Wild Logo v4

15 Fun Recreational Lakes near Seattle, WA

Seattle's lakes are diverse and plentiful. It's home to the nation-famous Lake Washington, as well as urban fishing ponds and mountain reservoirs with every outdoor activity imaginable.
ItIsWild.com: Best Lakes near Seattle Washington

In addition to the three main lakes – Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Lake Sammamish – Seattle has dozens of other recreational reservoirs, from urban fishing ponds to mountain lakes teeming with trout.

All of the options on the list have public access and allow swimming and paddling, and some are excellent wakeboarding and water skiing spots, too. 

However, the choice is small if you plan on lakeside camping. Your best bets are national forests near Snoqualmie Pass and I-90. This is where you’ll find hundreds of breathtaking trails, too.

If you’re renting an RV to travel to some of these, Keechelus Lake, Kachess Lake, and Cle Elum Lake are your best options.

Recreational Lakes near Seattle Washington Comparison Table

1. Lake Union

Lake Union in Seattle Washington Aerial View
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lake Union
  • Distance from Seattle: 2 miles (7 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Sailing, Rowing, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Hiking, Picnics

Lake Union is a large and busy city lake, just a stone’s throw away from downtown. It’s a vital artery connecting Lake Washington to Puget Sound and the best place to feel Seattle’s maritime vibe.

One of the most popular things to do here is walking Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop, which connects parks and sights and offers stunning views over the water.

Also, Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park offer museums and tourist attractions, as well as an opportunity to paddleboard and kayak or just relax by the water.

What’s more, there are a dozen marinas scattered along the shoreline, so renting a yacht or a boat is never a problem. But, if you want a unique experience, try cruising in a jacuzzi or taking a seaplane flight

Swimming is allowed at Lake Union, but the water quality isn’t monitored, and the lake’s industrial past suggests it’s not the best idea. Still, many people do, although there are no designated beaches here.

And when it comes to fishing, Lake Union isn’t really known for that. WDFW doesn’t stock the lake, so you can only catch native species like smallmouth, largemouth, and rock bass, as well as crappie and bluegill, who love pier structures.

Related: 13 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Olympia, WA

2. Green Lake

Green Lake in Seattle Washington at Sunset
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Green Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 6 miles (10 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Sailing, Rowing, Hiking, Biking, Picnics

Green Lake is a 250-acre natural lake in north Seattle. It’s a highly rated location with tons of activities and is a vital part of the city.

Green Lake Park surrounds the whole of the reservoir, so the access is easy from either side, with four parking lots strategically placed around.

The lake is at its busiest in summer, with paddlers, anglers, and swimmers competing for space. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalboats in the lake’s northeastern corner.

What’s more, two designated swimming beaches usually open in mid-June and operate until Labour Day. Plus, there is a wading pool on the northern part – the source of unlimited joy for kids.

And when it comes to fishing, Green Lake doesn’t disappoint either. It gets decent reviews, has two fishing piers, and offers excellent shore access. 

Moreover, WDFW plants thousands of rainbow trout throughout the year, which are the most common catch. But you can also expect plenty of carp, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and many other species. It’s a very diverse lake.

In addition to all the water fun, the park offers sports fields and courts, a rowing club, and a 2.8-mile paved loop around the lake that is always busy with runners, skaters, and cyclists.

The only thing you can’t do at Green Lake is motorized boating, so activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are out of the question.

Still, it’s a highly-rated destination that is loved and treasured by the locals, well-worth a visit.

Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State

3. Lake Washington

Lake Washington in Seattle Washington Seafair during Air Show
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lake Washington
  • Distance from Seattle: 4 miles (10 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Sailing, Rowing, Hiking, Biking, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing

At 22,000 acres, Lake Washington is the second largest natural lake in the state. It has no recreational restrictions and is known for its luxury houses (including Bill Gates’) and the annual Seafair Weekend Festival with boating and air show.

Although the lake separates two urban centers – Seattle and Bellevue, it has plenty of public access points. In fact, there are over 20 parks, 16 designated beaches, and a dozen marinas scattered throughout the shoreline.

The choice is huge, yet a few locations stand out. For example, if you’re into hiking and neat landscapes, you should definitely visit Washington Park Arboretum. And for an all-round spot with trails and beaches, try Steward Park or Coleman Park.

What’s more, rental locations with kayaks and canoes are easy to find. For example, the nearest one to downtown is the UoW rental place that’s open to the public. Plus, several marinas will rent out boats and yachts for pleasure cruising and water sports.

When it comes to fishing, Lake Washington is outstanding, too. Many parks provide fishing piers and shore access, and a lake of such size frequently produces lunkers. For example, it holds state records for black crappie and sockeye salmon. 

