17 of The Most Scenic Lakes in Washington

Washington is famous for its wild coastline, but some of the most beautiful water in the state is inland. Think glacier-fed lakes that glow turquoise, alpine lakes tucked under jagged peaks, and big sunny lakes made for boat days.

We’ve rounded up the most scenic lakes in Washington, from easy roadside stops to bucket-list hikes, plus what to do and where to camp at each one.

Lakes in the North Cascades and Mount Baker Area

1. Baker Lake

Baker Lake is a long, blue reservoir in the forest below Mount Baker. It sits at a low elevation, so it’s accessible for much more of the year than the alpine lakes on this list. In fall, the shoreline turns gold and red.

Things to do:

• Hike the Baker Lake Trail, which follows the east shore through old-growth forest. It’s about 14 miles end to end, but you can do any section as an out-and-back.
• Paddle the calm water, especially in the morning before the wind picks up.
• Hike to nearby Anderson and Watson Lakes for even more lake views.

2. Diablo Lake and Ross Lake

Diablo Lake is the impossibly turquoise lake you’ve probably seen on Instagram. It sits right along the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), and the color comes from glacial silt floating in the water. Just upstream, Ross Lake stretches north for over 20 miles toward Canada.

Things to do:

• Stop at the Diablo Lake Overlook on Highway 20 for the classic view.
• Hike the Thunder Knob Trail (about 3.6 miles round trip) for a bird’s-eye view of the lake.
• Hike the Diablo Lake Trail to Ross Dam, or rent a kayak and paddle the lake.
• Check out more hikes in North Cascades National Park, one of the least-visited national parks in the country.

3. Chain Lakes

The Chain Lakes are a string of sparkling alpine lakes tucked into the meadows below Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, in the Heather Meadows area at the end of the Mount Baker Highway. On a clear day, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the state.

Things to do:

• Hike the Chain Lakes Loop, about 6.5 to 7 miles past Mazama, Iceberg, and Hayes lakes.
• Add the short Bagley Lakes Trail near the Heather Meadows visitor area.
• Take a (very cold) dip on a hot summer day.

Lakes in the Central Cascades (Chelan, Leavenworth + the Methow)

4. Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan is a 50-mile-long, glacier-fed lake on the sunny east side of the Cascades. It’s one of the deepest lakes in the country, and in summer it’s THE spot in Washington for boating, swimming, and lazy lake days, with wineries all around the shore.

Things to do:

• Go wine tasting. There are dozens of wineries around the lake.
• Ride the Lady of the Lake boat to Stehekin, a tiny town you can only reach by boat, plane, or on foot.
• Stroll the Chelan Riverwalk, rent a boat, or just float.
• Fish for trout and kokanee.

5. Blue Lake

Blue Lake sits at about 6,250 feet near Washington Pass, under the towering spires of the Early Winters area. It’s an easy hike for the scenery you get, and it’s especially gorgeous in early fall when the larches around it turn gold.

6. Lake Wenatchee

Lake Wenatchee is a big, mountain-ringed lake about 25 minutes north of Leavenworth. It’s a favorite for summer swimming, paddling, and camping, and it’s great in winter too, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing nearby.

Things to do:

• Swim and hang out on the beach at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
• Paddle or SUP along the calm shoreline.
• Hike Dirtyface Peak, a tough climb with huge views over the lake.

7. Lake Valhalla

Lake Valhalla sits in a bowl below a dramatic rock face, right off the Pacific Crest Trail near Stevens Pass. It’s a summer and fall hike (it’s buried in snow in winter), and the lake is a perfect lunch spot.

Things to do:

• Hike the Lake Valhalla Trail, about 7 miles round trip.
• Take a chilly dip once you get there.
• Add a side trip up Mount McCausland for the best view down onto the lake.

8. Colchuck Lake and Lake Stuart

Colchuck Lake is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Washington, with glowing turquoise water under the granite walls of Dragontail and Colchuck peaks. It’s one of the best hikes around Leavenworth, but it’s a tough one.

