Washington is home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the U.S. With rugged snow-capped mountains and sparkling blue water, the views can’t be beat. To round out your summer bucket list, we put together this list of the most spectacular Washington lakes!
Imagine hiking through lush, green forest and emerging at a stunning lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s an experience like no other, but luckily, it’s one within easy reach at many Washington lakes.
Whether you’re looking for an idyllic setting for camping or fishing, a place to sunbathe on a sandy beach, or an epic alpine lake hike, Washington has plenty of special lakes to explore!
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Keep reading to learn about the most jaw-dropping Washington lakes worth checking out in this PNW paradise.
1. Colchuck Lake
- Location: The Enchantments, 13 miles from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Hiker campsites at north end of the lake (wilderness permits required from May 15-October 31)
- Boating: not allowed
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Arguably one of the most beautiful of all Washington lakes, it is worth the effort to hike the Colchuck Lake trail. It’s the first section of the breathtaking Enchantments, and offers a great alternative to thru-hiking the entire thing.
Note that Colchuck Lake is inaccessible from November through May.
Hike to Colchuck Lake
- Distance: 8.5 miles, out and back
- Elevation gain: 2,349 feet
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Although strenuous, you’ll forget all about the steep inclines and rocky terrain when you see beautiful Colchuck Lake. The trail starts off easy and gets significantly harder as you get closer to the lake, but it’s well-maintained and manageable for just about anyone.
All hikers need to get a self-issuing permit at the trailhead, and you’ll need to win a hard-to-get Enchantments wilderness permit to stay overnight.
2. Lake Valhalla
- Location: Central Washington, 35 miles from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Backcountry campsites around the lake
- Boating: not allowed
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Nestled deep in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (and less than 50 miles from Colchuck Lake), you’ll find another alpine gem. Lake Valhalla is a wildly popular spot for fishing and swimming, with a large sandy beach for relaxing!
Hike to Lake Valhalla
- Distance: 6.1 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,358 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Lake Valhalla is widely considered one of the best hikes in Washington. It has two routes, summer and winter, but both are accessible in the summer. Both involve some switchbacks and a gradual climb, and make an excellent family-friendly hike.
3. Lake Crescent
- Location: Olympic National Park, 104 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: Fairholme Campground
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: Kayaks and canoes available at the Log Cabin Resort and Lake Crescent Lodge
In the northwest corner of Olympic National Park, glacier-carved Lake Crescent offers several activities including boating, water skiing, paddling, camping, and hiking. It’s easily accessible and there are facilities, lodges, and restaurants right on the lake.
4. Diablo Lake
- Location: North Cascades National Park, 124 miles northwest of Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Colonial Creek North and South
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Known for its striking turquoise water, Diablo Lake is a must-see on your Washington Lakes bucket list! Whether you admire the views from the overlook, brave the cold during a swim, or portage between North Cascades lakes, you’ll be left in awe of Diablo Lake’s beauty.
Hike to Diablo Lake
- Distance: 7.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 1,512 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Although you can enjoy views from Diablo Lake Overlook, it’s best enjoyed via a hike. En route to the lake, you’ll pass through forests and by waterfalls.
In the summer and early fall, you can opt to take the City Light ferry back, making the hike just over 3.5 miles and adding a scenic ferry ride!
5. Emmons Moraine Lake
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park, 84 miles southeast of Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: White River Campground
- Boating: not allowed
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Not to be confused with Canada’s famous Moraine Lake, Emmons Moraine Lake is on the outskirts of Mount Rainier National Park. Thanks to glacial melt, the water is a stunning shade of milky turquoise — and also refreshingly cold on hot summer days!
Hike to Emmons Moraine Lake
- Distance: 4.1 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 931 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy to moderate
- View the trail notes
Access the short and sweet Emmons Moraine Lake trailhead from the park’s White River Campground. This picturesque hike offers several incredible views of Mount Rainier, and the only thing that makes it moderately difficult is the uphill on the way to the lake.
6. Lake Wenatchee
- Location: Central Washington, 23 miles from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: boat, kayak, and SUP rentals available
Close to Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee is a haven for outdoor and nature enthusiasts. The lake is in the eponymously-named state park and offers a long list of activities, including swimming, paddling, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping.
