The Pacific Northwest might conjure images of snow-capped peaks and cozy winter nights, but those who live here cherish the symphony of all four seasons. Winter offers a snowy playground on the slopes of nearby mountains, while spring explodes with life and vibrant blooms; yet our summers, like those experienced here in Snohomish County, genuinely steal the show. It’s a time for shedding layers and embracing the sunshine as visitors and locals gather along Snohomish County’s many local lakes to cool off naturally and swim under the summer sun.
Sunset Beach Park
410 E Lake Stevens Road, Lake Stevens
425.314.1723
Though it may be small, the .25-acre waterfront pocket park in Lake Stevens, known as Sunset Beach Park, is immense in its beauty, offering an expansive view of the city. Besides the excellent view, the park also provides a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, and plenty of spots for fishing.
A playground and boat launch with lake access are also on-site, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for play on and off the water as kids enjoy the gym set and adults hit the waves for some water sports. Offering something for everyone, this local Lake Stevens beach is the perfect spot for families looking to keep cool while enjoying the sunny season.
Wenberg County Park
15430 E Lake Goodwin Road, Stanwood
360.652.7417
As the main public access to Stanwood’s very own Lake Goodwin, visitors to Wenberg County Park can expect nothing but the very best from this award-winning park on the lake’s eastern shore. Within its 45 acres are all the features one could ever need to have a perfect summer day cooling off by the water, including three picnic shelters, an enclosed swim beach with rinse shower, and 1,140 feet of freshwater shoreline with a two-lane concrete boat launch for those water toys.
Can’t soak up enough of the lake’s vitamin sea? Then, set up camp at one of the park’s 70 campground spots. Don’t forget, Lake Goodwin is also home to Lake Goodwin Community Park, which is also perfect for cooling off during the summer as well, complete with picnic shelters and tables, play areas, a playground, trails, and a wading area.
Lake Roesiger Park
1608 S Lake Roesiger Road, Snohomish
425.388.6600
There’s plenty of space to dive in and cool off at Lake Roesiger, the third-largest natural lake in Snohomish County! Lake Roesiger Park on the southeast shore boasts a small network of hiking trails, along with plenty of opportunities to enjoy aqua activities, including boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming.
Initially, the lake was the former homestead of the lake’s namesake, Richard Roesiger, whose family farmed the site while also renting out boats and cabins to lake visitors. Today, the park continues Roesiger’s legacy of welcoming visitors, offering a place to make a splash and create lasting summer memories.
Gissberg Twin Lakes
16324 Twin Lakes Avenue, Marysville
425.388.6600
Head on over to Gissberg Twin Lakes, where two sandy beaches beckon you toward the waterfront, where you can dip your toes into its cool, crystal waters. After spending time cooling off in the lakes’ swim area, settle in for some sun-kissed sunbathing on the shore or pack a picnic and enjoy a delicious lunch with a stunning lakeside view. Grissberg Twin Lakes is even a popular spot for model boat racing and hosts many competitions for the exhilarating watersport throughout the summer.
Flowing Lake Park
17900 48th Street SE, Snohomish
360.568.2274
Flowing Lake Park, also known as Leckie’s Beach, is an immensely popular Snohomish park offering a variety of all your favorite aqua activities that are perfect for keeping cool in the summer. Its day-use area provides access to the beach and amenities, which include a boat launch, fishing dock, playground, picnic tables and shelters, and even an amphitheater.
After a refreshing dip in the water, spend some time enjoying the nature trail that encompasses a portion of the campground for some quiet solitude. For those who wish to escape the heat a little longer, the park also includes a campground with a mix of cabins and campsites and heated restrooms and showers, making extended stays too good to pass up.
Of course, these aren’t the only local lakes in Snohomish County that are perfect for cooling off and swimming during the summer. Other local watering holes like Wynoochee Lake, Whidbey Island, and Everett’s Jetty Island also provide a refreshing escape from the heat all season long!
