The Most Snake Infested Lakes in Washington

In the Pacific Northwest region, Washington is a popular tourism destination with lots to see and do. People typically flock to the "Evergreen State" to enjoy a quality itinerary of commercial and natural or historical locales and landmarks. While there are plenty of people around, there are also lots of animals and wildlife that are noticeable to all. Of these creatures, snakes seem always to capture a lot of attention, and that usually means tourists may have to be more cautious. These lakes are the most prone to snake activity in the state.

Lake Wenatchee

Lake Wenatchee is a 2,480-acre glacier lake located in the Wenatchee National Forest around the Cascades Mountain Range and is the primary source for the Wenatchee River. It has gorgeous mountainous vibes and lakeside tranquility suitable for all manners of tourism. The lake is a great option for those who like ziplining, snowmobiling, and trailhead treks near Lake Wenatchee State Park. The landmark is also famous for its nearby pizza vendors and horseriding outlets around Leavenworth.

It is host to quite a few slithering fauna, such as the Garter Snake (Valley and Wondering variants), Great Basin Gopher (Bull), Westen Yellow-bellied Racer, Sharp-tail, Night Snake, and Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. The Great Basin Gopher snake is beautiful from afar but quite elongated and massive up close! The Western Yellow-bellied Racer has South American constrictor characteristics and a foul smell but remains calm to outsiders most of the time. Sharp-tailed species are harmless but do have some ways to handle predators with their musks. The Night Snake can blend into desert environments and has weak, venomous rear fangs. As for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, they are somewhat fearsome but mostly stay active during mornings and evenings in hot climates.

Lake Chelan

Many travelers overlook the importance of the 50.5-mile-long Lake Chelan as both an unparalleled natural beauty and an alluring paradise for Chelan's dining, romance, vineyards, and shopping all around. People who visit or stay around the lake are fans of boat rides, mountain biking, sunbathing, and valley-side camping excursions with elevated peaks and backcountry memories, especially during summer seasons!

While there are quite a few instances where tourists will find snakes like Garters, Gophers, and Desert types, there is one that is quite unnoticed by keen eyes, and that is the Rubber boa. The Rubber boa snake is a slow and innocent reptile at first but is quite predatory if provoked. They are mostly found in rainforests and deep grassy areas where visitors may not always be primarily looking or touring around, but they remain a contender nonetheless. Many naturalists argue that the boas around Lake Chelan are quite uncommon as long as they are safe and hiding in their habitats, but they are sure to be territorial if threatened. That being said, one can pick them up and hold them in their hands, and the snake would be docile and likely not bite.

Moses Lake

The 18-mile Moses Lake reservoir is not only a shallow natural landmark with irrigation history and local tourism in Washington but is also a hotspot for most general snake species. Despite being a hotbed for harmless Garter and rattlesnakes, Moses Lake is a lovely destination for tourists who prefer harbor sunsets, calming forestry, and aquatic sports right in the heart of a city of the same name.

Moses Lake's Garter snake is the most common one to find when considering coastal and mountain reptile threats, even if they are not even considered much of a threat to outsiders. Although they are seen in the dozens around the lake's forest areas, it is rare to be inflicted by their venom unless one goes out of their way to cause harm. Rattlesnakes of all kinds are still just as habitual, with their sagebrush environments and easygoing moods that keep them in their burrows. The Basin rattlesnake is probably the most venomous one to be on the lookout for, but they are not prone to biting unless they face a threat, as is the case for most of these creatures.

Enjoy Washington's Lakes, But Stay Alert!

These snake-infested lakes are not as dangerous as they sound to travelers needing a fun itinerary in Washington. However, keeping a distance and appreciating nature from afar is a definitive way to enjoy what is out there in the world with less risk to life. Those who love to travel around the state will find so much to enjoy and take in for a lifetime, but keep an eye out for hissing sounds or shaky rattlers!