Washington Lakes: 5 Summer Travel Destinations

Five Lakes to See in Washington This Season

While Lake Chelan is often the most talked-about in-state lake, Washington has so much more to offer. Instagram creator @jessies__journeys is on a mission to highlight five other stunning lake destinations across Washington that every adventurer should check out this summer. Each of these five lakes pairs epic views with far less foot traffic than Lake Chelan or Lake Tahoe. —By pairing detailed descriptions of each destination with the pros and cons of each, @jessies__journeys highlights the best way to visit each lake.

How the Five-Lake List Shines a Light on the State

For those seeking a high-impact visual tour, this one is crucial. The Lake Chelan visitor center receives eighty thousand visitors per year. Five lakes with fewer footprints, from lake to lake, highlight a much wider set of locations with much less tourist traffic. The capsule tour does more than just lure travelers to a destination with beautiful pictures. The tour gives a detailed plan of how to reach each destination and provides important details for hikers. Washington gets less foot traffic to its destinations, thanks to heavy promotion of Lake Chelan and Lake Tahoe. This tour reveals the best of the rest.

The Lakes of Washington

A Tale of Five Lakes

By describing each lake in detail, @jessies__journeys gives every adventurer a lens to see what each lake has to offer. And, of course, the most important detail: how to visit. Each lake has its own unique offerings and challenges. The Lake Crescent website alone has two hundred reviews and a 4½ star rating. The five lakes featured include Lake Crescent, Diablo Lake, Picture Lake, Blue Lake, and Bianca Lake. The main attraction of these lakes is their stunning beauty, different from the bustling Lake Chelan. Crescent Lake The most accessible of the five lakes, Lake Crescent is open year-round with no hike required to reach its banks. Despite its easy all-season access, it still boasts stunning natural scenery, including a view that's been described as "like a scene from Lord of the Rings", thanks to the lake's crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. Diablo Lake The second lake on the list is Diablo Lake. It is known for its unique turquoise waters, which are the result of glacier runoff. The lake is accessible year-round, but it's important to check for road closures during the winter. There's no hike required to enjoy the lake's beauty, making it a great option for those who want to avoid strenuous hikes. Picture Lake Third on the list is Picture Lake. It opens mid-summer and requires no hike to reach. The lake is known for its stunning views of Mount Shuksan, which reflect perfectly on the lake's surface. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and swimming. Blue Lake is the fourth lake on the list. It is known for its stunning fall foliage, featuring larch trees that turn a golden hue in September. Blue Lake's surface reflects the stunning colors of the trees, making it a popular spot for photographers. The lake requires an easy to moderate hike to reach, but the effort is well worth it. Blue Lake Located in North Cascades National Park, Blue Lake is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains. The lake's deep blue waters reflect the surrounding scenery, creating a breathtaking vista. The lake requires an easy to moderate hike to reach, and it's important to note that the hike may have been impacted by the wildfires that devastated the Pacific Northwest in 2021. Bianca Lake Fifth and last is Bianca Lake. Accessible during the summer, Bianca Lake is known for its steep hike, but it boasts a windy road with incredible views of waterfalls. It is difficult to reach, but worth the challenge: its turquoise water and easy access for swimming and fishing make it a great destination. The hike to Bianca Lake has been impacted by recent fires, so it's important to check trail conditions before setting out. Bianca Lake is located in the foothills of Mount Baker and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The Best Time to See The Lakes

That said, not all the lakes are best viewed at the same time. For example, Blue Lake's fall foliage makes it a popular destination in September. In contrast, Lake Crescent offers stunning views all year long. The tour also provides details specific to each lake, such as: Diablo Lake's turquoise waters or Bianca Lake's steep hike. It's these kinds of details that make the five-lake tour so useful.

The Challenges of Each Lake

Of course, each of the five lakes comes with its own set of challenges. For example, Bianca Lake is known for its steep hike, while Blue Lake requires an easy to moderate hike. Diablo Lake, on the other hand, is accessible year-round. Lake Crescent is particularly popular for photographers. While Lake Bianca was closed for a time due to forest fires, it is currently open for hiking, swimming. Visitors are advised to check current road conditions and trail access before visiting. Some roads may be closed due to snow or other factors, and trail conditions can vary depending on the time of year.

Finding the Highest Lakes

For those looking for elevation, Bianca Lake is the highest of the five, located at an elevation of 4,340 feet. Lake Crescent and Diablo Lake are both located in the North Cascades National Park, at elevations of 6,900 and 1,900 feet, respectively. Larches in Blue Lake make it the third-highest of the five, while Picture Lake is at an elevation of 1,780 feet. Each lake offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for photographers and hikers alike. Those planning to visit Lake Bianca should be prepared for the steep hike, while those looking for a more relaxed experience may want to consider Lake Crescent. Regardless of which lake you choose, each offers stunning views and a unique experience. It takes careful planning, but it's worth it. Each lake offers a unique experience, but all require a bit of planning. It's important to research each lake before visiting, as some may require a hike or have limited access. Additionally, the tour provides important details such as trail conditions, road closures, and the best time to visit. It makes the five-lake trip one of the most amazing options in the state.