However, the most common fish in Lake Washington is smallmouth and largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, and bluegill. And sometimes, you can catch cutthroat, kokanee, and rainbow trout planted by WDFW in the past.

Huge, versatile, and stunning, Lake Washington can accommodate any hobby and taste; you just have to find your favorite spot.

Related: Top 15 Hiking Trails near Tacoma, WA

4. Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lake Sammamish
  • Distance from Seattle: 15 miles (20 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Sailing, Rowing, Hiking, Biking, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Camping

Lake Sammamish is a 4,853-acre lake east of Seattle. It’s an excellent recreational spot with a selection of parks and hardly any limits on activities.

If it’s your first visit, the best place to start is Lake Sammamish State Park on the southern shore. It has two designated beaches, boat ramps, hiking trails, and kayak rentals. It’s a buzzing place, especially on summer weekends.

Another option is Marymoor Park at the northern tip, at Redmond. It’s a large park with miles of hiking trails, an off-leash dog area, a beach, and several sports fields.

What’s more, Lake Sammamish is the nearest lake that offers camping. Vasa Park Resort has RV and tent spaces for overnight and long-term stays. So if you’re renting an RV for a lake trip, this can be your first stop.

In addition to water activities like paddling, boating, and swimming, the lake is an excellent fishing spot known for good-size smallmouth bass and a wild cutthroat population. Fishing piers are hard to find, but shore access is generally ok if you visit one of the parks.

Overall, Lake Sammamish is an excellent spot for outdoor lovers and a much more tranquil experience than the lakes mentioned thus far.

Related: 13 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Olympia, WA

5. Rattlesnake Lake

Rattlesnake Lake near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Rattlesnake Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 35 miles (35 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Biking

Rattlesnake Lake is a 108-acre lake near Tanner, some 35 minutes from Seattle. It’s the nearest mountain lake with a wilderness atmosphere and surrounding coniferous trees.

Accessing the lake is pretty easy from I-90; it’s a paved road all the way. And when it comes to facilities, the area has porta-potties and a small launching ramp, but that’s really it. There is no drinking water or garbage collection.

Swimming is allowed at Rattlesnake Lake, but as you can imagine, the water is nippy even in summer. Also, you can kayak and canoe here, and boating is restricted to electric motors, making it a truly peaceful experience.

Fishing is pretty good at Rattlesnake Lake. It’s all about trout here; you won’t find bass or catfish. WDFW plants rainbow trout multiple times a year. In addition to that, you can catch native cutthroat, but they’re not as common. There is no fishing pier, but shore access is excellent.

What’s more, the area is an exceptional hiking destination with dozens of routes sprawling in every direction. The most popular hike by far is the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail which climbs to a viewpoint with stunning views of the lake and surrounding ridges.

Rattlesnake Lake is a highly-rated area and a popular photography spot. It would be nice to have campgrounds here to spend more time exploring the trails. Yet, it’s a day-use location and quite busy at that.

Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State

6. Lost Lake

Lost Lake
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lost Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 67 miles (1h 15min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Biking, Dispersed Camping

Lost Lake is a 160-acre mountain lake near Snoqualmie Pass. Like Rattlesnake Lake, it’s wild and undeveloped, with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Most such lakes require hiking, but Lost Lake can be reached by car. After the I-90 turn-off, the road turns into a gravel track with potholes, which most cars can easily handle.

Depending on the water level, the shore access can be great or non-existent. Yet, launching a kayak or a paddleboard to explore is always possible. Also, swimming is allowed at Lost Lake, but the water doesn’t get warm even in August. 

Fishing is a popular activity here, too. If you plan to fish from the shore, you must time your visit when the water is low. Yet, fishing from a kayak usually yields better results.

Lost Lake used to be stocked with jumbo rainbow trout, which is still present. But generally, it’s a brook trout lake with a modest population of kokanee and cutthroats.

Like Rattlesnake Lake, Lost Lake has many hiking trails, including climbs and the Palouse to Cascade State Park (John Wayne Pioneer) rail-trail – the second-longest in the country.

Overall, visiting this charming location can be a fantastic adventure. And although it’s not a particularly busy spot, the parking spaces are limited, so arrive early on weekends.

Related: Top 15 Hiking Trails near Tacoma, WA

7. Keechelus Lake

Keechelus Lake near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Keechelus Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 55 miles (55 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Biking, Camping, ATVs

Keechelus Lake is a 2,408-acre reservoir near Snoqualmie Pass. It’s easily accessible from I-90 and offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities.

The reservoir changes a lot throughout the seasons. In spring, it’s full and offers fantastic boating and fishing. But towards the fall, the water level drops, exposing submerged tree stumps and rendering boat ramps useless.

