Seattle Lakes

Lakes Near Seattle

When the weather is right you should spend some time by the water. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Seattle you have quite a few great spots for getting on, or in the water.

Whether you’re seeking to go kayaking, partake in some watersports, swim, or work on your tan, the lakes near Seattle provide you with numerous options for outdoor fun. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your vehicle with your fishing gear and a cooler then hit the road on your next vacation and discover a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Seattle

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip, or a longer trip gives you a nearly boundless list of activities for families or couples.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you make your way to a lake near Seattle:

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Seattle provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their 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 just isn’t as much fun as a magnificent public beach on a lake near Seattle!

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, strap your favorite kayak or paddleboard to the top of your vehicle and find yourself a lake near Seattle with a public launch and get out and enjoy nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit depending on the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common lake items for you to use as a checklist for your getaway.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to bring along some of the items below so that you’ll be safe, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Food and snacks
  • Cooler, ice, beverages (always remember water!)
  • A blanket or sheet
  • Bug spray
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Proper footwear
  • Portable phone charger
  • Sunscreen
  • Towels

Specialty lake gear

Take into consideration your planned activities for the day and what your party looks like, the items below will likely be helpful and worth a quick spot check prior to departure.

  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box and lures
  • Wine key
  • Worms or other bait
  • Books
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing gear
  • Fishing and boating licenses

Staying Safe on a Lake

Of course a day at your favorite body of water should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Seattle

When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes around Seattle, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan far more successful. For example, every lake near Seattle is going to have their own features so it’s important to consider what will make for an unforgettable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Maximize the best local resources. When there’s time for a lengthier trip, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay directly on the water at an affordable price.
  2. Find a marina. It’s common that lakes will have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Asking a local can typically help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  3. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. 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 to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, then look for the busiest, most popular beach!