7 minute read
Lesser-Known Washington Spots to Cool Off This Summer
Take a Dip
Five bodies of water to jump into this hot summer
written by Ellen Hiatt
Hot summer days came early to the Pacific Northwest, and we’re thirsting more than ever to find the perfect swimming hole to cool our bodies and cheer our spirits. As luck would have it, there are some lesser-known spots across Washington that offer just the full-body refreshment you seek. From Deception Pass to the forests of Colville nearer Idaho, there are thousands of lakes, streams and bays to choose from.
1) Cornet Bay (Whidbey Island)
We’re going to start you off with a little salt water, because there is nothing more emblematic of Puget Sound than the seemingly infinite waters of the Salish Sea sparkling like an expanse of jewels, its inlets and islands offering up riches. On a hot day, the shallow shores of Cornet Bay are typically visited mainly by the locals and boaters who find shelter in the small marina.
The better-known beaches of Deception Pass State Park, Washington state’s most-visited park, offer up inspiration to international and regional visitors alike. There is so much to grab their attention, few wander off the spectacular paths around Deception to find Cornet Bay. That is to your benefit. This sweet little bay with its pebble shores is the perfect place for a saltwater dip, and even an open swim to Ben Ure Island. (Go with a friend in a small craft for your safety.)
While the changing tides swirl dangerously fast under the picturesque Deception Pass Bridge, and the winds can blow past the San Juans and over the western shores of Whidbey, Cornet Bay is in the enviable position of protection. Its waters are typically placid, and Strawberry and Ben Ure islands in the near distance provide a break from nature’s forces. Because the bay is shallow, small craft move slowly through the area, and most head straight to the marina nearby, leaving the bay free for you to explore. Bring a state-issued Discover Pass for parking and enjoy the best of Washington state.
2) Dock Street Road End (Bainbridge Island)
While you’re on the wet side of the state, there’s one more saltwater discovery for you. Unlike the shores of Whidbey, which are typically rocky, there is a fine, sandy beach on Bainbridge Island. You know how the best restaurants are in that hole-in-the-wall location—the goods are there, but they don’t have a great storefront? Well that’s the case with Bainbridge Island’s Dock Street Road End, a dull name for a sandy beach with a beautiful view of Liberty Bay and the Olympic Range.
Hop a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge and, after roughly half an hour of the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, you’re on Bainbridge Island. Scoot north for eleven minutes to the Manzanita enclave, and you will have arrived at a lovely and quiet neighborhood.
The dead end of Dock Street looks uninviting with concrete blocks in your path, but if you can find a parking spot, you’ll likely find yourself at one of the most peaceful places just a hop skip and a jump away from a major city.
Don’t leave too soon after your swim. is little beach is on the west side of this blessed piece of land, so it’s a great place to watch a sunset and contemplate life.
3) Troublesome Creek (Skykomish)
Let’s head into the mountains! Tucked between the Wild Sky and the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness areas, Troublesome Creek Campground is perched above a slow gurgling creek feeding the North Fork of the Skykomish River. In fact, you’ll likely want to put your troubles aside once you pull into a campsite and stake your place on its shores.
About 20 miles north and twice the number of minutes from the tiny town of Skykomish in the Central Cascades, the creek and its campground are the perfect place to get away from everything and enjoy some time to yourself and a few friends to cool off on a hot day. Enjoy your excursion to its fullest and follow the mile-long nature trail along the creek, or go for a leisurely drive on Index Galena Road, and follow the Skykomish River to Index, where folks know how to get the most of the Central Cascades’ rugged outdoors, from rock climbing on Index Wall to white water rafting the Class IV rapids.
If the nature trail remains closed for wildfire threats during your visit, consider finding a swimming hole nearer Galena, where a bridge crosses the Skykomish, or at nearby San Juan campground.
As with all creeks and rivers, the conditions vary depending on the amount of water running from rain and snowmelt, and by the snags created by fallen trees and branches, changing the water’s flow. A slow eddy can give way just 10 feet from shore to a faster current. Be cautious, as always, and look for one of the calmer swimming holes. Your patience will be rewarded!
4) Bennington Lake (Walla Walla)
With summer temps boiling over that 100-degree mark in Eastern Washington, if you’re traveling through you may have a quick dip in a cool lake in mind. Bennington Lake has everything you need: hiking, fishing, paddling and clear waters. So go jump in a lake!
White you’re resting on the shore, take in the views of the mesmerizing Blue Mountains, a mountain range with stories to tell. The range is the largest ecoregion in Oregon, stretching into Washington state via Walla Walla. It is also home to the world’s largest living organism—a subterranean fungus species thought to be 2,000 years old and stretching nearly 2,400 acres! All you’ll see is the basalt rock formations and the blue hue granted by the pine- and fir-lined ridges. This range is a geological and biodiversity wonder. Ponder that while you warm up under the sun of the Eastern Washington sky.
Bennington Lake is actually a reservoir—50 acres of it—with great access. While fishing is year round, gas engines aren’t allowed, making your swimming prospects peaceful and clean, indeed.
5) Lake Ellen (Colville National Forest)
This author admits to some vanity in choosing to feature Lake Ellen. But it’s not without generous reasons, either. This is a lake to be shared.
At 2,300 feet in elevation, tucked into the Colville National Forest, the lake is 75 acres of pure joy. The rocky outcrops loom large over its expanse, and the forest provides a warm hug. Relax. It’s Lake Ellen.
The namesake campgrounds on opposite shores are small, and few people venture this far into the forest. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with nothing but peace. Travel the single-lane gravel road to the public access, complete with a primitive boat launch and a dock, and set up a blanket and your picnic.
There is plenty of wildlife to view (watch out for rattlesnakes!), but look for loons, beavers and more. If you didn’t bring a boat, you can fish from shore. It’s stocked aplenty, as the eagles and osprey attest to with every targeted dive into the waters.
For Your Safety
Take some critical safety measures and check out these resources:
Check trail conditions here: www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-campconditions.htm
Summer wildfires are a reality in our forests. Know before you go. Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center has a live map of current fire conditions: www.fireweather avalanche.org/fire/state/ washington
Pack the ten essentials if you’re going on any hike, even a short one. Check out the Washington Trails Association essentials guide for what to pack: www.wta.org/go-outside/ trail-smarts/ten-essentials
The Red Cross has supplied some safety tips for swimming in rivers and lakes: www.redcross. org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/lake-river-safety.html
