Washington’s got no shortage of lakes, but when it comes to water so clear you can see your toes, these eight spots are on a whole different level.
We’re talking alpine lakes with that wild, electric blue color, glacier-fed pools that’ll leave you breathless, and sunny shores perfect for a summer splash.
Some are easy to get to with a towel and a snack, others take a bit of a hike to reach but every single one is 100% worth it.
If you’re looking for the clearest, coolest swim of your life, you’re in the right place.
Let’s jump in!
1. Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent sits in Olympic National Park, about 30 minutes west of Port Angeles.
It’s famous for its insanely clear, blue water that’s 624 feet deep, which is so clear you can sometimes see 60 feet down.
The lake was carved by glaciers and has almost no algae because it’s low in nitrogen, which is part of what makes the water look like a giant sapphire.
There’s a pebbly beach at East Beach, a swimming dock at Fairholme, and a popular swimming spot near Devil’s Punchbowl if you’re up for an icy splash.
2. Lake Valhalla
If you’re up for a hike and want to cool off in an alpine lake that looks straight out of a postcard, Lake Valhalla is your spot.
It’s tucked along the Pacific Crest Trail, about 5 miles in from Stevens Pass, and sits at 4,800 feet with crystal-clear water surrounded by wildflowers and views of Lichtenberg Mountain.
The water’s chilly (okay, really chilly), but after that hike, jumping in feels amazing and if you time it right in late summer, you might even get the place almost to yourself.
3. Mowich Lake
Next up is Mowich Lake, the biggest lake in Mount Rainier National Park and a total gem for anyone who loves a good alpine dip.
It’s located just off State Route 165, with about 5-mile gravel road but the payoff is huge.
You’ll be greeted by clear, calm water at 4,929 feet with mountain views and a peaceful vibe that’s hard to beat.
You can swim right near the campground, then hit the 2-mile trail to Spray Falls afterward for a double dose of awesome.
4. Jade Lake
Next up, Jade Lake is the kind of place that seriously doesn’t look real.
It’s roughly a 20‑mile roundtrip hike from the Tucquala Meadows Trailhead in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness so you definitely have to earn this one.
When you finally get there, the water is so insanely turquoise it looks photoshopped (but it’s 100% real, promise).
Swimming here is freezing but unforgettable, especially with those jagged peaks and patches of snow still hanging on in late summer.
5. Lake Ingalls
And then there’s Lake Ingalls, where the water glows a crazy shade of blue and you’ve got front-row views of Mount Stuart while you soak your tired feet.
It’s a 9-mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead at Esmeralda Basin, with 2,500 feet of elevation gain and a whole lot of mountain goats along the way.
Swimming here is more of a quick dunk than a long float as the water’s icy cold even in August but the views and bragging rights are totally worth it.
6. Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake is where you go when you want epic views, sparkling turquoise water, and that “I can’t believe this is real” feeling all at once.
The hike is about 8 miles roundtrip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain but every step is worth it when you see those jagged Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks rising straight out of the lake.
The water is glacial cold (like, take-your-breath-away cold), but a quick swim here feels like hitting the refresh button on your whole soul.
7. Diablo Lake
Just when you think the water in Washington can’t get any wilder, along comes Diablo Lake with its unreal, electric blue-green glow.
It’s located right off Highway 20 in North Cascades National Park and gets its color from glacial flour—basically, tiny rock particles that reflect light like magic.
You can swim at the shore near Colonial Creek Campground, but heads up: the water is icy year-round, so most people go for a fast splash and then warm up on the rocks.
8. Lake Chelan
Last but definitely not least, Lake Chelan brings the sunshine and seriously clear water, all wrapped up in a giant 50.5-mile-long lake that’s also the third deepest in the U.S.
It’s way warmer than the alpine lakes, so you can actually swim for real here—think lazy floating, cannonballs off docks, and paddleboards everywhere.
Head to the public beach at Don Morse Park or hop on the Lady of the Lake ferry to Stehekin if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
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