Lakes Close to Yakima
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Yakima. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Yakima there are some options when it comes to spending time on the lake.
There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Yakima this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. Some of the lakes in Yakima have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Pack up the car with sunscreen and snacks then hit the road your next day off to find your own favorite location on the water!
Nearby Lakes for Yakima
Lake Activities
When you visit a lake near Yakima there are many things to do for families and couples. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation at a hotel or a bed and breakfast on the water to make the most of your time unwinding.
Any stay at the lake gives you everything from fun to relaxation.
Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’re able to get access to a fast boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports skills? Enjoy a day of wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Yakima offer you several choices.
Start paddling. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake that has a public launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Partake in some delicious delights outside. Yakima’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy portable delicacies, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.
Checklist for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, when you decide to go, and your plan of attack. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of some of the most common go-to items for you to use as a checklist to make sure you cover your bases.
Common lake items
When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the weekend, our list of provisions below is a good starting point for essentials you are likely to need.
- Beach blanket
- Swimsuits
- Something to eat
- USB charger
- Portable stereo
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- Insect repellant
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- Proper footwear
Additional lake gear
Depending on what you’ll be doing when at the water and who will be in your entourage, the list of gear will likely be helpful and worth packing prior to departure.
- Pool noodles, rafts, floats
- Goggles or masks
- Fishing and boating licenses
- Paper towels and sanitizer
- Wine key
- Baby gear (if necessary)
- Bait
- Your tackle box
- Toys for the beach
- Something to read
Staying Safe on a Lake
While spending a weekend on a lake in Yakima can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
- Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Don’t swim alone
Some More Tips
Some people may not get the opportunity to visit the lakes near Yakima and might have a few questions regarding planning. Obviously, any body of water is going to possess their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while planning that might help start your trip on the right foot.
- Do homework on the beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes beaches may be really busy. To find some space to yourself, research a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
- Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t 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 several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Maximize unique local resources. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas which give you the option to camp directly on the water for a reasonable price.
