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Water Activities

Looking for places to swim or go boating? Lakes and rivers on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offer you the opportunity.

Boating - Motorized

USDA Forest Service allows motorized boating on many of its lakes and rivers, with boat ramps and launching piers available at some locations, though regulations and restrictions vary by area.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The USDA Forest Service allows non-motorized boating (canoes, kayaks, etc.) on many of its lakes and rivers, with specific areas and regulations varying by forest and location.

Floating or paddling through the forests is the perfect way to view wildlife and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. During spring flows, kayaking and canoeing opportunities are the best in many of our waterways.

Swimming

Swimming can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day, but make sure you follow safety guidelines. Many national forest swimming areas will not have designated lifeguards on duty.

  • Learn to swim.
  • Designate a responsible adult to supervise children.
  • Don’t swim alone. It is always safer to swim with a buddy.
  • Learn CPR.
  • Look before you leap. Always check water conditions and depth before jumping or swimming. Underwater conditions can change quickly, putting hazards like tree branches or rocks in your path that were not there before.
  • Beware diving into any natural body of water. It is never safe to jump from rock cliffs, ledges, and man-made structures.
  • Swim at designated swimming beaches. Though there is no lifeguard on duty, each has a life-saving ring and frequently tested water quality.
  • Do not recreate in boat ramps/launches. Swim and play in designated swim beaches.

 

Streams and lakes can contain harmful germs, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and may not be monitored for water quality for swimming. Swimming or playing in streams or lakes or drinking untreated water can put you at risk for waterborne illness or infection. Follow these safety guidelines to avoid water-borne diseases.

  • Treat all water taken from natural sources like springs, streams, or lakes. Boil water for 1 minute or use chemical disinfectants (such as iodine or chlorine) to destroy viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Use a water filter to remove parasites.
  • Protect lakes and streams from contamination. Take bathroom breaks and bury any human waste 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from bodies of water, and downstream from water collection sites.
  • Avoid recreating in discolored or cloudy water, water that smells bad, or with pipes draining in or around it. These are potential warnings that there are more disease-causing germs in the water than usual.
  • Stay out the water if you have open cuts or wounds.
  • Avoid swallowing sand or untreated water while recreating.
  • Wash your hands after recreating in natural bodies of water before handling food.

     

Many swimming holes and beaches are located near other developed recreation sites, such as campgrounds or picnic areas.

Search for Water Activities Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 20 results

Bagley Lakes Trail 684.1

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Bagley Lakes Trail travels .75 mile one-way along the eastern shore of Bagley Lake. Table Mountain and Mt. Herman tower above this family-friendly lakeshore hike. Waterfalls, wildflowers and…

Baker Lake

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Baker Lake is a large freshwater lake that is home to several species of fish, including kokanee, bull trout, rainbow trout, sockeye salmon and mountain whitefish.  The recreation area around this…

Bedal Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
This campground offers a more primitive, quiet camping experience just off the main road. Situated along the Sauk River in old growth forest, where every campsite can hear the rushing water.…

Coal Lake Trail 632

Hiking Water Activities
This vehicle accessible, high elevation lake is quite popular since it is a short walk from the road. A few campsites can be found near this scenic lake that is a popular fishing spot. The road up to…

Douglas Fir Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This campground is situated in the forest along the North Fork Nooksack River. Tall Douglas Fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock trees provide abundant shade. Guided river rafting and white…

Horseshoe Bend Trail 687

Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
This easy forest hike along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway is a great family outing for all seasons. You begin descending a staircase, then wind through lush old growth forest following the North Fork of…

Horseshoe Cove Campground

Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking
This popular destination campground is situated on the western shore of Baker Lake. Campsites are situated in a forested setting with pathways connecting down to the lakeshore. Day use includes a…

Interstate 90 Mountains to Sound Greenway

Picnicking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking Winter Sports Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Travel east on Interstate 90 to Snoqualmie Pass, where a multitude of recreational possibilities await you. Don't miss downhill skiing at Snoqualmie Pass. Hike for endless miles in the awe-inspiring…

Last updated February 27th, 2025