Eight Favorite Freshwater Swimming Holes

PARKS AND POPULAR beaches (think Bloedel-Donovan on Lake Whatcom, or Marine Park in Fairhaven) might be the most obvious picks for cooling down on a hot summer’s day. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, we have a few suggestions for you.

Pixie Falls

Where: Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham

Why: This spot is a true hidden gem in Whatcom Falls. To get there, enter the park from the corner of Woburn and Iowa streets. Walk up the tall flight of steps, then continue down until you spot a side trail to your right. Take this trail until you come across a fence and a dirt embankment; once you descend the embankment, you’ll find yourself at Pixie Falls.

Baker Hot Springs

Where: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Why: If you prefer soaking to swimming, then Mount Baker Hot Springs might be up your alley. These two geothermal pools are accessible from a 0.6-mile out-and-back trail in the Mount Baker wilderness, and directions can be found on alltrails.com. Be forewarned: There are no amenities here, but if you’re not looking for luxury, the rustic atmosphere adds to the springs’ charm.

Toad Lake

Where: Bellingham (public access at the end of Toad Lake Road)

Why: This lesser-known lake (also known as Emerald Lake) tends to be popular among the student crowds and is located just five miles outside of Bellingham proper. It features a public dock that’s perfect for lounging, plus a rope swing for thrill-seeking swimmers.

Racehorse Falls

Where: Deming

Why: Racehorse Falls is accessible via a 0.6-mile out-andback-trail (which, we should note, was ranked by alltrails. com as “moderately challenging”). The area allegedly gets its name from a small cave on the edge of the falls that resembles a horse head. While the scenery alone is worth the jaunt, the pool below the lower waterfall is an idyllic swimming hole in the summer months.

Lake Whatcom Park

Where: 3220 N. Shore Rd., Bellingham

Why: Bloedel-Donovan is always a favorite when it comes to lake days, but if you’d prefer to experience a more low-key side of Lake Whatcom, head down the Hertz Trail (a.k.a. North Lake Whatcom Trail). You’ll come across several quiet beaches close to the trailhead.

Fragrance Lake

Where: Chuckanut Drive (accessible from a trailhead directly across from the entrance to Larrabee State Park)

Why: Don’t forget about the mountains when planning a day by the water! The Chuckanuts are home to several unique mountain lakes, but you’ll have to hike to reach them. You can work up a sweat, cool off with a quick dip, and descend back down to Chuckanut Drive. (Fragrance Lake isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but is our favorite spot because of the downed tree that doubles as a makeshift dock.)

Mountain Lake

Where: Moran State Park, Orcas Island

Why: Orcas Island features several lakes worth exploring, but Mountain Lake is the largest. It’s located 900 feet up Mount Constitution, and we love it for several reasons: First, the hike to get there is one of Orcas’ very best. Second, there is a small island smack-dab in the middle of the lake that’s fun to swim to and explore. Third, it’s home to one of the most fun rope swings in all of the North Sound!

Whistle Lake

Where: Anacortes

Why: Just three miles south of Anacortes is Whistle Lake, a classic summertime spot for families. It’s encircled by a 3.7-mile loop that’s well-suited for easy hikes and brisk jogs alike. In addition to swimming, the calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding and even cliff jumping at the lake’s south end.

Bonus saltwater beaches: If you find yourself on San Juan Island, Granny’s Cove is a stunning sandy beach featuring panoramic ocean views and warmer-than-usual water. Prefer something on the mainland? You can swim at Locust Beach and Clayton Beach near Bellingham, but be warned: The waters here aren’t quite as warm. Finally, Sunset Beach is our favorite spot for swimming on Lummi Island, and its west-facing location makes it ideal for you guessed it sunset watching.