OUR FAVORITE PACIFIC NORTHWEST LAKES & RIVERS
The temps are rising, the sun is shining, and summer is just around the corner. We’re celebrating the longer days ahead with our favorite PNW waters. We’ve handpicked some of the best spots for swimming, paddling, kicking back, and soaking up the views. Grab a towel and let’s go!
Washington
Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent is a glacier-fed lake that offers picture-perfect views. With deep waters, a rocky shoreline, dramatic peaks, and a lush forest—it’s easy to see why this lake is a must-visit destination. Tucked up on the edge of Olympic National Park, the lake is as clear as the blue sky reflecting into it. We recommend heading out from the Log Cabin Resort on the east shore of the lake and paddling to a nearby beach. You can spot the bridge for the Spruce Railroad trail on the shoreline of the lake. Find a rocky beach to rest and eat lunch. Go for a refreshing swim to cool off, just be prepared for some very chilly water. Find a camping spot along the lake or in one of the campgrounds. Several hiking trails branch off from Lake Crescent. If you’re feeling adventurous, we love the short hike to Marymere Falls. For a special treat, head to Sol Duc Hot Springs (there’s also a fantastic short hike to Sol Duc Falls). The resort offers a variety of mineral pools enjoyed with a $14 entry fee. A soak is always a nice treat when you’re camping!
Photo: Dave Hoefler
Hood Canal
We love paddling around these gorgeous waters and then feasting on some of the most delicious oysters in the PNW at Hama Hama Oysters (be sure to check their website for reservations). Don’t forget to spend some time wandering the beach. If you’re looking for more adventure, stop in at Hood Canal Adventures and take their Wild Edible/Medicinal Plants & Mushrooms Tour. If you’re yearning to get back on the water, they also offer Kayak Excursions (departs in the mornings). Zions Camp, Potlatch State Park Campground, Brown Creek Campground, Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, and Cedar Arms Campground on Hipcamp are all excellent options to spend the night.
Photo: Robert Bottman
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan is a summer hot spot for many Washingtonians (us included). It’s known for its abundance of wineries, stunning natural beauty, and myriad outdoor activities. The blue, pristine waters of this 50.5-mile-long lake open a variety of options for the water sports aficionado, whether you’re looking to swim, fish, paddle, snorkel, scuba dive, or water ski. It’s a water lover’s paradise at the edge of the spectacular and primitive North Cascades. If you have an extra day in your itinerary, we recommend staying in Chelan and making a trip on the Lady of the Lake to the town of Stehekin (you can’t drive there, but that’s what makes it so wonderfully charming!).
Photo: Zac Gudakov
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Diablo Lake
For pristine wildlife and scenery, it doesn’t get much better than the divine views at Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. Its cool, blue water is perfect for swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. For a great early-season hike, trek along the Diablo Lake Trail. Starting at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, the 7.5-mile out and back features a handful of semi-steep climbs and offers lake views, lakeside access, and an overlook of Ross Dam. Thunder Knob Trail is a 3.5-mile, moderate, family-friendly out-and-back hike through a creekbed, forest, and over a clear stream to an overlook on the south side of Diablo Lake with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Diablo Lake camping options include drive-in, boat-in, or backpacking campsites. Start with Colonial Creek Campground. Visit the General Store in Newhalem for some of the best fudge in the PNW and stop by the Skagit Information Center across the street to chat with a ranger.
Photo: Zach Gilseth
WENATCHEE river
You’re in for a treat at the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. Once you arrive, we highly recommend packing up a lunch and heading to the Wenatchee River. From whitewater to flatwater, you can paddleboard, kayak, raft, or tube this delightfully scenic river. Take some time to explore Leavenworth’s charm. It’s a fairy book escape in the mountains with something for everyone. Saunter around downtown, check out a number of tasty eateries and grab a stein. We really like Rhein Haus or Icicle Brewing Company, two fantastic spots to eat, drink, and fill up a pony keg.
Photo: AllTrips Leavenworth
Moses Lake
Moses Lake is popular for its sand dunes and water sports. If you’ve never experienced sand dunes (and even if you have), we recommend checking these out. You can rent ATVs from Land2Lake Powersports and cruise around the area. Spend your afternoon at the lake at either Connelly Park or Cascade Park. For an evening beer, head to Cascade Cellars or Squirrel Fight Artisan Brewing. A great spot to camp is Potholes State Park. If they’re full, we have some lovely Hipcamp friends just north towards Soap Lake.