Things to do:

• Hike to Colchuck Lake, about 8 to 9 miles round trip with around 2,300 feet of gain.
• Hike to Lake Stuart instead (or both, on a long day). It splits off the same trail and is a bit less crowded.
• Take in the views of Mount Stuart.

Lakes Near Seattle

9. Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish is a quick 25-minute drive from Seattle, and Lake Sammamish State Park is one of the most popular summer spots in the area, with big beaches, grassy picnic areas, and nearly 7,000 feet of shoreline.

Things to do:

• Rent a kayak or paddleboard and get out on the water.
• Swim at Sunset Beach or Tibbetts Beach.
• Walk the trails along Issaquah Creek, or bike the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

It’s a day-use park (bring a Discover Pass), so most people visit on a day trip from Seattle.

👉 Read the full guide: Exploring Lake Sammamish Just Outside of Seattle

10. Lake Washington

Lake Washington forms Seattle’s eastern edge, and it’s the second-largest natural lake in the state. Its shoreline is lined with some of the best parks in Seattle, so it’s the easiest way to get your lake fix without leaving the city.

Lakes in Mount Rainier National Park

11. Tipsoo Lake

There’s nowhere quite like Tipsoo Lake when the wildflowers bloom. This little lake sits right off Highway 410 near Chinook Pass, and on a calm, clear morning, Mount Rainier reflects perfectly in the water.

Things to do:

• Walk the short, flat loop around the lake (and don’t pick the flowers).
• Watch for deer, marmots, and elk.
• Hike the Naches Peak Loop, about 3.5 miles and one of the best hikes in the park, especially in late summer and fall.

12. Mowich Lake

Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park, in the quiet northwest corner. Getting there means a long, bumpy gravel road, but that keeps the crowds down.

Things to do:

• Hike the Tolmie Peak Lookout Trail from the lake, past Eunice Lake to a fire lookout with a huge view of Rainier (about 6.5 miles round trip).
• Paddle or fish the lake.
• Swim if you dare. It’s ice cold!

Mowich Lake Road usually only opens from about July to early October.

🏕️ Where to stay: There’s a small walk-in campground at Mowich Lake that’s first-come, first-served. It’s tents only.

Lakes on the Olympic Peninsula

13. Lake Quinault

Lake Quinault sits in a glacier-carved valley in the Quinault Rain Forest, on the southwest side of Olympic National Park. It’s surrounded by moss-draped forest, giant trees, and waterfalls.

Things to do:

• Drive the Quinault Rain Forest Loop, about 31 miles around the lake and up the valley.
• Hike the Quinault Loop Trail through the rainforest.
• Stop at Merriman Falls and Bunch Falls.
• Watch for Roosevelt elk.

The lake itself belongs to the Quinault Indian Nation, so check their rules before fishing or boating.

14. Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a deep, glacier-carved lake on the north side of Olympic National Park, famous for its crystal-clear blue water. It’s right off Highway 101, about 30 minutes west of Port Angeles.

15. Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman is a long reservoir on the southeast edge of the Olympics, surrounded by forested mountains. It’s one of the closest Olympic Peninsula lakes to Seattle, and it’s the gateway to the Staircase area of Olympic National Park.

Lakes in Eastern Washington

16. Banks Lake

Banks Lake is a 27-mile-long reservoir in the Grand Coulee, between Coulee City and Electric City. The landscape is wild: tall basalt cliffs, sagebrush, and big blue sky.

17. Lake Lenore

Lake Lenore sits in the dry coulees south of Banks Lake. Its water is so alkaline that only Lahontan cutthroat trout can live in it, which makes it a well-known spot for anglers.

Final Thoughts

From the turquoise glow of Diablo Lake to the sunny shores of Lake Chelan, Washington’s lakes are some of the best parts of the state. Pick one for a summer swim, a fall hike, or a whole weekend of camping, and you won’t be disappointed.

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