If you’re craving adventure and stunning scenery, it’s time to hit the road and explore Washington’s most beautiful lakes.
From vivid blue waters to mountain vistas that stop you in your tracks, these lakes are truly next-level.
Whether you’re into easy trails, big adventures, or just kicking back by the water, this road trip has something for you.
Trust us—you’re going to want to make room on your camera roll.
1. Baker Lake, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Baker Lake is a long, narrow, glacier-fed lake in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just east of the cute town of Concrete.
It’s known for its epic views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, plus it’s a hot spot for camping, kayaking, and fishing.
You can hike the Baker Lake Trail right along the shoreline—it’s about 14 miles total, but super chill if you just want to do a shorter section.
If you’re here in summer, the lake is perfect for a swim or a lazy day on a floatie.
2. Ross Lake, North Cascades National Park
Next up is Ross Lake, a stunning turquoise stretch of water tucked deep into North Cascades National Park, just north of the famous Diablo Lake.
This lake is massive—over 20 miles long—and surrounded by steep forested mountains that seriously look picture-perfect.
You can paddle through peaceful inlets, take a boat taxi to remote trailheads, or hike the East Bank Trail for nonstop views and maybe even a black bear sighting.
For a next-level overnight trip, check out the Ross Lake Resort—it literally floats on the water and is only accessible by boat or hike, feeling like a true hidden hideaway.
3. Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park
Just downstream from Ross Lake is the eye-popping Diablo Lake—yep, it’s the one with the bright blue-green water that basically begs for a photo.
The color comes from glacial silt, and the best place to take it all in is the Diablo Lake Overlook off Highway 20, with views of the lake, dam, and snow-capped peaks.
You can kayak or paddleboard across the lake, cruise past tiny islands, or hit up the Thunder Knob Trail for a quick and easy hike.
There’s also a cool little campground right by the shore, so you can wake up to that wild color every morning (trust me, it never gets old).
4. Blanca Lake, Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, Blanca Lake in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness is totally worth the effort.
The hike is about 7.5 miles round-trip with a whole lot of uphill (like 3,000 feet!).
But once you see that glacial lake backed by Columbia Peak and surrounded by rugged cliffs, you’ll forget all about your sore legs.
There’s no easy road in or boat launch here—just you, your backpack, and some of the most unreal alpine scenery in Washington.
5. Lake Wenatchee, Lake Wenatchee State Park
After that mountain workout, Lake Wenatchee is the perfect place to unwind—it’s a big, calm lake located between the Cascades and Leavenworth.
This lake is a total summer dream, with a wide sandy beach, tons of picnic tables, and shallow areas that are great for wading or floating.
You can rent paddleboards or kayaks right from the shore, explore forest trails around Lake Wenatchee State Park, or just take in the lovely views of Dirtyface Peak.
In the fall, the whole area lights up with golden larches and bright red huckleberry bushes—so yes, it’s a year-round favorite for a reason.
6. Lake Chelan, Chelan County
Then there’s Lake Chelan, a super long and crazy-deep lake (over 1,400 feet!) that runs from the town of Chelan all the way up into the remote village of Stehekin.
This one’s all about sunshine, swimming, and wine – seriously, there are more than 30 wineries around the lake.
You can hop on the Lady of the Lake ferry for a full-day adventure to Stehekin, where you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, and a legendary bakery.
Back in Chelan, there’s a sandy beach right downtown, lots of cute shops and restaurants, and warm summer nights.
7. Colchuck Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a deep blue lake with jagged granite peaks behind it, that’s probably Colchuck Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The hike is no joke as it’s about 8 miles round-trip with steep switchbacks.
But when you reach the lake and see those massive Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks reflected in the clear water, it’s pure magic.
People love jumping in for a shockingly cold swim, chilling on the giant boulders, or snapping a hundred photos.
8. Rattlesnake Lake, King County
For something easier yet scenic, Rattlesnake Lake in King County is a quick and must-see stop, just 45 minutes from Seattle.
You’ll get big mountain views, calm water ideal for kayaking, and tons of cool old tree stumps that pop out of the lake.
The main draw here is Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you up to a dramatic cliff with gorgeous views of the lake below.
It’s very popular (especially on sunny weekends), so get there early, pack a snack, and enjoy one of the easiest wow-factor hikes near the city.
9. Spirit Lake, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Continuing on, Spirit Lake near Mount St. Helens is one of the wildest lakes in the state, both for its history and its looks.
The 1980 eruption completely transformed the lake, and you can still spot a massive log mat of trees that were blasted off the mountain.
The views from the Harmony Falls or Windy Ridge trails are unreal—you’ll see the lake, the crater, and the blast zone all in one beautiful panorama.
It’s not your classic “let’s go for a swim” lake, but it’s a total must-visit if you’re into epic landscapes and crazy-cool natural history.
10. Lake Cushman, Mason County
If you’re craving a lake with a laid-back atmosphere, Lake Cushman in Mason County delivers, with clear blue water and forested hills.
It’s located near the Olympic National Park boundary, so you’ve got access to incredible hiking trails like Mount Ellinor and Big Creek.
The lake itself is perfect for paddleboarding, cliff jumping (at your own risk!), and lazy float sessions, and there are plenty of picnic spots right by the shore.
Golden hour hits different here—the sky lights up behind the mountains and reflects off the water like something straight off a postcard.
11. Lake Crescent, Olympic National Park
And then there’s Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park that feels like it was made for peaceful mornings and long, quiet paddles.
At over 600 feet deep, the blue-green water is so clear you can sometimes see straight down to the bottom!
You can rent a kayak right from the shore at Lake Crescent Lodge, hike the super pretty Marymere Falls Trail, or relax on the pebbly beaches.
The entire place feels untouched, as if it was made for slowing down and staying a while.
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