Washington and offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Mercer Island, located in the middle of Lake Washington, is a popular spot for lakefront living.
Can you recommend a family-friendly lake for a day trip near Seattle?
Lake Sammamish State Park is a great option for a family-friendly day trip. The park offers a large swimming area, picnic tables, and a playground. There are also hiking trails and boat rentals available.
What’s the largest lake in the Seattle vicinity for outdoor activities?
Lake Washington is the largest lake in the Seattle area for outdoor activities. It spans over 22 miles long and offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always felt at home in the outdoors. We created Evergreen Adventures PNW to share our love of hiking, camping, and exploring, and to help others discover the best adventures this region has to offer. Along with trip guides and tips, we also enjoy diving into the science behind the landscapes—thanks to a background in Environmental Science—because understanding nature makes every adventure even more meaningful.