Photo: Travel Lens
Oregon
Sauvie Island
The Sauvie Island Wildlife Refuge hosts remarkably secluded paddling just 30 miles from Portland. Gilbert River and Sturgeon Lake, accessible from the Island, offer miles of great paddling. Cunningham Slough, accessible from Scappoose Bay, is an epic paddle that takes you through Wapato Greenway Access State Park along the 16-mile-long Sauvie Island, an isolated bayou virtually inaccessible from land. Rentals are available at the Scappoose Bay Paddle Center. Your company may include eagles, herons, coyotes, beavers, and deer. Because of low water levels, Cunningham Slough is only accessible from April to July (so pack up and get going). If you’re looking to swim, sunbathe, and catch up on a good book, we’re big fans of Willow Bar or Sauvie Island Beach.
Photo: Oregon is for Adventure
Tualatin River
If you’re looking for a lazy river to paddle, look no further than the Tualatin River. One of only two rivers in Oregon that are designated National Water Trails, the 40-mile Tualatin River is famous for its slow-moving current. Don’t expect to see the river’s bottom, but do expect to see tons of birds, thick deciduous trees, and peaceful stretches of farmland. This is a great river for beginners and families. Part of the river meanders by the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge. With 12 access points, you can make it a daylong voyage or a quick round-trip between two points. Pack your binoculars for this one!
Photo: Flatwater Kayak Club
Hosmer Lake
One of the gems along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway loop in Central Oregon, Hosmer Lake is a paddler’s dream. While the area features a campground, there’s no defined hiking trail, so the best way to explore this majestic lake is by paddling. Take in incredible views of Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top. Hosmer Lake is only accessible in summer and early fall. The highway closes for the winter season. The lake is also a prime spot for fly fishing, with big Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and rainbows visible in the shallow, clear water.
Photo: Visit Bend
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deschutes River
The Deschutes River Paddle Trail offers everything from expert Class V rapids to mellow Class I floats. The hardest part may be deciding where to put in. For more mellow options (our pace), paddle right through Bend and the historic Old Mill District, head upstream and float through the iconic Sunriver Resort, or hit the water at the Slough Day Use/Dillon Falls sections for a serene, less crowded experience. With its convenient location flowing right through Bend, there’s a huge selection of places to eat, drink, and explore once you step off the river. We highly recommend spending a day or two exploring Bend, OR.
Photo: ROW Adventures
wallowa Lake
We love hitting up this cool, refreshing lake after a day of hiking the stunning Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness. Wallowa Lake State Park is a destination worth the distance. Swim, paddle, relax, and take in the views of Oregon’s “Switzerland.” The park features year-round camping. The nearby town of Joseph, OR is a wonderful place to explore. Named after the Nez Percé (Nimi’ipuu) chief, the area carries significance. The Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery near the lake is a national historic landmark and a sacred and sensitive site for the Nez Percé. Some of the region’s history is captured in life-sized bronze sculptures around Main Street, part of the Joseph Oregon Artwalk. Creative shops and restaurants make up “downtown.” We dig The Blythe Cricket for a fantastic, farm-fresh breakfast. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Arrowhead Chocolates. They produce 40+ varieties of small-batch, Fair Trade Certified chocolates in regionally inspired flavors like huckleberry and blended whiskey. The latter is made from Stein Distillery’s whiskey, also in Joseph, and and worth a visit. Take a break from camping and stay a night at the hip, Kickstarter-funded Jennings Hotel. Equal parts accommodation and art project, you'll likely meet friends passing the ukulele around at a family supper, artists in residence sharing their work, and creative and thoughtful shared spaces—all under our roof. Did we mention they have a sauna?
Photo: Kessi World
Idaho
Priest lake
Priest Lake lies just 30 miles south of the Canadian border, nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Idaho and mile-high mountains, Priest Lake is a whopping 19 miles long and 300 feet deep. Enjoy the dense forests of cedar, fir, and tamarack and spot whitetail deer, black bear, moose, and bald eagles. The lake is iconic for its extremely clear water, fed by streams cascading from the high peaks. The state park offers several camping options. A two-mile thoroughfare connects the main lake to the remote Upper Priest Lake, accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or boat.
Ready to Get Away?
Rent one of our Vanagon or Mercedes Metris camper vans to get to one of our favorite PNW lakes or rivers!