In the winter, Lake Wenatchee transforms into a sno-park, a uniquely PNW winter wonderland. Come here to ski, snowshoe, sled, and experience winter camping!
7. Lake Chelan
- Location: Central Washington, 90 miles from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: Lake Chelan State Park
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: wide variety of boat and water toy rentals available from several outfitters surrounding the lake
Easily among the most popular and famous Washington lakes, Lake Chelan is absolutely stunning. The massive, sapphire blue glacier-fed lake is over 50 miles long and nearly 1,500 deep, making it the third deepest lake in the US!
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Lake Chelan. Of course, you can go boating, paddling, or water- or jet skiing, but you can also hike, explore several nearby parks, and sip your way through surrounding wineries.
8. Eightmile Lake
- Location: The Enchantments, 15 minutes from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Eightmile Lake Campground; hard-to-get wilderness permits required from May 15 through October 31
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Nestled in the famed Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area (the region surrounding the Enchantments), Eightmile Lake is one of the most accessible in the Central Cascades. This breathtaking lake makes a perfect day trip, featuring wildflowers, streams, and wildlife galore.
Hike to Eightmile Lake
- Distance: 7.2 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,427 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
With an abundance of wildflowers and cascading waterfalls along the trail, it’s easy to see why Eightmile Lake is a fan-favorite in Washington. The first mile is steep, but the remainder of the trail levels out and is very well-maintained.
Like Colchuck Lake, you’ll need a coveted Enchantments wilderness permit to camp overnight between mid-May and the end of October.
9. Lake 22
- Location: Northwest Washington, 56 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: no campgrounds at the lake itself, but there are several in nearby Granite Falls
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
At less than 60 miles away, Lake 22 makes a fantastic day trip from Seattle. It showcases the best of the PNW: old-growth forest, rugged mountain peaks, and gurgling streams. If you’re lucky, you may catch the perfect reflection of the mountains in the glass-like lake!
Hike to Lake 22
- Distance: 6.8 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,473 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/lake-22-trail
This spectacular hike starts showing off almost immediately. It takes you through rainforest, wetlands, and lush old-growth forest en route to the amazing Lake 22, which is in a dramatic glacial cirque.
Note that while Lake 22 is technically accessible year-round, it’s not recommended in the winter due to immense avalanche danger in the area.
10. Snow Lake
- Location: Northwest Washington, 56 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Backcountry camping allowed with a wilderness permit (May 15 – October 31)
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Snow Lake is one of the most popular hikes near Seattle, and for good reason! It’s easily accessible and absolutely gorgeous. With this in mind, know that you’ll almost certainly share it with lots of fellow adventurers. No worries though, as the views are 100% worth it.
Hike to Snow Lake
- Distance: 7.2 mile round-trip
- Elevation gain: 1,699 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Although it’s an extremely popular trail, Snow Lake is still moderately challenging. You’ll find yourself climbing and descending repeatedly, as well as tackling switchbacks, until you reach the picturesque lake.
Snow Lake is also one of the few hikes in this area that allows dogs. Practice Leave No Trace and pick up after your pup, and don’t forget to get a self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead.
11. Blanca Lake
- Location: Northwest Washington, 84 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Backcountry camping permitted at designated campsites (be sure you’re at least 200 feet from the lake)
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Plenty of Washington lakes are postcard-worthy, but Blanca Lake appears to be straight out of a fairytale. It’s remote and requires some serious effort to reach, but the stunning turquoise water and magical snowy peaks surrounding the lake are well worth it.
Note that a wildfire closed access to Blanca Lake in late 2022. The trail is expected to re-open in December 2023, but we highly recommend checking recent reports on AllTrails or calling the Forest Service before heading out.
Hike to Blanca Lake
- Distance: 8.1 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 3,415 feet
- Difficulty rating: Hard
- View the trail notes
With over 3,000 feet of elevation gain in three miles, the hike to Blanca Lake isn’t for the faint of heart. Expect several steep switchbacks (and then several more…), and know that most of the hike is in a heavily wooded forest, so you don’t get views of the lake until you reach it.
