The best lake hikes in Washington
Washington is known for its natural beauty, particularly its epic mountain ranges. With the mountain ranges (Cascades, Olympics, and Enchantments among the most notable) and generous rainfall and glacial history comes gorgeous mountain lakes. Read on for everything you need to know about the best lake trails in Washington: which trails are the best, where to find them, and when to hike them.
Where to find the best lakes in Washington
Snow Lake
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 7.2 miles roundtrip, 1800 feet elevation gain
When to hike: July-October; also possible as a snow shoe excursion, but this trail has SERIOUS avalanche danger so I would not recommend a winter visit
WA Trails Association Link: Snow Lake Trail
The Snow Lake trail is moderate and probably doable for fit kids. This little one hitchhiked in my backpack. Snow Lake is probably on every list of the best lake hikes in Washington. It really is that good.
Gem-colored waters, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and forest? Welcome to Snow Lake, one of the prettiest lakes in Washington.
It’s particularly awesome because of its proximity to the Seattle area. It’s also particularly awful because of it, as this means that the trail gets congested.
In summer, you can swim in the cool waters with crowds of other visitors. In fall, you can enjoy the (cold) trail in relative solitude. I’ve done it on a hot and dry summer day and on a cold and wet October day (read about it here) and each has its benefits and disadvantages, but regardless the lake is striking.
Lena Lake
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 7.2 miles round trip, 1300 feet elevation gain
When to hike: Year round, depending on snow
WA Trails Association Link: Lena Lake Trail
I really love the bridges on this trail. They’re gorgeous. And it’s pet friendly!
Lena Lake is a quiet spot on the Olympic Peninsula away from the hustle and bustle of the I-90 corridor trails. It’s a great place to escape the major crowds for a slightly less busy trail.
Winding through the forest, the Lena Lake trail is a gentle climb, nicely maintained, and very enjoyable. The lake at the end is more than worth the effort. Read more about the trail in detail here.
Lake 22
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 5.4 miles round trip, 1350 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Lake 22
Winter is my favorite time to visit Lake 22 (we’ve done November, December, and June hikes here). It’s a winter wonderland and the trail is incredibly wet and lush until you reach the snowy areas. One note, lighting is better in the morning here (photo is from afternoon and as you see, it’s pretty dark).
Lake 22 is for everyone. An easy-moderate hike that wows the entire way, it’s one you don’t want to miss. From moss-covered old growth trees, to watery trail crossings and mini waterfalls, to picturesque wooden turnpikes, every bit of this trail is enjoyable.
Well, except maybe the boulder field, which is tough on the ankles but does provide some panoramic mountain views. I love this hike especially in November/December.
Lake Ingalls
Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 9 miles roundtrip, 2500 feet elevation gain
When to hike: June-October
WA Trails Association Link: Lake Ingalls Trail
I hiked Lake Ingalls in mid-October, right after the first snowfall and at the very end of larch season. The dusting snow of snow made the trail just magical (and kept me cool). I’d like to go again in peak larch season, but know that it gets crazy busy when larches are shining.
Lake Ingalls is a distinct trail reminiscent of eastern Washington, but still more on the western side of the state. It’s a lot drier and there are fewer trees than many of the other best lake trails in Washington.
It’s a solid workout but definitely achievable for people who are moderately fit. The lake at the end is made extra special by the looming Mt. Stuart that forms the backdrop of the lake. And when it’s frozen, it’s even more spectacular. Lake Ingalls is known as a fantastic larch hike in the fall, where the conifers turn yellow (usually late September/early October).
Lake Serene
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 8.2 miles roundtrip, 2000 feet elevation gain
When to hike: Year round, but as always, be sure to have avalanche training and knowledge if you attempt in the winter.
WA Trails Association Link: Lake Serene Trail
Another classic incredible Washington lake hike is Serene Lake. The trail starts off fairly gently but becomes steeper by the end, by which point you’re crossing waterfalls and stepping over boulders above the treeline.
