10 Best Lakeside Towns in Washington
Washington State is one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country, with vast forests, Cascade Range peaks and volcanoes, and clear lakes throughout. Towns like Loon Lake, Electric City, Soap Lake, and Lake Stevens put you right on the water—sometimes with lakes practically in town. Others, like Mercer Island and Kent, offer a calmer escape close to the region’s biggest cities, with easy access to the outdoors.
These lakeside communities deliver scenery and recreation in equal measure. Here’s what to know about each one before you plan your next getaway.
Mercer Island
Just east of Seattle is the city of Mercer Island, right on Lake Washington, renowned for its stunning lakeside homes, sense of community, and natural beauty. On the southwestern end of town is Groveland Beach Park, where visitors and residents can enjoy a 3-acre park with a quaint lakeside beach, playgrounds, picnic and barbecue areas, a dock, and volleyball courts. Dogs and other pets are allowed on the beach after September 30, but must be leashed at all times.
Another park, located on the southeast side of town, is Clarke Beach Park, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, including a small beach, a dock, a boat launch, relaxing trails, and picnic tables. On the northern end of town is Roanoke Landing, a historic site where ferry service from Seattle to the city once landed. The park has a dock, a perfect spot for fishing and boating, and is a calm place to enjoy on a peaceful day. Not too far from the lake is the Roanoke Inn, a local neighborhood bar and restaurant established in 1914, serving delicious meals in a warm, welcoming setting. Outdoor seating is available, where people can enjoy the gorgeous evening.
Coulee City
In the central part of the state, Coulee City sits on the southern end of Banks Lake and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Just near the lake is the Ala Cozy Motel, offering simple, comfortable rooms, and it is within driving distance of town, scenic hiking trails, and Banks Lake itself. On the northernmost side of town is the Coulee City Campground, a perfect spot for people traveling with RVs and campers to settle down for the night and wake up to the scenic views of the lake in the morning. The campground is also a great place to go fishing, swimming, and hiking during the summer.
Just near the lake is the Banks Lake Brew and Bistro, a local restaurant located right off of Highway 2 that serves handcrafted muffins and bread, homemade soups, espresso and coffee, burgers, and vegetarian options.
Electric City
About 27 miles north of Coulee City is Electric City, which provides easy access to Banks Lake, Osborn Bay Lake, and the Columbia River. Right on the shore of Banks Lake is the Sky Deck Motel, which offers guests relaxing, alluring lake views, comfortable rooms that let you wake up slowly, and even rooms with their own kitchens. Just next door to Sky Deck is Coulee Playland, an RV Park and resort that offers people a place to park their RVs and campers, a ramp to launch boats onto the lake, and an excellent spot to catch rainbow trout and smallmouth bass.
Just near Banks Lake is Auntie Dannee's, a local spot serving tasty burgers, breakfast burritos, homemade biscuits, and much more in a cozy, homelike setting. Where Banks Lake and Osborn Bay Lake meet is the Sunbanks Lake Resort, where guests can enjoy two lakes for the price of one. The resort provides villas, cabins, beachfront cottages, and tent and RV sites for travelers. The resort offers mini golf, a cantina for drinks and food, a general store, and a boat moorage and launch.
Loon Lake
About 35 miles north of Spokane is the community of Loon Lake, located on the shores of a lake of the same name that's known to be an excellent spot for fishing and boating. On the southern tip of town is the Granite Point Resort, where visitors can enjoy lovely views of Loon Lake, cottages on the lake, an RV site, boat moorage, a boat launch, the Waterfront Restaurant, and host weddings and other events on-site. On the western end of the lake is Old Just Farm Park, a 15-acre park purchased by the Loon Lake Land Conservancy in 2002, available for walking, hiking, wildlife observation, picnics, and scenic views of the lake.
Another place to spend the night or weekend in town is the Loon Lake Motel, located near the downtown area of the town. While staying here, you have easy access to a coffee shop and grocery store across the street, as well as an outdoor fire-pit.
Medical Lake
Just west of Spokane is the city of Medical Lake, which sits on Medical Lake and West Medical Lake. A nice trail to enjoy when visiting town is the Medical Lake Loop, a 2.9-mile loop around the lake that gave the town its name. The trail is a calming spot to go walking, hiking, running, and birdwatching. People can also bring their dogs, but they must be on leashes. On the southern end of town is the Medical Lake Waterfront Park, a quaint beach with a playground nearby and a great spot for picnics.
A local favorite restaurant near the lake is El Ixtapa Restaurant, serving patrons homemade enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and salads in a relaxing setting. On the other side of town is West Medical Lake, a lovely spot to go boating and fishing, as there's a boat launch conveniently located on the southern end of the lake. During the summer, the city hosts its annual Linger at the Lake, from June to August, where people can enjoy concerts by local artists. The concerts are held at Waterfront Park, and food vendors and beer gardens are around for people to try local bites.
