There is little that gets residents of and visitors to the Pacific Northwest more excited than heading out to their favorite lake for a swim, picnic, or just lounge on the shore.
Luckily for us, there is no shortage of amazing lakes all around the region. This corner of the country has everything from small alpine lakes that require a hike to huge reservoirs perfect for boating, fishing, and camping.
The one caveat to visiting lakes is many of them are fed by snowmelt from nearby mountains, so the water temperatures can stay downright chilly well into summer. So either plan ahead with a wetsuit or accept the fact that your swim may be a little more refreshing than planned!
Now that we’ve got that cleared up let’s blow up the paddleboards and head out to explore some of our favorite lakes around the PNW.
Devils Lake, Oregon
This stunningly beautiful turquoise lake sits just outside of Bend, Oregon, near Mt. Bachelor. Fed by water from the melting snowpack in the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness, this lake stays chilly all summer long.
This small lake is very popular with paddleboarders and kayakers who come to paddle on its crystal clear water.
The lake’s sandy bottom, clear waters, and shallow depth (only around 10 feet deep at its deepest point) give it a unique color that draws in visitors from the nearby Cascade Lakes Highway.
Lake Chelan, Washington
Lake Chelan is a super popular summer getaway spot for residents of Northwest Washington who want to experience the warmth and relaxation of the eastern side of the Cascades.
This massive lake is popular with boaters, paddleboarders, and swimmers and is even home to a remote town at its western end that is only accessible by ferry.
Visitors can rent a boat to explore hidden coves and remote areas or even take a wine tour that takes you to the area’s vineyards by water!
If you’re looking for a place to swim, check out Lake Chelan State Park, which has a wide beach and shallow water access.
Lake Crescent, Washington
Located in Olympic National Park, this lake is known for its clear, deep blue waters and stunning mountain backdrop. There are swimming holes aplenty along the lake, as well as a secret rope swing that adds a little adventure to your swim.
One of the best spots on the lake to explore is Devil’s Punchbowl. Here, the lake plunges to a depth of nearly 100 feet directly offshore, and with its picturesque bridge, it is a great place to spend the afternoon.
Getting there requires a mile hike along the Spruce Road Trail, which is well worth the trek.
Wallowa Lake, Oregon
Located near the Eastern Oregon town of Joseph, Wallowa Lake was formed when glaciers pushed their way out of the nearby Wallowa Mountains. This created the nearly 300-foot-deep lake as well as the massive, 1,200-foot-tall glacial moraines that line the lake on either side.
Today, the lake is popular with fishermen during the early summer as they chase after its large Kokanee population.
You’ll also find fly fishermen congregating near the mouth of the Wallowa River, where it flows into the lake, as they are targeting the resident rainbow trout that school near the river’s cool mountain waters.
On the lake, you’ll find shallow swimming areas, off-shore floating platforms, and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a paddle or a swim.
Boat rentals from the Wallowa Lake Marina are surprisingly affordable and a great way to spend a couple of hours on the water.
Ross Lake, Washington
This remote lake adjacent to North Cascades National Park offers opportunities for canoeing to backcountry camp spots, kayaking on its turquoise waters, or even spending the night at the floating Ross Lake Lodge.
Just know that getting to Ross Lake is half the fun!
If you have a kayak or canoe, you have to paddle 5 miles up the adjoining and equally beautiful Diablo Lake and then portage your watercraft a mile up a steep road.
Alternatively, you can ring Ross Lake Resort on a pole-mounted phone alongside the road to request that they haul you and your gear with their truck!
Lake Quinault, Washington
Nestled deep in the lush rainforest of Olympic National Park, Lake Quinault offers up a world of opportunities.
The lakeside Lake Quinault Lodge offers boat rentals and rustic accommodations perfect for a weekend getaway.
Other nearby attractions include the world’s largest Sitka spruce, Merriman Falls, and backcountry shelters that, while picturesque, have probably seen better days. These attractions are often a needed distraction as perfectly sunny, warm summer days can be few and far between in this rainy corner of Washington.
