8 Most Stunning West Coast Lakes You Need to Visit This Year
The West Coast has some of the most breathtaking lakes in the country, but everyone always talks about Lake Tahoe. While it’s beautiful, it’s also packed with tourists, overpriced, and overhyped.
If you want jaw-dropping alpine lakes, hidden desert oases, and peaceful escapes, these are the lakes you should visit instead.
Table of Contents
- 1. Diablo Lake (Washington) – Unreal Turquoise Water in the North Cascades
- 2. Crater Lake (Oregon) – The Deepest, Bluest Lake in the U.S.
- 3. Convict Lake (California) – The Most Photogenic Lake in the Sierra
- 4. Lake Crescent (Washington) – A Deep Blue Gem in Olympic National Park
- 5. Sparks Lake (Oregon) – The Best Sunset Spot in the Cascades
- 6. June Lake (California) – The “Little Switzerland” of the Sierra Nevada
- 7. Waldo Lake (Oregon) – One of the Purest Lakes in the World
- 8. Lake Almanor (California) – A Hidden Gem in Northern California
- MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
1. Diablo Lake (Washington) – Unreal Turquoise Water in the North Cascades
- Why It’s Amazing:
- The bright turquoise water looks straight out of a dream.
- Surrounded by snow-capped peaks in North Cascades National Park.
- Way less crowded than Lake Chelan or Rainier’s Reflection Lakes.
- Best Things to Do:
- Kayak or paddleboard for the best views of the glacial water.
- Drive to Diablo Lake Overlook for an insane panoramic shot.
- Hike the Thunder Knob Trail for an easy but rewarding viewpoint.
💡 Pro Tip: The color is most vibrant in summer when the glacial runoff is strongest.
2. Crater Lake (Oregon) – The Deepest, Bluest Lake in the U.S.
- Why It’s Amazing:
- The water is a ridiculously deep blue thanks to its insane depth (1,943 feet).
- Formed inside a collapsed volcano, making it one of the most unique lakes in the world.
- No rivers or streams flow into it, keeping the water crystal clear.
- Best Things to Do:
- Drive the Rim Road for 360-degree views.
- Hike to Garfield Peak for a stunning overlook.
- Take a boat to Wizard Island, the tiny volcano in the middle of the lake.
💡 Pro Tip: Snow can linger until July, so check road conditions before visiting.
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3. Convict Lake (California) – The Most Photogenic Lake in the Sierra
- Why It’s Amazing:
- Surrounded by towering peaks, making it look like a painting.
- Less touristy than nearby Mammoth Lakes.
- Crystal-clear water perfect for kayaking and fishing.
- Best Things to Do:
- Hike the 2.5-mile trail around the lake for nonstop amazing views.
- Catch trout—this lake is a fishing hotspot.
- Visit in fall when the aspen trees around the lake turn golden.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise for the best reflections on the water.
📍 GET THE ULTIMATE PNW MAP 🗺️
Get our curated list of the best adventures, things to do, and places to grab a brew loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!
✅ Waterfalls ✅ Hikes ✅ Viewpoints
✅ Craft breweries ✅ National Parks ✅ 1400+ Pins
4. Lake Crescent (Washington) – A Deep Blue Gem in Olympic National Park
- Why It’s Amazing:
- Crazy-clear water that lets you see up to 60 feet down.
- Surrounded by old-growth forests and misty mountains.
- No motorboats allowed, keeping it peaceful and pristine.
- Best Things to Do:
- Hike to Marymere Falls, a stunning waterfall just off the lake.
- Rent a kayak and paddle through the glass-like water.
- Stay at Lake Crescent Lodge for a cozy lakeside escape.
💡 Pro Tip: The water stays freezing year-round—perfect for a polar plunge if you’re brave.
5. Sparks Lake (Oregon) – The Best Sunset Spot in the Cascades
- Why It’s Amazing:
- Epic views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor towering over the water.
- Calm, shallow waters make it ideal for kayaking and photography.
- Summer wildflowers and fall colors make it stunning year-round.
- Best Things to Do:
- Paddle at sunset for an unreal reflection of the mountains.
- Hike the Ray Atkeson Trail for lakeside views.
- Camp nearby for a front-row seat to the night sky.
💡 Pro Tip: The best time to visit is late summer when the water is at its clearest.
6. June Lake (California) – The “Little Switzerland” of the Sierra Nevada
- Why It’s Amazing:
- Crystal-clear water surrounded by jagged peaks.
- Feels like a mini Lake Tahoe—but without the crowds.
- Great for fishing, swimming, and fall foliage.
- Best Things to Do:
- Drive the June Lake Loop for multiple stunning lakes.
- Hike to Gull Lake or Parker Lake for a quieter experience.
- Visit in October for some of the best fall colors in California.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay at Double Eagle Resort & Spa for the perfect mountain retreat.
7. Waldo Lake (Oregon) – One of the Purest Lakes in the World
- Why It’s Amazing:
- No motorboats, no pollution, just pristine blue water.
- Super remote, making it one of the quietest lakes in Oregon.
- Incredible visibility—you can see up to 120 feet deep.
- Best Things to Do:
- Kayak or paddleboard on one of the clearest lakes in the world.
- Camp at Islet Campground right on the shore.
- Take a dip—but be warned, the water is ice cold.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit before mid-summer to avoid wildfire smoke from nearby forests.
8. Lake Almanor (California) – A Hidden Gem in Northern California
- Why It’s Amazing:
- A huge, peaceful lake with views of Mount Lassen.
- Way less crowded than Tahoe but just as beautiful.
- Great for boating, fishing, and relaxing lakeside.
- Best Things to Do:
- Rent a kayak and explore the hidden coves around the lake.
- Drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park, just an hour away.
- Watch the epic summer sunsets over the lake.
💡 Pro Tip: Stay at a cabin rental for a cozy lakeside escape.
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:
READ MORE: The Best of Oregon
READ MORE: The Best of Washington
READ MORE: The Best of California
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