The exposed delta is a muddy place and a popular playground for ATVs, but most vehicles will get stuck in these conditions. Still, you can always put a kayak in and explore the lake from the water.

Moreover, Keechelus Lake is a well-known kokanee fishery and a bucket list destination for many anglers. However, fishing here isn’t fantastic; it’s a challenge rather than a blast.

On land, there are a couple of campgrounds, miles of hiking trails, and the famous Palouse to Cascade State Park rail-trail that hugs the western shore.

Apart from the fluctuating water levels, another drawback here is the proximity to the I-90, which spoils the wilderness vibe with its noise. Still, it’s a scenic lake with easy access and lots to do; definitely worth a visit.

Related: 13 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Olympia, WA

8. Kachess Lake

Kachess Lake near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Kachess Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 67 miles (1h 5min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Camping

Kachess Lake is a 4,378-acre mountain lake in Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest. It’s a highly-rated outdoor destination with fantastic boating and camping.

The most popular spot on the reservoir is Kachess Lake Campground on the western shore. It’s a 20-minute drive on a well-kept gravel road. Most road cars won’t have problems getting here.

The campground has over 100 sites and a paved boat ramp that can accommodate even large boats. However, if you plan on boating, it’s better to visit in early summer when the water level is still high. Towards the fall, launching motorboats becomes impossible.

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are all great fun here. And there is even a designated beach for swimming.

When it comes to fishing, Kachess Lake is similar to Keechelus Lake. It’s a popular kokanee spot that WDFW stocks several times a year. Also, you can catch whitefish and rainbow and cutthroat trout here.

Yet, unlike Keechelus Lake, this destination feels truly wild and remote. Here, you can forget about life’s worries and unwind by the campfire.

Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State

9. Lake Easton

Lake Easton State Park near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lake Easton
  • Distance from Seattle: 71 miles (1h 10min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating (10hp), Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Camping, Biking

Lake Easton is a 205-acre reservoir on Yakima River, just over an hour’s drive from Seattle. It’s a popular family-friendly spot that gets hectic in summer.

The best thing about this destination is that it’s a state park, which means you’re guaranteed clean facilities and friendly rangers during your stay. 

The park offers a designated swimming area, a boat ramp, and a campground with tent and RV sites. Also, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, including the Palouse to Cascade State Park rail-trail. 

What’s more, in winter, the park turns into a hub for snow activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. So, it’s not just a summer destination.

Yet, Lake Easton has two major drawbacks. One is that fishing is terrible here. Unfortunately, it’s not stocked, and there are restrictions in place on how to fish and what to keep. And the second criticism is the proximity to the highway, which is a constant source of the noise. 

Still, plenty of folks enjoy the lake and have a fantastic time here, don’t be put off by the minor drawbacks.

Related: Top 15 Hiking Trails near Tacoma, WA

10. Cle Elum Lake

Flowing Lake near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Cle Elum Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 87 miles (1h 25min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Camping

Cle Elum Lake is a large 4,566-acre reservoir in Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest. It’s known for its fantastic sandy beach and breathtaking mountain setting.

Speelyi Beach is located on the lake’s southern shore and is easily accessible from I-90. Although it’s a day-use area, there are plenty of cabins to rent in the town nearby.

Yet, if you prefer a more wild experience, Wish Poosh Campground on the eastern shore is an excellent option. It has both tent and RV spaces and is the perfect base for tackling the famous Hex Mountain

Like other Yakima Basin reservoirs, Cle Elum gets low by mid-July, becoming useless for motorized boating. So the boating season is short here, but kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding remain possible.

And when it comes to fishing, WDFW stopped planting kokanee here to aid the wild sockeye population. Yet, there is plenty of trout in the lake, and WDFW encourages the taking of non-native species like rainbow and lake trout.

Related: 13 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Olympia, WA

11. Three Lakes

Flowing Lake near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Three Lakes
  • Distance from Seattle: 41 miles (45 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Camping, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing

Three Lakes is a system of reservoirs that includes Storm Lake, Flowing Lake, and Panther Lake. Located near Snohomish, it’s just 50 minutes away from Seattle.

Flowing Lake is the biggest and most developed of the three. Its county park is geared towards recreation and will give any state park a run for the money.

Here you will find campgrounds, a boat ramp, a beach, and a selection of vital lakeside apparatus like picnic tables and grills.

Although it’s only 130 acres in size, Flowing Lake allows water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Yet, there is a boat limit, so arrive early if you plan to boat.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are all great fun, but fishing draws a large proportion of visitors, too. Unfortunately, shore access isn’t the best, but at least there is a fishing pier.

