9 Crystal-Clear Lakes in Washington that You Have to See
Lake days are the best kind of days, and what better place to go lake hopping than the state of Washington? Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Washington is a state bursting with mountain ranges, forests, and, best of all, crystal-clear lakes waiting to be jumped into. The abundance of lakes sprinkled throughout Washington is sure to offer breathtaking scenic views and satisfy that appetite for a water adventure.
Diablo Lake
Located in the heart of the North Cascades sits Diablo Lake, a popular lake in Washington known for its glasslike turquoise water. This lake is also home to the historic Diablo Dam, which stands at 389 feet and was known as the tallest dam in the world when it was built in 1930. The lake's pigment is most enchanting in July, August, and September when the seasonal glacial melt occurs. Diablo Lake is a very accessible spot for a day trip adventure as visitors don’t need to purchase parking passes for North Cascades National Park if coming in through the west side. Surrounded by green forested mountains, this lake offers scenic views when kayaking, boating, or canoeing. Swimming is allowed, but it might be more of a quick and chilling polar dip as the temperature doesn't often get above 50°F, even in summertime.
Lake Wenatchee
Lake Wenatchee is where that dream of floating in clear blue waters becomes a reality. Located east 16 miles from Leavenworth, this heavenly lake flows 5 miles long and measures a depth of 244 feet. A bonus is that the beautiful Cascade Mountains surround the lake. It is the perfect spot to dive into for a refreshing swim or a relaxing float to soothe the mind. The south side of the lake is the official swimming beach, but visitors can also find a less crowded sandy beach on the north side of the lake. Many people also find themselves falling in love with kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and windsurfing at Lake Wenatchee. Other than making a splash in the water, camping, hiking, and wildlife are all great activities to take in the scenic nature. During winter, visitors can explore the picturesque trails by snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Mount Rainier Reflection Lakes
Searching for a hiking adventure to take picturesque photos for Instagram? Look no further than Mount Rainier Reflection Lakes, an iconic destination known for gifting visitors with unreal reflection views of Mount Rainier. Even though swimming, boating, and fishing aren’t allowed in Reflection Lakes, the real-life postcard views will make it all worth it. There are many hiking trails for visitors to conquer new heights and discover scenic viewpoints of Reflection Lakes. The Lakes Trail is a three-mile loop trail that climbs to the ridge above the lake. Another popular hike is Pinnacle Peak Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip adventure. Hikers will be led through lovely subalpine meadows and enter a saddle between Pinnacle Peak and Plummer Peak in the Tatoosh Range. For all those flower lovers out there, Reflection Lakes is a hotspot for wildflowers such as magenta paintbrush, yellow arnica, lupine, and Western pasqueflower.
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a pristine blue and crystal clear lake snuggled in the northern foothills of the Olympic Mountains. It is around 18 miles west of Port Angeles and remains a popular destination in both summer and fall seasons. No matter what kind of activity visitors want to participate in, Lake Crescent is the perfect place to appeal to everyone's preferences. From kayaking, rowboats, sailing, boating, or a quick swim, Lake Crescent is the go-to spot. Hiking is another option if visitors enjoy the scenic views while staying dry. Some more challenging hiking trails climb up into the lakes surrounding mountains, while others explore through the creeks and trees. Two of the most popular hikes are the trek to Marymere Falls or the Spruce Railroad trail. Plenty of picnic tables are located around the lake where you can eat lunch with family and friends or play cards between water activities.
Lake Chelan
Shimmering in the beaming sun rays and flowing over 50 miles long of glassy glacier water, Lake Chelan is the largest natural lake in the state of Washington. Lake Chelan's dominating size makes it a very popular area for shredding the water on water skis or a wakeboard. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent for a more low-key paddle and view of the mountain ranges. If visitors are looking to transport themselves into relaxation mode instead of completely, the lake is also great for floating in the water or reading a good book on the shorelines. This lake is a great destination for a day trip to get some vitamin D, or visitors can rent a campsite in Lake Chelan State Park to extend their outdoor adventures. Other than soaking up the glacier water, Lake Chelan also offers great terrain for hiking trails and bird watching.
