Spokane Lakes

Lakes Near Spokane

Sometimes you just need to gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. Fortunately, when you come to Spokane there are lots of options when it comes to getting on, or in the water.

There are numerous brilliant reasons for a getaway to a lake in Spokane this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer activities like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Scan the local listings below and see your nearby locations including swimming lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to enjoy.

Nearby Lakes for Spokane

Lake Activities

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers a nearly limitless list of activities for people of all stripes.

Every getaway at the lake gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Partake in some delicious delights outside. Spokane’s lakes provide a wealth of excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or a quick snack as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Start paddling. If paddling is your thing, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public boat launch you can use and start paddling around to enjoy the scenery on the waterfront.

Partake in some water sports. Should you be able to get access to a speed boat, why not spend the day zipping around the lake showing off your water sports skills? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the all sports lakes give you several options.

Lake Getaway Prep

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we’ve created a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so you have everything you need!

The basics

When you’re out on a lake near Spokane you will likely need to take several of these items to make sure you’re safe, healthy, and having fun.

  • UV protection
  • Portable stereo
  • Proper footwear
  • Travel dinnerware and cups
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Food
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • USB charger
  • A receptacle for trash
  • Something to dry off with

More lake gear

The list of items below might prove useful for getaways to the lake based on your plans. You may want to double check for some of these before heading out.

  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Fishing poles
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Toys for the beach
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
  • Wine key
  • Bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Kindle

Lake Safety Checklist

While the water can provide fun during a day on the lake, everyone’s safety is the most important part of your getaway. Here are some general tips that should ensure that you and your family remains safe while around the lake.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • 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
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Make sure no one swims alone

Some More Tips

If you’re going to visit the fabulous lakes near Spokane, there are a few things that might make your weekend gameplan far more rewarding. For example, each individual lake near Spokane has unique qualities and surroundings which makes it important to think about what you need to make an enjoyable trip when planning yours.

  1. Do homework on the beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Spokane could be really busy. If you want some more space to spread out, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually allow you to find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  3. Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer 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 at an affordable price.