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 Pacific 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
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
