The Best Swimming in Washington

Looking for the best swimming in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top swimming spots in and near Washington

Woodland, Washington

Explore the Cedar Grist Mill

3.6

After parking in the lot near the mill, walk across the bridge. This is the first good viewpoint for photography. Next, I recommend walking under the bridge, this is my favorite spot for taking photos. The whole area is free to walk around, you can even walk in the mill and then walk up stream do...
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Tumtum, Washington

Cliff Jump and Swim at 'The Cove'

4.3

With activities for everyone, The Cove at Long Lake is the perfect spot to go on a summer day!If you are driving from downtown Spokane, drive towards Nine Mile Falls. Before entering Nine Mile Falls you will come to a dam. At the dam take a left over the bridge. Continue through the little town o...
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Bellingham, Washington

Hangout at Pixie Falls

2.0

Pixie Falls can be accessed during any season; however it’s most enjoyable during the spring and summer months. This waterfall and swimming hole combo is the perfect way to escape the heat and the crowds. On any given day, there will typically be less than 10 people who access the falls. Pixie is...
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Deming, Washington

Hike to Racehorse Falls

3.7

Racehorse Creek is broken up into four distinct waterfalls that drop a total of 140ft through a relatively shallow gorge. The first two waterfalls are punchbowl-type falls that have deep holes at their bases. Immediately below the second waterfall, the creek descends rapidly before it arrives at...
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Brinnon, Washington

Short Hike to Rocky Brook Falls

4.8

0.25 mi

To find the falls, head north up Hwy. 101 past Brinnon, Washington and hang a left at Dosewallips Rd. Keep an eye on the mile markers. Right after mile three and crossing a small bridge, there's a parking area on the left side enough for about 6 cars. The hike to Rocky Brook Falls is a short one ...
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Seattle, Washington

Camp on Blake Island

There are 2 ways to get to Blake Island: private boat or via the Argosy Cruises tour boat (or if you're ambitious, I guess you can swim there!). If traveling by private boat, there is a marina with limited dock space as well as buoy moorings around the island for a moorage fee. Blake Island is ...
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Rockport, Washington

Camping in the North Cascades at Diablo Lake

4.0

Diablo lake is the perfect place to camp if you're looking for solitude and natural beauty. It's northeast from Seattle in the North Cascades. Colonial Creek Campground has large camp sites right on the lake. It is first come first serve, however check out is at noon so arrive around 11:30 to sna...
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Seattle, Washington

Swim at Green Lake

2.3

Green Lake is one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. Its expanse of water and green space in the center of a dense urban neighborhood draws thousands of people daily from all over the city. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds ...
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Gold Bar, Washington

Hike to Barclay Lake

4.4

4.4 mi / 500 ft gain

With less than 500 feet of total elevation and 4.4 miles of round trip hiking, the Barclay Lake trail is a perfect hike for beginners, families, or those looking for a quick morning or afternoon jaunt. Yet dont let the simplicity of the hike fool you. The end result of the hike is nothing short o...
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Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to Rachel Lake

4.8

8 mi / 1600 ft gain

This hike is 8 miles roundtrip, with 1600 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ve...
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Winthrop, Washington

Hike to Blue Lake, WA

5.0

4.5 mi / 1100 ft gain

Blue Lake is a fantastic alpine lake along a moderate trail in the sawtooth North Cascades, featuring views of some of the most impressive peaks in the range. A 4.5-mile out-and-back gaining about 1,100 feet, the trail to Blue Lake Trail features summer wildflowers, autumn Larch and jagged snow-c...
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Skagit County, Washington

Sauk Mountain Summit 5,541'

4.3

4 mi / 1200 ft gain

Even from the Trailhead, the views overlooking the Skagit River valley, all the way out toward Mount Vernon, are outstanding. The trail follows 20 tight switchbacks as it makes it's way 600 feet up to the southern crest of the summit ridge. This is a steep slope and it's possible to look straight...
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Ashford, Washington

Hike to Eunice Lake in Mt. Rainier NP

6.5 mi

Starting out from the beautiful Mowich Lake (4,929 ft), this hike takes you through some of Mt. Rainier Nation Park's best scenery. Thanks to the 13 miles of dirt roads it takes to even get to the trailhead, this hike is also rarely crowded. At 6.5 miles roundtrip to Eunice Lake, this is a grea...
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Ronald, Washington

Hike to Dip Top Gap

25 mi / 5000 ft gain

This is a great side trip from Backpacking to Marmot & Jade Lakes. Check out the Adventure linked above for directions on how to get as far as Jade Lake. I would recommend 2 nights at either Marmot or Jade to allow for a full day of exploration from your camp. From Jade what is described be...
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Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Take a Hike Up To Rampart Lakes

5.0

11 mi / 2200 ft gain

Getting There: From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left, heading over the highway. After 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles on the gravel road and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough, bu...
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Seattle, Washington

Visit Alki Beach

5.0

1 mi

There is parking for about a mile along Alki Ave. SW, however it quickly fills up quickly so get there early. The beach is about a mile long and since there is little parking there is a good chance you will need to walk a fair distance. There are many things to do at this beach. There are kayak,...
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