Overview - Best Lakes near North Bend
There are many lakes which could qualify as one of the “Best Lakes near North Bend”. So we’re sure we missed some good ones. However, the ones listed here are really nice. Rattlesnake Lake is very close to North Bend while the others range from a 20 minute to a 3 hour drive away. We’re not counting many of the innumerable small lakes you can hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the nearby Cascades. Although, the easiest to get to, Snow Lake, is listed. Click on the links to find more information below.
Rattlesnake Lake
When thinking of the best lakes near North Bend, Rattlesnake Lake has it all! Water, plenty of trails to hike, barbeque pits, and plenty of places to hammock. Its only about a hour from Seattle and 10 minutes from North Bend, yet it offers so much. It is highly recommend to bring friends and family if they’ve never been to the lake. This is a perfect place for a day trip to the lake in North Bend.
6 miles south of North Bend off of I-90 Exit 32.
Snow Lake
This is one of the most interesting and beautiful hikes that you’ll ever do. There are so many things to see on they way to Snow Lake. It is very scenic throughout, but a lot of the trail to the lake is pure rocks and boulders. Be sure to wear hiking boots or shoes and there is a lot to see on the way up to the lake’s viewpoint.
21 miles east of North Bend off I-90 Exit 51 at Snoqualmie Pass.
Mason Lake
15 miles east of North Bend off I-90 Exit 45.
Mirror Lake
Easily accessible alpine lake just south of Snoqualmie Pass. Great swimming on a hot summer’s day. Many wildflowers, views, streams for the entire family to enjoy. Photo op of Mirror Lake and Silver Peak by going just south of the Lake on the Pacific Crest trail.
Can also access via Pacific Crest Trail from Snoqualmie Pass Exit 51. The drive is shorter but the hike is longer (6 miles).
40 miles southeast of North Bend off I-90 Exit 62 Stampede Pass/Kachess Lake. 2.5 mile hike.
Keechelus Lake
Keechelus Lake is a natural lake just east of Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. Although natural, its capacity and discharge are controlled by the Keechelus Dam. The Palouse to Cascades trail (hiking, biking, snowshoeing) runs for 5 miles or so along the south shore of the lake and has great views of the mountains to the north. There is fishing at the lake as well as powerboating, waterskiing, and paddling.
23 miles east of North Bend off I-90 Exit 54 Hyak.
Lake Sawyer
This is the perfect lake to paddle around when you are staying in North Bend. Around the lake there is a good mix of fancy houses and wildlife. You won’t miss the stunning view of Mount Rainier in the distance when you are at Lake Sawyer. It is also a great lake for fishing, boating, and water skiing.
23 miles south of North Bend off I-90 Exit 25. Take Hwy 18 south.
Blanca Lake
This is arguably one of the best hikes to do in Washington state. Blanca Lake will have you in a euphoric state once you reach its clear blue waters. But, the trail is not easy and is not for beginners. Don’t worry though, the reward when you reach the lake is well worth the journey. It’s about an 8 mile roundtrip hike with a 3500 foot elevation gain.but the photos that you take at the lake will be exceptional.
70 miles northeast of North Bend using highways 202, 203, US2, and some unpaved forest roads to the trailhead. Very popular, so best to do it on weekdays.
Pine Lake
The park that contains Pine Lake is fantastic, but there is limited parking. The park has a playground, swings, lake access, gazebo that can be reserved, and other picnic areas. Pine Lake is a great lake for kayaking and swimming during the summer and fishing on the dock. There is truly something special about Pine Lake that you’ll want to see for yourself.
18 miles west of North Bend in the City of Sammamish. Exit 18 off I-90.
Beaver Lake
This is a great place to do a family photo shoot if you are looking for an aesthetic area of the Pacific Northwest. In the park there is a lake, a nice path, great trees, and a wooden bridge which make cool settings. Also, the park has an interesting cabin that you can explore and enter. The park itself is well maintained and there is limited parking. Still you’ll love the trees around the park which are very green.
18 miles west of North Bend in the City of Sammamish. Exit 18 off I-90.
Lake Wilderness
Lake Wilderness is more than just a lake. You are able to enjoy walks on trail that run through the arboretum. This is an amazing place for people of all ages including children. You’ll often see people walking their dog around the lake on a leash. It’s also a great place to see wildlife and it has a view of Mt Rainier from some angles.
20 miles south of North Bend in Maple Valley. Exit 25 off I-90 and go south on Highway 18.
Lake Sammamish
Lake Sammamish is inside a state park and is very clean with loads of space and parking. Long walking trails start at the bridge near the beach and they are quite great. The park is a great place to do a family or group picnic, but keep your music low since people come to the park to relax. The lake itself is used by boats, scuba divers, fishermen, and water skiers.
16 miles west of North Bend in Issaquah/Sammamish. Exit 15 or 17 off I-90.