Swimming season is (finally) upon us here in Washington. We’ve mentioned some of our more popular swimming holes that people enjoy, but there are also plenty of hidden gems perfect for taking a refreshing dip on a hot summer day.
- The Lake Dale Resort at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island has been called the Nordstrom of campgrounds, and it’s definitely clean and beautiful.
Kelli S / Yelp And if you stay there, you can swim here.
- When people swim at Lake Cushman, they often jump from the Big Rock… but if you head to the North Shore (East or West), you’ll beat the crowds.
BRI CX / Flickr The rocky shores here keep some swimmers away, but that just means you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with. Lake Cushman is located on the north fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County.
- Green River Gorge State Park is an isolated area near Black Diamond.
Scott Smithson / Flickr To reach the swimming hole, you’ll have to walk almost a mile… but the peace and quiet you’ll find will be worth it. Just make sure to swim in a group here - although the water is slow-moving, this is still a moving river.
- If you don’t mind swimming among some trout, you can go for a dip at Fish Lake in Cheney.
Yelena M / Yelp There’s a small sandy beach here, and since motor boats are prohibited, you can do laps without worry.
- Fort Spokane (Lake Roosevelt) is home to amazing camping and a history museum.
Jasperdo / Flickr But what some people don’t know is that it also has a great swimming beach, and if you find it, you’ll love lounging there.
- Located within Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is a popular place to hang out for obvious reasons… it’s beautiful.
Tom Collins / Flickr For the best swimming spot, head to Fairholme Beach on the west end of the lake.
- Hike the Hidden Lake Trail loop in Wenatchee State Park and you’ll be met with the most refreshing reward.
Christopher Daniels / alltrails.com Sitting under tall pines in a nook above Lake Wenatchee, Hidden Lake is a serene swimming spot.
- You’ll find some surprisingly great swimming at the Lake Kachess Campground
Camille L / Yelp Located on the northeast shore of the lake, this campground is rarely full, and the lakeside picnic spots and sandy beaches make it an amazing place to spend a summer weekend.
Swimming is definitely one of the most popular summer activities in the great state of Washington. For more ideas, check out our ultimate summer bucket list.
Kelli S / Yelp
And if you stay there, you can swim here.
BRI CX / Flickr
The rocky shores here keep some swimmers away, but that just means you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with. Lake Cushman is located on the north fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
To reach the swimming hole, you’ll have to walk almost a mile… but the peace and quiet you’ll find will be worth it. Just make sure to swim in a group here - although the water is slow-moving, this is still a moving river.
Yelena M / Yelp
There’s a small sandy beach here, and since motor boats are prohibited, you can do laps without worry.
Jasperdo / Flickr
But what some people don’t know is that it also has a great swimming beach, and if you find it, you’ll love lounging there.
Tom Collins / Flickr
For the best swimming spot, head to Fairholme Beach on the west end of the lake.
Christopher Daniels / alltrails.com
Sitting under tall pines in a nook above Lake Wenatchee, Hidden Lake is a serene swimming spot.
Camille L / Yelp
Located on the northeast shore of the lake, this campground is rarely full, and the lakeside picnic spots and sandy beaches make it an amazing place to spend a summer weekend.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
