Federal Way Lakes

Lakes Close to Federal Way

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot near the water. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Federal Way you have lots of great spots when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are many great reasons for making a trip to a lake in Federal Way this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. Some of the lakes in Federal Way have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Has there ever been a better time? Pack up the car with your beach goodies and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation to find a brand new favorite spot on a lake!

Lakes Near Federal Way

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly limitless amount of stuff for people of all stripes.

Let’s look at some of the options available to you when you arrive at a lake near Federal Way:

Picnic time. Federal Way’s lakes offer many excellent picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. For a romantic evening, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. For those in search of some exercise, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Federal Way that has a public launch and start paddling around to enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. The swimming lakes near Federal Way offer tons of laughs and games for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Federal Way!

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

Every day at the lake will have its own requirements based on which lake you go to, what the weather is going to be, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we put together a list that will give some ideas for your next trip to a lake near Federal Way to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, the list below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • Dry shirt
  • A cooler with water
  • Bug spray
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • UV protection
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Portable stereo
  • Swimsuits

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake based on your plans. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Bait
  • Toys for the beach
  • Life jackets
  • Books
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Your tackle box
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend to your favorite body of water can provide lots of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Federal Way

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Federal Way, there are a few things that can make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. For example, every lake has their own features so it’s important to take into account what you need to make an enjoyable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. When there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches might be swarmed with tourists. To find some more peace and quiet, research a variety of lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.