12. Hidden Lake
- Location: North Cascades National Park, 114 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes, but not ideal (it’s freezing and difficult to reach the actual lake)
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Backcountry camping allowed with a permit from the national park; note there are not actual sites whatsoever
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Nestled inside North Cascades National Park, Hidden Lake highlights everything there is to love about this region of the Pacific Northwest. Dramatic, rugged peaks, views of Mt. Baker, fields of wildflowers, and chatty marmots. Expect heavy snow until well into July.
Hike to Hidden Lake
- Distance: 9 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 2,900 feet
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- View the trail notes
Despite being challenging, the hike to Hidden Lake Lookout is one of the most popular in North Cascades. You’ll climb steady inclines and traverse countless switchbacks before finally being able to marvel at the deep blue lake.
At exactly the 4-mile mark, you’ll reach a saddle that makes a perfect turnaround point. If you’re up for more of a challenge, the old fire tower is half a mile up and the lake is half a mile down. Neither addition is easy, so be honest with yourself about your limits.
13. Stuart Lake
- Location: The Enchantments, 15 minutes from Leavenworth (right near Eightmile Lake)
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: Backcountry campsites surround the lake, but you’ll need a wilderness permit between May 15 and October 31
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Best known as the most popular starting point for thru-hiking the Enchantments, Stuart Lake is just as impressive as its neighbors. Interestingly, because of that, it’s often overlooked as a destination in itself and is typically less busy than other lakes in the area!
Hike to Stuart Lake
- Distance: 8.7 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,830 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
You’ll start this hike from the Eightmile and Colchuck Lake trailheads, and the beginning of the route is shared with Colchuck. The elevation gain is mercifully spread out fairly evenly along the trail, making it easy to enjoy the wildflower and mountain goat sightings.
Like other hikes in the Enchantments, you’ll need to secure a wilderness permit to camp overnight between May 15 and October 31.
14. Snow Lakes
- Location: The Enchantments, 5 miles south of Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: wilderness campsites surround Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, accessible only with a valid wilderness permit between May 15 and October 31
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Another Enchantments gem just outside Leavenworth (noticing a theme here?), the Snow Lakes Trail is the very literal scenic route — the narrow route between Upper and Lower Snow Lake is considered the long way into the Enchantments.
The lakes themselves are nearly one mile long, a truly breathtaking site in the heart of this unspoiled wilderness area.
Hike to Snow Lakes
- Distance: 15.2 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 4,560 feet
- Difficulty rating: Hard
- View the trail notes
At over 15 miles round-trip, this hike is one of the longest to any Washington Lakes on our list. It is suitably grueling, with a significant amount of elevation gain and nearly 30 switchbacks. On the bright side, it’s a water lovers’ paradise, with several lakes and creek crossings.
One unique thing to be aware of about the Snow Lakes hike is that it’s much harder coming out than going in. All that elevation you climbed, you now have to descend. Take plenty of breaks and bring hiking poles.
15. Skyline Lake
- Location: Central Washington, 36 miles northwest of Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: The ski resort has winter RV camping available from early December through mid-April
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Located on the north side of Stevens Pass just across from the ski resort, you’ll find adventurers enjoying this lake in all four seasons. In fact, it may be even more popular as a winter snowshoe destination than during the summer!
The benefit of visiting in the summer is that as the lake recedes, several areas of sandy beach are revealed.
Hike to Skyline Lake
- Distance: 2.5 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,062 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Skyline Trail is popular with snowshoers, skiers, and of course, summertime hikers. The trail to the lake is almost deceptively short — don’t be fooled, it’s STEEP! Loose scree adds to the challenge going up and down, which is largely why it’s more popular when covered in snow.
16. Minotaur Lake
- Location: Central Washington, 39 miles from Leavenworth
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: several backcountry campsites surrounding the lake
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Contrary to the intimidating name, Minotaur Lake is one of the most accessible Washington lakes that requires a hike…relatively, anyway. In under two miles, you’ll reach magnificent Minotaur Lake and neighboring Theseus Lake, with Labyrinth Mountain towering overhead.
Hike to Minotaur Lake
- Distance: 3 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 1,778 feet
- Difficulty rating: Hard
- View the trail notes
Although short, this trail goes straight up, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation in the first mile. Your effort will be richly rewarded, however, with Minotaur Lake so close. Elite hikers may want to continue for another mile to reach the top of Labyrinth Mountain.