When it comes to species, it’s a typical Lowland Lake with native largemouth, bluegill, and perch, in addition to planted rainbow trout. Lunkers are rare, but the action is good if fishing from a boat or a kayak.

In summer, Flowing Lake is packed with locals and visitors, which is its biggest drawback. And if you plan on camping, early booking is essential, as it has one of the nearest lakeside campgrounds to Seattle.

Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State

12. Lake Tapps

Lake Tapps near Seattle Washington
Source: unsplash
  • Official Page: Lake Tapps
  • Distance from Seattle: 34 miles (40 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Walking, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Picnics, BBQs

Lake Tapps is a 2,433-acre lake south of Seattle, some 40 minutes away. It’s a highly-rated spot known for a fantastic park, muskie fishing, and boating.

Lake Tapps Park sits on the lake’s northern shore and offers breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. It’s a well-kept spot with picnic tables, grills, a beach, and a boat ramp.

In summer, it’s a buzzing place with swimming and paddling in full swing. In fact, it gets so busy on weekends that people are waiting to get in; arrive early.

The lake has an intriguing shoreline with islands, coves, and peninsulas. Although most of it is private housing, it’s still fun to explore by boat. Also, you can wakeboard, water ski, and tube here; there is plenty of space for that.

And when it comes to fishing, Lake Tapps is unique. It’s one of a few reservoirs around Seattle stocked with gorgeous but vicious tiger muskie. What’s more, you can’t keep them unless they are over 50 inches. This breeds some huge specimens, often exceeding 20 pounds.

Overall, it’s an incredible lake that has something for everyone, from kids with floaties to muskie hunters.

Related: Top 15 Hiking Trails near Tacoma, WA

13. Pine Lake

Pine Lake in Sammamish near Seattle Washington
Source: flickr/CC BY 2.0
  • Official Page: Pine Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 20 miles (25 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Picnics

Pine Lake is an 85-acre neighborhood lake in Sammamish. It’s a highly-rated family destination with some of the best rainbow trout fishing around.

The lake is accessed through Pine Lake Park on the eastern shore. It’s a well-kept and hugely popular park with a swimming area, picnic tables, and sports fields.

Apart from swimming, Pine Lake offers non-motorized boating and fishing. In fact, it’s well-known as one of the best rainbow trout fisheries in the Seattle area.

WDFW generously stocks the lake, and many trout make it to the next year, growing in size. So, despite the reservoir’s modest size, it’s known to produce 20-inch fish. When the trout are hiding during the summer, there is always perch, smallmouth, and largemouth bass to go for.

Pine Lake is the most family-friendly place within 30 minutes from downtown, but it does get busy.

Related: 13 Stunning Recreational Lakes near Olympia, WA

14. Angle Lake

Angle Lake in SeaTac near Seattle Washington
Source: flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Official Page: Angle Lake
  • Distance from Seattle: 15 miles (20 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Picnics

Angle Lake is a 102-acre lake in SeaTac, 20 minutes south of Seattle. It’s another urban lake with a small park that gets buzzing on summer weekends.

Although small, Angle Lake Park has a large fishing pier, a swimming area, and a boat ramp. Yet, most people know this place for the fantastic splash park – every kid’s favorite.

Swimming, paddling, and boating are all allowed at Angle Lake. However, most of the shoreline is private, so it’s not as fun to explore unless you are shopping for real estate.

Regarding fishing, it’s not as excellent as Pine Lake, but the large fishing pier makes up for it. Rainbow trout is great in April and May, and then it’s largemouth, rock bass, and perch, all the way until fall.

Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State

15. Lake Ballinger

Source: flickr/CC BY 2.0
  • Official Page: Lake Ballinger
  • Distance from Seattle: 14 miles (20 min)
  • Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Picnics

Lake Ballinger is a 101-acre lake north of Seattle. Although it’s an urban location, it’s not as busy as many others, making it perfect for peaceful getaways.

The best way to enjoy the lake is to visit Ballinger Park on the northern shore. It has a small paved boat ramp, a fishing pier (new for 2022), and several picnic tables.

Swimming is allowed at Lake Ballinger, and the park provides beach access. Also, it’s an excellent spot for paddling with lilypad fields and some standing timber to explore. Moreover, motorboating is prohibited at Lake Ballinger, making for more peaceful kayaking and paddleboarding.

And when it comes to fishing, the lake is similar to other urban ponds in the region – stocked with rainbow trout but also has a native population of largemouth bass, cutthroat, and kid’s favorite – yellow perch.

Another excellent thing about Lake Ballinger is that it sits next to the Interurban Trail – the legacy of its industrial past. So, the lake can be a nice pit stop or a turn-around point when enjoying the trail.

Other Lakes in Washington:

Trails in Washington:

You Might Also Like: