swim spots

take the plunge

PHOTO BY RICK LAWLER There is nothing more refreshing in the summer than swimming in the great outdoors. In our Waterside communities, a place to dive into cool, glassy waters is always just around the corner. Freshwater and saltwater swimming spots are plentiful in the Pacifitc Northwest, and here are a few of our favorite places to dive in and cool off.

Always check local advisories and pay attention to warning signage before jumping into any body of water.

WASHINGTON

MAPLE BEACH Point Roberts Saltwater Access: Easy, parking on side streets BIRCH BAY Birch Bay Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available just across Birch Bay Drive WHATCOM FALLS Bellingham Freshwater Access: Medium, well-kept gravel trails, requires walking THE BEACH AT LARRABEE STATE PARK Chuckanut Saltwater Access: Medium, well-kept gravel path and steep stairs, Discover Pass required to park BAY VIEW STATE PARK Mount Vernon Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available at beach site, Discover Pass required to park

DOUBLE BLUFF BEACH Whidbey Island Saltwater Access: Easy, limited parking available near beach EAGLE COVE BEACH San Juan Island Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available, short walk to beach CASCADE LAKE Orcas Island Freshwater Access: Easy, parking available at the day use area of the lake, Discover Pass required to park AGATE BEACH DAY PARK Lopez Island Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available near picnic area NORTH BEACH COUNTY PARK Port Townsend Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available at beach site B.C.

WHITE ROCK PROMENADE AND EAST BEACH White Rock Saltwater Access: Easy, parking available, street and paved paths to beach CENTENNIAL BEACH Tsawwassen Saltwater Access: Easy, short walk from parking area to beach