Travel

26 Best Lakeside Getaways in the Northwest

On both sides of our mountains, east and west, our Northwest lakes are inviting playgrounds perfect for a day trip or extended stay.

By Seattle Magazine Staff June 28, 2017

July-cover-image-no-text

This article originally appeared in the July 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.

Their cooling waters beckon, calling to hikers sweaty from miles of grinding altitude gain and to other explorers of our lush forests. Elsewhere, they’re visions of blue in the midst of otherwise dry landscapes. On both sides of our mountains, east and west, our Northwest lakes are inviting playgrounds perfect for an extended stay or a weekend day trip.

Lake Chelan
Stehekin
Soap Lake

Ross Lake Resort
Lakedale
Lochaerie Resort
Lake Quinault Lodge
Lake Crescent
Watermark Beach Resort
Lake Coeur d’Alene
Lake Pend Oreille
Suttle Lake
Takhlakh Lake
Lakeside Camping
Get the scoop on some of the best alpine lakes for camping
The Mythical Lake Monsters of the Northwest

 

Follow Us

Hidden Washington: The Other Vancouver

Hidden Washington: The Other Vancouver

Explore rich history and vibrant scenery on the north bank of the Columbia River 

The English explorer George Vancouver and his associates embarked on a naming spree in the Pacific Northwest unlike any seen before. In his fantastic book...

A Stunning BC Beauty

A Stunning BC Beauty

Check out Manning Park. Just don't tell anyone about it.

During early spring, when the snowpack is deep in the Northwest, and the ski resorts are still buzzing with enthusiasts getting their last turns in before the season runs out, my wife, Kristy, and I like to head further north to Canada. Photo by Sophia Yip/Getty Images

Chasing the Solar Eclipse: Seattle to Indianapolis

Chasing the Solar Eclipse: Seattle to Indianapolis

The city is near the center of the totality of the eclipse

On April 8, the heavens will put on a spectacular show as a total solar eclipse graces the skies, forging a path from Mazatlán to Montreal. For those seeking this unforgettable experience many prime destinations beckon, from the Texas Hill Country to Buffalo. For us, Indianapolis emerged as a prime destination, lying near the center

Ruby Beach Recognized as One of the World's Best  

Ruby Beach Recognized as One of the World’s Best  

Sparkling red and strewn with sea stacks, Washington's rugged shoreline stands out

Situated on the Olympic Peninsula, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, Ruby Beach is known for its towering sea stacks sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, and its thriving tide pools.