Lake Serene is stunning year round. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland covered in snow, or you’re wanting to dip into frigid alpine waters in August, Lake Serene fits the bill. It’s one of the most popular trails for a reason, so expect lots of company on the trail and plan to arrive early if you hike on weekends as parking is limited.
Most of the Lake Serene trail is forested, but when you get above the tree cover, these views await. My sweaty self appreciated the rest and the views.
Blue Lake
Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 4.4 miles roundtrip, 1050 feet elevation gain
When to hike: June-October
WA Trails Association Link: Blue Lake Trail
I left this photo unedited so you can see how gorgeous the colors are, just naturally.
What better place to enjoy your lunch than on the shores of Blue Lake?
Located in the North Cascades, Blue Lake is a short and sweet jaunt across boardwalks, through the forest and meadows, to a lake that has a striking, almost Caribbean blue color. Along the trail you will get the opportunity to appreciate the soaring mountain vistas of Whistler Mountain and Cutthroat Peak.
Enjoy your lunch on the shores of the lake, and if you’re bold, consider dipping your toes in. This lake is also known for its larches during larch season. Any season, Blue Lake is certainly one of the best lake trails in Washington.
Upper Crystal Lake
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 45 minutes
Pass needed: None
Trail distance and elevation: 6 miles roundtrip, 2300 feet elevation gain
When to hike: June or July-October. The road
WA Trails Association Link: Upper Crystal Lake Trail
One of the least crowded lake trails, Upper Crystal Lake is a thigh burner with a worthy reward at the end, and there are relatively few hikers here.
You’ll park right off the highway that leads to Mt. Rainier and have a climb straight up from the beginning. Most of the trail is forested, so you’ll be protected by the shade as you ascend the switchbacks.
Once you get to the more open area with a meadow, you’ll know you’re getting close to the lake. The lake itself has several backcountry campsites you can enjoy with a permit. Crystal Lake would be a great place to spend an evening under the stars.
Bench and Snow Lakes
Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Pass needed: None
Trail distance and elevation: 2.5 miles roundtrip, 610 feet elevation gain
When to hike: Late June or July-October
WA Trails Association Link: Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Bench & Snow Lakes themselves are somewhat unassuming. However, the trail is easy, making it a win for families. You’ll also get this iconic view of Mt. Rainier over the water, which makes this hike a treasure. It’s definitely one of the best like hikes in Washington.
Maple Pass Loop – Lake Ann from Above
Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 7.2 miles roundtrip, 2,020 feet elevation gain
When to hike: June or July-October
WA Trails Association Link: Maple Pass Loop – Lake Ann from Above
The trail itself is pretty enough, but like I said, veryyyy buggy in the summer and personally I think the views are better from above.
Lakeside views. I’ll let you decide if you want to take the detour.
This one is a little different, in that the end point is not the lake itself, but the top of a pass where you can see a lake from above. You can walk to Lake Ann on your way up to Maple Pass Loop, but I didn’t find it worth the effort for the detour (and in summer, the bugs at the lakeside were awful). Enjoy the views from above.
Picture Lake
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 40 minutes
Pass needed: None
Trail distance and elevation: .6 miles roundtrip, 45 feet elevation gain
When to hike: June-October
WA Trails Association Link: Picture Lake Trail
This lake is right off the roadside and clearly, it’s gorgeous.
More of a paved stroll than a hike, Picture Lake is worth a stop when you’re visiting the Mt. Baker area. It’s one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and you can see why: the reflections of imposing Mount Shuksan in the water. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise.
Other amazing lake hikes in Washington
These are some of the best lake hikes in Washington. Other beautiful lakes in Washington include Heather Lake, Talapus Lake, Mason Lake, Barclay Lake, Greenwater Lakes, and Oxbow Lake.
Which Washington lake will you visit next?