Lake Stevens
About 40 miles north of Seattle is Lake Stevens, both a city and a lake of the same name. Right on the western shoreline of the lake is Davies Beach, a wonderful spot to enjoy the sand, have a picnic, launch a boat, and go waterskiing. On the northern shoreline is Lundeen Park, which also has a beach, as well as a playground, basketball courts, shoreline access, and a public dock.
Just next to the city hall is the Mill on Lake Stevens, a local event venue with three meeting spaces for rent: the Sawyers Room, Hartford Hall, and The Stack. Each room is available for private rental, and is sometimes used for festivals, weddings, and community events. Near The Mill, North Cove Park offers appealing views of the lake and is near a swimming beach, making it a lovely place to enjoy in the summer. During the winter, the town hosts an annual Polar Plunge Challenge, where people pay to take a dunk into the cold water, with the proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. Another Polar Plunge here is the New Year's Community Polar Plunge to welcome the New Year; the first 150 participants get a free sweatshirt at Lundeen Park.
Bonney Lake
Just over 15 miles east of Tacoma is Bonney Lake, right on the south shore of the large Lake Tapps and the smaller Lake Bonney. On the southwest shore of Lake Tapps is Allen Yorke Park, which offers a beach for summer enjoyment, baseball fields for rent, a gazebo, a boat launch, playgrounds, and fishing docks. Further in town is Ken Simmons Park, adjacent to Lake Bonney, with a playground, a non-motorized boat launch, and picnic areas. Although not right next to a lake, Rainier Pizza Co. is known for its wood-fired pizza, pays homage to the mountains, and is a fun place to enjoy a freshly made slice before or after visiting the parks or adventuring on the lakes in the community.
During the summer, Bonney Lake Days is a family-friendly two-day event on Lake Tapps at Allen Yorke Park, featuring live local music, stage shows, fireworks, competitions, and local vendors, making for a wonderful weekend in the community.
Soap Lake
In the central region of the state is the town of Soap Lake, lying on the southern shoreline of the town's namesake lake, which has been nicknamed the "World's Greatest Mineral Sea" for its 23 distinct minerals. A weekend in this quaint resort town would be well spent at the Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort, with its spas, clubrooms for meetings, banquet halls for events, and suites, lodges, and cabins offering stunning views of the lake. Just near the resort is the East Beach Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the lake, play basketball, gather for picnics, and hang out in the gazebo.
On the western end of the lake is the Boy Scout Camp Trail Head, also known as the Soap Lake Trail, a 2.2-mile trail offering glorious views of the lake and town along Lakeshore Drive. It is also a wonderful place to walk dogs and to launch boats into the lake. On the eastern end of the lake is the Twin Cove Cottages Resort, an intimate resort for people 21 and up, where you can enjoy a soothing experience in the lake's natural hot springs, along with taking in the natural scenery.
Kent
Just east of SeaTac is the city of Kent, home to Lake Meridian and Clark Lake. Clark Lake Park surrounds the quaint lake, where anyone can enjoy a calm walk, go fishing, or bike on the Green River Trail, which runs through the park. Over at Lake Meridian is the Lake Meridian Park, another spot where people can hang out on the beach during the spring and summer, go swimming, go fishing on the dock, go grilling, and launch boats into the water.
At the western end of Lake Meridian is Seattle’s Little Artistry, an art gallery offering custom painting services for a home or office, further bringing it to life. There are also various artworks featured on the site, along with scenic views of the lake. On the Fourth of July, the city hosts its annual Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian, where people come from all over to enjoy live music, try food from local vendors, and watch fireworks from the lake.
Moses Lake
Right on Interstate 90 near the center of the state is the city of Moses Lake, surrounded by Moses Lake. Montlake Park is adjacent to the highway and is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, launching boats, playgrounds, swimming in lakes, and the sand of lakefront beaches. A fun place to enjoy during the summer on the tip of the lake is the Surf' N Slide Water Park, where visitors can enjoy a waterslide, three swimming pools, and a river for tubing. Next to the water park is the Japanese Peace Garden, where you can take a calm stroll through the garden, meditate in solitude, enjoy the ponds and waterfalls, and enjoy the alluring views of Moses Lake.
Across from the highway is the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel, where guests can enjoy cozy rooms and amazing lake views, along with swimming in the pool, working out at the fitness center, and enjoying a full breakfast before heading out onto the water.
Lake Adventures In The Evergreen State
"The Evergreen State" truly lives up to its reputation, as places like Moses Lake, Soap Lake, and Mercer Island take full advantage of preserving their stunning lakes, allowing tourists and residents to enjoy the scenic beauty they offer. Another perk of these incredible lakeside communities is the vast number of parks, trails, and local businesses that call these places home and welcome people with open arms to experience their natural charm firsthand. Washington State is ready for adventure seekers and relaxation pursuers alike to embrace the abundant lakes, overflowing with wet-and-wild opportunities, whether your vibe calls for hiking boots or some sand between your toes.
