Washington’s 15 Largest Lakes Show Off The State’s Wild Beauty
Washington’s landscape is defined by water, and its lakes are among the most breathtaking features of the Pacific Northwest.
Towering evergreens reflect on glassy surfaces, mountain peaks rise dramatically in the distance, and wildlife thrives along the shores.
Each lake holds its own character – some vast and untamed, others calm and inviting. Together, they create a mosaic of natural beauty that captures the spirit of the state.
Here are 15 of Washington’s largest lakes, each one offering a different way to experience the wild side of the Evergreen State.
1. Lake Chelan: Sapphire Waters in a Mountain Cradle
Stretching over 50 miles through a glacier-carved valley, this dazzling blue wonder ranks as Washington’s largest natural lake.
The crystal-clear waters reach depths of 1,500 feet, making it one of America’s deepest lakes.
Summer visitors flock to its sunny shores for swimming and boating, while the surrounding vineyards produce award-winning wines.
The remote northern end at Stehekin offers wilderness solitude accessible only by boat or seaplane.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake: A Mighty Columbia River Treasure
When Grand Coulee Dam tamed the Columbia River, this massive reservoir was born. Stretching 151 miles along the original riverbed, it’s Washington’s largest lake by volume.
History buffs appreciate exploring remnants of towns submerged during the dam’s creation. Anglers cast for walleye and rainbow trout in its abundant waters.
With 600 miles of shoreline to explore, weeklong houseboat adventures barely scratch the surface of this impressive waterway.
3. Lake Washington: Seattle’s Shimmering Backyard
Framed by Seattle’s iconic skyline and lush eastern suburbs, this freshwater gem pulses with urban energy and natural beauty. Floating bridges span its 22-mile length, connecting bustling communities.
Kayakers paddle alongside luxury waterfront homes where tech billionaires and sports stars reside. During summer, locals flock to beaches like Madison Park and Juanita Beach.
When the annual Seafair festival arrives, hydroplane races roar across its surface while Blue Angels soar overhead.
4. Moses Lake: Desert Oasis in the Columbia Basin
Unexpected and refreshing, this desert lake shimmers like a mirage amid Eastern Washington’s arid landscape.
Created by ancient ice age floods, it now serves as a crucial irrigation source for surrounding farmlands.
Water sports enthusiasts consider it a hidden paradise for jet skiing and wakeboarding. The warm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming during hot summer months.
Nearby sand dunes provide an extra adventure for off-road vehicle enthusiasts looking to combine water and land activities.
5. Potholes Reservoir: Bird-Watcher’s Paradise
Formed by O’Sullivan Dam on Crab Creek, this intricate network of water channels and small islands creates a wetland wonderland. Migratory birds by the thousands stop here during spring and fall journeys.
Fishing enthusiasts target the abundant bass, trout, and walleye populations. The unique landscape was sculpted by massive ice age floods that carved countless depressions—hence the name “Potholes.”
Sunset views across the water, with desert hills silhouetted against colorful skies, create unforgettable moments for photographers.
6. Banks Lake: Dramatic Cliffs and Fishing Heaven
Nestled within the walls of Grand Coulee, this 27-mile reservoir fills an ancient riverbed with cool, blue water. Massive basalt cliffs rise dramatically from the shoreline, creating a stark contrast against the desert landscape. Fishermen consider it one of Washington’s premier spots for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout.
Water skiers glide across its smooth surface while families enjoy swimming at Steamboat Rock State Park’s beaches.
Rock climbers test their skills on the surrounding basalt formations that tell stories of ancient lava flows.
7. Lake Crescent: Olympic Peninsula’s Crystal Jewel
Tucked within Olympic National Park’s ancient forests, this glacier-carved masterpiece dazzles with its extraordinary clarity and deep blue hues.
Scientists marvel at visibility depths reaching 60 feet in its pristine waters. Surrounded by moss-draped forests and snow-capped peaks, the lake feels like something from a fairy tale.
Historic Lake Crescent Lodge offers rustic charm with its 1916 architecture and waterfront location. Hikers can explore trails leading to Marymere Falls or along the spruce-lined shores.
8. Lake Ozette: Remote Coastal Wilderness
Hidden away in Washington’s northwestern corner, this pristine lake offers solitude rarely found in today’s connected world.
