Best Swimming Lakes Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

It’s here: The beautiful summer weather we count on in the Northwest, and that means it’s time to go swimming in Seattle! Sometimes, a dip in a lake is the absolute best plan for a summer day. Pack a picnic, play on the shore, splash in the shallows or practice swimming skills. We’ve rounded up great swimming lakes for kids and families around Seattle and beyond.

First, a few notes: You will want to keep an eye on bacteria-related beach closures. (It’s gross, but better to know and not go to those beaches.) Second, it’s always safest to swim where lifeguards are on duty, but with the current lifeguard shortage, no all beaches listed here have them. Lastly — and most importantly — always pay ultra-close attention to kids around water, even if they can swim. Check out these water safety guidelines from Seattle Children’s.

It is also important to remember that even though air temperatures seem warm at the outset of summer, the water temperatures are still quite cold.

Let’s dive in: Seattle swimming lakes