Colchuck Lake
One of the most stunning alpine lakes glowing in turquoise blue is the one and only Colchuck Lake. About fifteen minutes from Leavenworth, Colchuck Lake is nestled on the western side of the Enchantments, a region of the Central Cascades in the state of Washington. The lake is situated within a glacier valley's summit, in the middle of unreal 360-degree cliff views. With endless views of green forestry, shiny granite cliffs, and glacier peaks, Colchuck Lake holds a reputation for being an iconic hiking destination in the Pacific Northwest. The Stuart Lake Trail is a common trek that visitors choose to embark on for a sweaty and rewarding challenge. This trail weaves through charming forests and offers views of the breathtaking valley. As the trail continues, hikers will experience a mix of steep rocky climbing and flat pathways. The hiking can be challenging at times, but reaching the finish line to the view of Colchuck Lake will never disappoint.
Baker Lake
Baker Lake is a popular spot to visit and a bucket list destination when exploring the state of Washington. This refreshing and glossy lake is a buzzing hotspot for outdoor recreation; the iconic peak of Mount Baker can be seen standing tall in the sky and reflecting in the Baker Lake waters. In the summer, Baker Lake is great for boating, fishing, swimming, and even camping on the 9-mile lake’s west shore campgrounds. In the North Cascades National Park, Baker Lake’s eastern shoreline has 14 miles of scenic hiking trails in the old-growth forest. A common trail is hiking to Anderson Point, a 4-mile round-trip trek. This short and family-friendly trail leads to a stunning viewpoint of Mount Baker and the lake. If a dreamy camping trip is on the list, hiking two more miles past Anderson Point will lead visitors to Maple Grove Campground.
Ingalls Lake
Sitting in the Alpine Lakes wilderness is Ingalls Lake, aglow with sky blue waters. The lake is at an elevation of 6,466 feet, with towering mountain peaks on one side and a great view of Mount Stuart on the northeast side. It makes sense why so many visitors find themselves hiking to this beautiful Washington gem. No camping is allowed at this lake, but the trails available to explore will have visitors satisfied with the dose of nature. Swimming is allowed in Ingalls Lake, but expect it to be quite piercing cold as it is a glacier-fed lake. Both in the fall and summer seasons, hikers will be exposed to views of the Esmeralda Peaks and the unreal range of Mount Stuart. A diverse range of delightful landscapes will be discovered through the trailhead. Hikers will explore through meadows with wildflowers, flowing streams, and rocky pathways.
Summit Lake
Last but certainly not least on the list is the fairytale dream of gorgeous Summit Lake. Located just off Highway 101 between Olympia and Elma, Summit Lake is a well-known crystal-clear alpine lake that is worth the journey. On days with pleasant and peaceful weather, visitors can enjoy a picture-perfect reflection of Mount Rainier shining in the lake. This lake’s shore is also sprinkled with a diverse range of colorful wildflowers such as phlox, paintbrushes, avalanches, and glacier lilies. This lake is a great spot to take a refreshing dip in the water, paddleboard, or rip the tube around on a boat for an adrenaline-filled activity. Visitors can explore different trailheads around the lake for a scenic hike, climb through forests, and walk through grassy and flowered meadows. Visitors might even experience wildlife sightings such as deer, bears, marmots, and elk.
Washington is certainly a state worth visiting to check off your crystal clear lake bucket list. From the beautiful mountain ranges, charming wildflower meadows and flourishing green forests, Washington will make visitors love the lake views and charming atmosphere. Whether it’s a relaxing tanning session, an adrenaline-infused water activity, or a rewarding hike to reach new heights, the lakes sprinkled around the state of Washington are the answer.
