Lakes Near Bellingham
Sometimes you should gather your family and friends and make time to be on the water. A lake vacation can be perfect for people who love wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re seeking to float in a tube with a book, buzz around doing watersports, swim, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Bellingham offer you plentiful beautiful locations for aquatic activities. Take a look at the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to have a look your options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you and the family to visit.
Lakes Close to Bellingham
Things to Do at the Lake
When you visit a lake near Bellingham you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make for a bigger, better getaway.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, you might want to have some fun and make a day of zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the all sports lakes give you a number of options.
Fishing. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.
Picnic time. The lakes near Bellingham provide many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or a quick snack by the water. For a romantic evening, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.
Preparing for a Day on the Lake
A day at the lake can be very different depending on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!
The basics
For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring along many of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and enjoying your time.
- Swimsuits
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Towels and dry clothes
- Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
- Sweatpants and sweatshirt
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Sneakers
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
Additional lake items
Take into consideration your planned activities when at the water and what your party looks like, the items below could make your day more enjoyable and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Bait
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Legal flotation devices
- Wine key
- Goggles or masks
- Tackle box and lures
- Inflatable pool toys
- Fishing poles
Lake Safety
Of course your getaway at a lake in Bellingham should be ample amounts of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.
- Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Always wear sunblock
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
More Bellingham Lake Tips
When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Bellingham, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan much more successful. As an example, each lake near Bellingham is going to have unique environment so it’s important to take into account what will make for a memorable adventure when planning yours.
- Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer trip, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp directly on the water without breaking the bank.
- No boat, no problem. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Pay attention to the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
