Top Beaches, Waterfalls & Swimming Spots in Washington
Washington has 11,420 listed water destinations, including lakes and rivers. Browse them by type below, with ratings, photos and directions for each.
🏞️Top Lakes in Washington
6 locations
4.7(9,945)Green Lake Park
Recreation area with trails, beach & boathouse, plus tennis courts, baseball fields & indoor pool.
4.7(5,044)Lake Sammamish State Park
512-acre park with ample waterfront access & boat launch, plus seasonal kayak rentals & picnicking.
4.9(857)Lake Crescent
Glacial mountain lake with trout fishing, forests, hiking trails, picnicking, camping & boat launch.
4.8(546)Lake Chelan
Nature-lovers' resort destination in the mountains with water sports, hotels, hiking & local wine.
4.8(305)Lake Cushman
Outdoor activities, like fishing & paddling, are showcased at this scenic lake with mountain views.
4.7(270)Lake Washington
The 2nd largest natural lake in Washington, this lake provides sport fishing opportunities.
🌊Top Rivers in Washington
6 locations
4.5(856)Yakima River
The longest river entirely within Washington State at 214 miles, the Yakima is a world-class fly fishing destination producing over 15,000 wild rainbow trout per mile in its top sections. The 75-mile Blue Ribbon catch-and-release section between Easton and Roza Dam is the most renowned stretch, with trophy trout regularly exceeding 20 inches. Three reservoirs ensure good flows and cool water in summer, and the river enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. Fishing season runs mid-February through mid-November.
4.6(22)Satsop River
tributary to the Chehalis River in Grays Harbor County, Washington state, United States of America
4.4(20)North Fork Toutle River
tributary to the Toutle River in Cowlitz County and Skamania County, Washington state, United States of America
4.6(20)Carbon River
Large, glacier-fed river named for local coal deposits, with hiking trails nearby.
4.3(18)Burley Creek
tributary to Burley Lagoon in Kitsap County, Washington state, United States of America
4.8(13)Chelan River
tributary to the Columbia River in Chelan County, Washington, United States of America
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