Paulina Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake isn’t the only lake in Oregon that sits in the crater of a volcano. Central Oregon’s Paulina Lake (and neighboring East Lake) sits high in the mountains of Newberry National Volcanic Monument and provides Central Oregon residents with outstanding camping, swimming, paddling, and boating opportunities.
The lake’s exceptionally clear waters make for a visually stunning experience when swimming or paddling across its smooth waters.
As an added bonus, a natural hot spring bubbles up from underground along the northern shoreline of the lake. Here, dug-out pits lined with logs create the perfect rustic soaking experience.
Lake Sammamish, Washington
Lake Sammamish is a popular destination near Seattle for families looking for a quick getaway for paddleboarding or swimming.
The lake is bookended by Lake Sammamish State Park to the south and Marymoor Park to the north.
At Lake Sammamish State Park, you’ll find beaches, restrooms, playgrounds, and a kayak and paddleboard rental service.
The shoreline along Marymoor Park is marshy with no lakefront water access but you can launch person watercraft in the Sammammish River which runs through the middle of the park and feeds into the lake.
Cougar Reservoir, Oregon
The Cougar Reservoir is located deep in the central Oregon Cascades and offers dozens of secluded bays and water access points that are perfect for fishing, swimming, or boating.
Because of its remote location and huge size, the lake never feels crowded.
The real gem of the lake are the hot springs located just up hill on its south side. For a small daily fee you can hike the short trail up to the series of pools collecting the spring water as it pours out of the hillside.
While these springs can get busy, they are well-maintained and usually make for an enjoyable soaking experience.
Rattlesnake Lake, Washington
Rattlesnake Lake, and its equally popular counterpart, Rattlesnake Ledge, are located on the eastern edge of the Seattle suburbs and are an extremely popular destination on warm weekend days.
In the busy parking lot, you can expect to see folks inflating paddleboards just as often as lacing up their hiking shoes to do the 2-mile climb up to the lookout overlooking the lake and the Cascade Range.
Waldo Lake, Oregon
Quite possibly the most underrated lake in all of Oregon, if not the entire Pacific Northwest, Waldo Lake offers visitors stunningly clear waters, a unique and rocky shoreline, and a multitude of backcountry camping spots that are only accessible by hiking or kayak.
Unfortunately, this area was recently hit by massive fires, which have shut down much of the recreational lands around it.
That doesn’t mean you can’t still come and paddle the lake from its southern shoreline and enjoy the stunning beauty of this Central Oregon gem.
Just watch out for the mosquitos. Some say they are the largest and most voracious in the entire state!
Lost Lake, Oregon
Nestled at the base of Mount Hood, Lost Lake offers some of the most stunning views you’ll find at any lake in the Pacific Northwest.
Serving visitors to the lake is Lost Lake Resort, which offers lodge rooms, cabins, yurts, and campsites for rent, as well as a general store, restaurant, and rentals.
The lake itself is an ideal place to spend the day fishing or paddling around while taking in the incredible views of nearby Mt. Hood.
Suttle Lake, Oregon
Located near the foot of Santiam Pass in Central Oregon, Suttle Lake is a go-to destination (when the afternoon winds aren’t blowing, that is).
The lake is mostly undeveloped, aside from the historic Suttle Lake Lodge at one end and a few rustic campgrounds at the other. Near the lodge, you’ll find day-use areas with a small beach, perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard.
After a day on the water, head over to the lodge for one of their outstanding burgers or a beer. You can also rent paddleboards or kayaks from their picturesque boat house.
The lodge also offers accommodations within the lodge and numerous cabins scattered around the property in case you want to stay the night and wake up in this idyllic setting.
Timothy Lake, Oregon
Timothy Lake is a popular getaway spot near Mt. Hood with numerous campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and the picturesque Little Crater Lake right next door.
While motorized boats are allowed on this lake, they are limited to speeds under 10 mph and restricted to registered campers only. This means that lake traffic doesn’t get too rowdy, making it a perfect spot for swimming or paddling.
