Mill Plain Lakes

Lakes Around Mill Plain

Every once in a while you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be by the water. A lake getaway can be wonderful for those that enjoy getting outside too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many great motivations for making a trip to a lake in Mill Plain this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Mill Plain have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Browse through the data below and see your options including swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Mill Plain

Things to Do at the Lake

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides a nearly endless list of activities for families or couples.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you make your way to a Mill Plain lake:

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not get out on the water and start kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Mill Plain provide you with all kinds of options.

Picnic time. The lakes near Mill Plain offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach is hard to beat.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Mill Plain will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Your plan for a lake getaway can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve built out a short list of popular lake items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

When you’re out on a lake near Mill Plain it makes a lot of sense to take several of the things in our list below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.

  • Proper footwear
  • Swimsuits
  • Insect repellant
  • A picnic basket
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Portable stereo
  • Dry shirt
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock

Specialty lake stuff

Depending on the itinerary for the day and who will be joining you, the items below will likely be helpful and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.

  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Your tackle box
  • Bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Something to read
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Fishing gear

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. These safety tips will make sure that your whole group are always safe on the water.

  • Don’t swim alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Mill Plain and likely have some questions regarding planning. Clearly, no matter where you go each lake is going to possess unique qualities and surroundings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to look into when planning which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually help you find a marina that has what you need.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Mill Plain may be swarmed with beachgoers. To find some space to yourself, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!
  3. Maximize the best assets in the area. If you have time for a longer getaway, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to stay in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.