17. Blue Lake
- Location: North-Central Washington, 99 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: yes
- Adjacent campground: none in the immediate area, but Lone Fir Campground is 7 miles away
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Blue Lake lives up to its name, a shimmering, crystal-clear gem surrounded by lofty, craggy peaks. It’s especially popular during fall leaf-peeping season, as larch trees line much of the trail and lake.
Despite being tucked into a rather remote area, the Blue Lake trailhead is just off Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway), making it more accessible than it may initially seem.
Hike to Blue Lake
- Distance: 4.6 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 920 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
The hike to Blue Lake is both accessible and relatively easy. The trek consists of several boardwalks and then a gradual climb to the lake itself. Once there, check out the old log cabin and keep your eyes open for mountain goats.
18. Lake Washington
- Location: Northwest Washington, 8.8 miles from Seattle
- Swimming: yes
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: Lake Washington Regional Park and Campground
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: available from many outfitters and shops near the lake
Just beyond the hustle and bustle of Seattle, you’ll find one of the most recognizable Washington lakes, and the second largest in the state.
Lake Washington offers endless opportunities for adventures, from biking and walking around the perimeter at Seward Park, to renting a boat or kayak and taking a dip at one of the beaches. Several companies also offer sightseeing cruises around the lake.
19. Baker Lake
- Location: North-Central Washington, 106 miles northeast of Seattle
- Swimming: Yes
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: 7 nearby campgrounds
- Boating: permitted
- Boat ramp: yes
- Boat/equipment rental: none onsite, but available from several outfitters nearby
Just south of the ultra-rugged Northern Cascades, Baker Lake is one of the best Washington lakes that doesn’t require a strenuous hike. In all four seasons, enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking the trails around the lake, or simply sunbathing along the shore.
Seven nearby campgrounds suit every type of camper and group size. Horseshoe Cove Campground, Shannon Creek Campground, and Swift Creek Campground all have boat launches and designated swimming beaches.
20. Picture Lake
- Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
- Swimming: no
- Hike-in required: no
- Adjacent campground: No, however, The Chalet at Mount Baker & The Mountaineers Baker Lodge are close
- Boating: no
- Boat ramp: no
- Boat/equipment rental: none
Nestled in Mount Baker National Forest, this serene alpine lake is renowned for its reflection of the majestic Mount Shuksan. Surrounded by lush meadows and forests, it offers a tranquil setting for nature lovers and photographers to capture stunning images throughout the seasons.
Tips for visiting Washington lakes
- Bring bug spray. Humans aren’t the only ones attracted to Washington lakes during the summer hiking season!
- Know your limits. Several Washington Lakes involve strenuous hikes. Make sure you’re well prepared, keep an eye on weather and research avalanche dangers, and remember, there’s no shame in turning around!
- Research permits. Many lake hikes require a day pass or wilderness permit. Do your research beforehand, and specifically when it comes to the Enchantments, remember that permits are extremely competitive and you’ll have to plan well in advance.
- Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in and waste you create (yes, everything!), stay on the trail, and leave the area better than you found it.
- Prepare for swimming. Bring water shoes and a lightweight towel on your lake hikes, so you’ll always be prepared for an impromptu dip!
- Buy a Northwest Forest Pass. Several Washington lakes and trailheads require it or a day-use alternative, so it’s smart to buy the $30 annual Northwest Forest Pass.
What to pack for visiting Washington lakes
- Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
- Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
- Hiking daypack
- Hydration pack and/or water bottle
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Bug spray (we prefer the natural stuff)
- Camera and tripod (this is our favorite for hiking)
- Hiking boots/shoes or Chacos if you prefer sandals
- Comfortable hiking clothes (dress in layers!)
- Swimsuit (if you plan on taking a dip!)
- Quick-dry towel
- A picnic blanket (we love our Rumpl blanket, you can use whatever you prefer to sit on!)
- Plenty of hiking snacks
Be sure to grab our ultimate hiking packing list includes our must-have gear for any hiking trail!
You may also like…
- Washington National Parks: Guide + Map
- Hiking the Enchantments: Trail Guide
- 50 Best Hikes in Washington State
- Enchanting Campsites in Washington State
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We want to hear from you!
Have you been to any of the Washington lakes on this list? What was your experience like? Which is your favorite? Comment below and let us know!