Ancient cedar and hemlock forests embrace its shores, creating a primeval atmosphere untouched by development.
Archaeological treasures from the Makah Tribe lie preserved along its edges. A 3-mile boardwalk trail leads from the lake to the rugged Pacific coastline.
Roosevelt elk often emerge from the mist-shrouded forests to drink from its calm waters at dawn and dusk.
9. Lake Whatcom: Bellingham’s Beloved Backyard
Serving as both recreational playground and drinking water source for Bellingham residents, this long, narrow lake winds through forested hills just east of the city.
Morning fog often dances across its surface, creating ethereal scenes as paddleboarders glide through the mist.
Local families treasure summer days at Bloedel Donovan Park’s swimming area. The Lake Whatcom Railway offers scenic excursions along the eastern shore.
Conservation efforts protect the watershed while balancing recreational access to this vital community resource.
10. Lake Sammamish: Urban Adventure Hub
Sandwiched between Seattle’s eastern suburbs, this accessible lake buzzes with activity year-round.
Tech professionals from nearby Microsoft and Amazon campuses paddleboard during lunch breaks or cycle the East Lake Sammamish Trail after work.
Waterfront parks in Issaquah and Redmond offer sandy beaches and boat launches. Wildlife enthusiasts spot bald eagles and great blue herons fishing along the shoreline.
Despite urban development surrounding it, the lake maintains surprising ecological health and serves as a vital salmon migration corridor.
11. Cle Elum Lake: Mountain Reservoir Playground
Cradled by the eastern Cascade Mountains, this stunning reservoir transforms with the seasons. Spring brings snowmelt that fills the lake to capacity, while autumn paints surrounding hillsides with golden larches.
Mountain bikers tackle the challenging trails that loop around its shores. Campgrounds nestled among ponderosa pines offer perfect basecamp for exploring the Alpine Lakes Wilderness nearby.
When winter arrives, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers replace summer boaters on this versatile mountain playground.
12. Kachess Lake: Alpine Serenity
Snowmelt from surrounding peaks feeds this pristine alpine reservoir that glows turquoise in summer sunlight.
Families have passed down lakeside cabins for generations, creating a community of dedicated stewards.
Paddlers explore quiet coves where osprey dive for fish and black bears occasionally appear at the shoreline.
The lake’s unusual shape – formed by two flooded valleys – creates distinct basins connected by a narrow channel.
Stargazers treasure the minimal light pollution that reveals spectacular Milky Way views on clear summer nights.
13. Lake Quinault: Rainforest Reflection
Wrapped in the embrace of the world’s only temperate rainforest, this glacial lake captures the essence of Olympic Peninsula magic.
Record-breaking Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees tower along its shores, some over 1,000 years old.
The historic Lake Quinault Lodge offers Roosevelt Dining Room views across the water to mist-shrouded hills.
Rainfall reaching 12 feet annually nourishes the incredibly lush ecosystem surrounding the lake. Lucky visitors might spot Roosevelt elk herds grazing in meadows near the shoreline.
14. Osoyoos Lake: International Waters
Straddling the US-Canada border, this desert lake boasts the warmest water temperatures in the Pacific Northwest.
Summer readings often reach a bathtub-like 75°F, drawing swimmers and water sports enthusiasts from both countries.
Vineyards and orchards line the surrounding hillsides, creating a Mediterranean-like atmosphere. The lake’s unique position in a rain shadow creates a sunny microclimate perfect for growing fruit.
Rare wildlife inhabits the desert ecosystem surrounding this blue oasis, including threatened species found nowhere else in Washington.
15. Baker Lake: Shadow of a Volcano
Living in the shadow of active Mount Baker, this reservoir offers front-row seats to one of the Cascades’ most spectacular volcanoes.
Snow-capped year-round, the mountain’s perfect cone reflection in the lake’s surface creates postcard-worthy photos.
Floating campsites accessible only by boat provide unique overnight adventures. Old-growth forests along the eastern shore harbor some of Washington’s largest Douglas fir trees.
Anglers pursue kokanee salmon while keeping one eye on the massive glacier-covered volcano that occasionally puffs steam into the blue sky.
