Tacoma Lakes

Lakes Near Tacoma

Every once in a while you should pack up and find a spot by the water. Fortunately, when you visit Tacoma you have some great spots for getting on, or in the water.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to float in a tube with a book, partake in some water skiing, go swimming, or just lounge at the beach, the lakes near Tacoma provide you with numerous options for outdoor adventures. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up your vehicle with sunscreen and a cooler then hit the road on your next vacation to find a brand new number one location on the water!

Nearby Lakes for Tacoma

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy getaway offers an almost boundless amount of stuff for families or couples.

Any stay on or in the water gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Pack a picnic basket. Tacoma’s lakes offer a wealth of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite culinary delights, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy as you enjoy the view. For a romantic evening, this plan should put a smile on their face.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start zipping around the lake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes provide you with a number of options.

Preparing for a Day on the Lake

A day at the lake can vary quite a bit when you take into consideration which lake you choose, the season, and your plan of attack. For your convenience we’ve put together a list of our favorite lake and beach-related items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.

Lake basics

If you’re going to be on, in, or near the water for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items is an excellent starting point for essentials to have on hand.

  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Something to dry off with
  • A sunhat or glasses
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Portable stereo
  • Sweatpants and sweatshirt
  • Sunscreen
  • A cooler with water
  • A blanket or sheet
  • USB charger

Additional lake gear

Take into consideration the itinerary for the day and what your party looks like, the list of gear might also prove useful and worth a quick spot check prior to leaving.

  • Masks and snorkels
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing poles
  • Your tackle box
  • Bait
  • Corkscrew
  • Something to read

Lake Safety

While a day on the lake should be lots of fun, everyone’s safety needs to remain top of mind. If you’re going to be out on the water here are some important safety tips.

  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water
  • Always wear sunblock

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Tacoma

Not everyone has had a chance to visit the lakes near Tacoma and likely have a few questions regarding planning. Of course, each lake near Tacoma is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but here are a few things to review while planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.

  1. No boat, no problem. It’s common that lakes will 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 taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Using a search engine will usually help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches might be swarmed with tourists. To find more space to yourself, research multiple 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, search out the biggest, most happening beach!
  3. Maximize the best assets in the area. When there’s time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the ability to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.