Olympia Lakes

Lakes Close to Olympia

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Olympia. Lucky for you, when you come to Olympia you have lots of great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are numerous great motivations to visit a lake in Olympia this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, enjoyable summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a picnic basket then make the trip your next day off and discover a brand new number one spot on the water!

Lakes Close to Olympia

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway provides a nearly boundless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Every getaway on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a ski boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you several choices.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you like to paddle around, load up your preferred vessel and find yourself a lake near Olympia that has a boat launch and get out and enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Olympia will provide 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 before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Olympia!

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the season, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of some of the most common go-to items for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

The basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, the list below should be an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities that you’ll be happy to have on hand.

  • Insect repellant
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • A picnic basket
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Sunblock
  • Bathing suits
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Towels
  • Proper footwear
  • A beach blanket and umbrella

Specialty lake stuff

The gear in the list below can make your life easier for trips to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Goggles or masks
  • Corkscrew
  • Worms or other bait
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Fishing poles
  • Books
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)

Lake Safety Tips

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, it’s important that you remember to keep safety top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can ensure that everyone remains safe at your favorite Olympia lake.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always swim with a buddy

More Ideas for Lake Fun

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the lakes near Olympia and might have some questions regarding planning. Certainly, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and trappings, but it’s worth noting a couple key points to review when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier getaway, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
  2. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Asking a local will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches might be packed with tourists. To find some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!