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Ready for a cool dip?
There is nothing quite like a cool dip in the lake during our beautiful Northwest summer. We are lucky around here to have plenty of gorgeous lakes, but which one to choose? We’ve scoped out five great swimming lakes for South Sound– and South King County–area kids and families. Each has a variety of features so you can pick the one best suited to your crew, or try them all.
Lake swimming tips for parents: Unlike pools with clear water and marked depths, lakes are a much different swimming experience, especially for kids. (Keep these safety tips from Seattle Children’s top of mind.)
- Lifeguards: Some lakes have lifeguards on duty at certain times. If this is important to you, take note as you read on.
- Life jackets: Even if your kiddos are independent pool swimmers, life jackets can be a good idea for lake swimming — and a must for tots — because lake bottoms can have sudden drop-offs, wakes from boats, and fish and plant life that can make swimming more challenging.
- Close watch: Keep close to kids when they are in the water, and make sure they come out and warm up in the sun every now and then if the water is cold. A neon swim shirt or similar distinctive clothing or life jacket can make it easier to keep track of kids.
- Water shoes: Because lake bottoms have roots, rocks and sometimes even broken glass, water shoes can be a good investment for lake swims.
Use the arrows above the image to scroll through the swimming lake options!
Lake Wilderness, Maple Valley
You can spend the whole day at this 117-acre park in Maple Valley. The lake has a sandy stretch along the shore for digging and a roped-off swimming area. Right behind the beach, you’ll find a large grassy meadow for lounging or throwing a Frisbee. The seasonal snack trailer offers candy and cold drinks, as well as sand pails, goggles, sunscreen and floats. You can even rent canoes, paddle boats, paddleboards, row boats and kayaks.
If you need a break from swimming, on the other side of the parking lot is a renovated play area as well as plenty of paths to wander. Bring a picnic and spend the day!
Find it: Lake Wilderness Park is located at 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley.
Details to note:
- Lake Wilderness Park has lifeguards on duty daily from noon—7 p.m., through Aug. 21
- Concessions available
- Boat and paddleboard rentals available
- Free parking
Lake Wilderness Park tip: The beach area doesn’t have much shade near the shore. There are trees off to the side but if you need to stay close to your swimmers, consider bringing a pop-up beach tent or umbrella for shade.
Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake
Lake Tapps is a huge man-made lake that’s well-known for boating and fishing, and it also features two family-friendly swimming areas: one on the north end and another on the southern side. It offers amazing views of Mount Rainier on clear days!
Allan Yorke Park, at the south end of Lake Tapps, is another park in which you could enjoyably spend a whole day. In addition to swimming, it offers two playgrounds, trails, picnic tables, tennis and volleyball courts, a skateboard park and even seasonal outdoor concerts.
Find it: Allan Yorke Park is located at 7203 W. Tapps Highway E., Bonney Lake.
Details to note:
- No lifeguards
- Concessions available
- Boat and paddleboard rentals are available.
- Free parking
North Lake Tapps County Park, at the north end of the lake, features a sandy stretch of beach with a swimming area. This popular park has many features: seasonal concessions, hiking trails, restrooms, picnic tables. There is a fee to park. Note that the parking lot fills up fast and the gates close when full, so go early or in mid-afternoon when some families are heading home.
Find it: North Lake Tapps County Park is located at 2022 198th Ave. E., Bonney Lake.
Details to note:
- There are no lifeguards on duty.
- Concessions available
- No boat or paddleboard rentals
- Parking costs $7.
Lake Tapps tip: This lake is glacier-fed and the water temperature is a consistent 50 degrees, although the surface of the lake will be warmer. Life jackets are recommended because even strong swimmers can become tired quickly in cold water.
Deep Lake, Enumclaw
Deep Lake, located in Nolte State Park, is a popular spot near the Green River Gorge for a quieter lake experience. There is a small sand beach for swimming, and plenty of room along the shore to set up with your blanket or chair. The park has a playground, picnic tables, clean restrooms, a 1.2-mile walking trail and three horseshoe pits.
Find it: Nolte State Park is located at 36921 Veazie Cumberland Road, Enumclaw.
Details to note:
- There are no lifeguards on duty.
- There are no concessions or boat rentals available.
- Parking in a state park requires a Discover Pass ($11.50/day or $35/annual pass).
Deep Lake tip: This lake is, well, deep. My kids said that the bottom dropped off sharply just a few feet out from the shore. Also, it’s a bit chilly — consistent with a deep lake! Consider life jackets unless you have strong swimmers.
Lake Meridian, Kent
Lake Meridian, located off of Kent-Kangley road in Kent, offers a huge swimming area, lots of sandy beach and a grassy area with big shade trees. The swimming area is staffed by lifeguards, noon–7 p.m., June–September. The expansive grassy area is great for lounging; bring a picnic.
Address: Lake Meridian Park is located at 14800 S.E. 272nd St., Kent.
Details to note:
- Lifeguards on duty from noon–7 p.m., June–September
- There are no concessions or boat rentals.
- Free parking
Lake Meridian tip: Get there early as the parking lot fills up fast on a sunny day.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton
Editor’s note: The park is open, but as of July 27, 2022, due to high levels of bacteria, the swimming beach area of the park is closed until further notice. Check the website for details.
Folks around the region who didn’t already know and love Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park have now heard about it because of the fantastic new playground. This park is also a favorite swimming spot on Lake Washington. In addition to the swimming beach and new playground, the park features walking trails, a canoe launch, two restaurants, restrooms, picnic pavilions and more! Note that dogs and bikes are not allowed at this park.
Find it: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is located at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton.
Details to note:
- Lifeguards are typically on duty summer afternoons.
- Concessions are available.
- No boat rentals available, but there is a place to launch canoes or kayaks.
- Parking is free, but limited.
Image credit: Cara_VSAngel/Flickr CC
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated for 2022.
