Issaquah Lakes

Lakes Near Issaquah

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming grand getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Issaquah. A stay at a lake can be perfect for those who love getting outside too, as they are a great way to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Issaquah while it’s hot outside – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Browse through the data below and see the nearby locations including small lakes to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Issaquah

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides an almost endless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a lake near Issaquah:

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Issaquah provide all kinds of fun for the kids, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want 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 sandy beach and a designated swimming area 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!

Grab a board. If paddling is your thing, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake near Issaquah that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, when you go, and what you want to do for entertainment. However, we put together a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so there’s nothing to stress over!

Common lake items

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, our list of provisions below is an excellent starting point when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Sneakers
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • A cooler with water bottles
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Bug spray
  • Something to dry off with
  • Sunglasses
  • Bathing suits
  • Sunscreen

Specialty lake stuff

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking before heading out.

  • Wine key
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Life jackets
  • Your tackle box
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Kindle
  • Fishing gear
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Lake Safety Tips

While it’s easy to get lost in a fun day at a lake near Issaquah, safety should be top of mind. The following safety measures can ensure that everyone remains safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat

Some More Tips

Few people get a chance to make their way to the amazing lakes around Issaquah and might have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake will have their own character and trappings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while making plans which could help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, research multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most popular sandy party scene!
  2. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  3. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water for a reasonable price.