Top 6 Lakes around Mount Vernon
Best lakes around Mount Vernon, Washington, and its surrounding Skagit County offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The area features significant freshwater lakes, some of Western Washington's largest, alongside smaller, more secluded bodies of water. These lakes are set amidst varied terrain, from forested shores to agricultural valleys, providing a range of experiences for visitors.
Best lakes around Mount Vernon
- The most popular lakes is Strathclyde Loch, a trail that lies in 400 hectares of countryside in the…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Strathclyde Loch
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Lochend Loch
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
The Claypits Local Nature Reserve
Highlight • Trail
Originally the home of …
Tip by
Waterfront Café, Strathclyde Country Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Hogganfield Loch
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Mount Vernon.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
“Strathclyde Loch is more than just water: beneath its surface, Bothwellhaugh, a mining village swept away in the 1970s, vanished. Today, only a cairn remains as a reminder of the houses, schools, and shops. There's also a Roman fort and an ancient road (yes, Watling Street is still here). Final warning: In 2012, a norovirus outbreak left 57 swimmers unconscious. Water caution.
0
0
Always great pictures, beautiful impressions, or amazing panoramic shots... A worthwhile ✅🚲—tour around the loch (lake)😅😅
0
0
Hogganfield Loch is the main feature of this local nature reserve. It's a large, shallow loch with a wooded island. It's a great place to watch birds and other wildlife. The perimeter track is flat and well maintained, making access easy for, most people.
0
0
The Waterfront Cafe in the water sports centre at Strathclyde Country Park is a nice stop on a walk around the loch. The cafe is open every day from 10:00 - 15:30. They serve a selection of freshly made light meals and snacks as well as hot and cold drinks.
0
0
Just one mile from the hustle and bustle of the city centre lies the green space of Glasgow’s only inner-city Local Nature Reserve – The Claypits. Originally the home of a clay quarry used when the Forth & Clyde Canal was first built in the late 1700s, it was also the site of a foundry, glassworks and boat-building yard. These industries are long gone but the historic canal buildings, the oldest in Scotland, still dot the banks.
0
0
Great place to go for a run or a slow cycle. There's a trail all around the lake but too many people to expect to fai any major stores on a bike.
0
0
Strathclyde Country Park lies in 400 hectares of countryside in the valley of the River Clyde, centred around Strathclyde Loch. It is a popular spot for people looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle. The remains of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort and a Roman bathhouse can be seen in the park, where the South Calder Water flows into the loch. Within the park, you find habitats including wetland and native woodland.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Mount Vernon are best for swimming and water sports?
For a wide range of water sports, Lake Whatcom is excellent, offering motor boating, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with Bloedel Donovan Park being a popular swimming spot. Lake Samish is renowned for water skiing and wakeboarding, alongside paddleboarding and fishing. Big Lake is also popular for boating and skiing, while Lake Cavanaugh provides extensive options including waterskiing, tubing, paddle boating, sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing.
Where can I find good fishing spots around Mount Vernon?
Anglers have several great options. Lake Samish is a year-round destination with stocked kokanee salmon, coastal cutthroat trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead catfish. Big Lake is known for largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and black crappie. Lake Cavanaugh offers trout, kokanee salmon, and largemouth bass. For stocked Rainbow Trout and resident Largemouth Bass, Sixteen Lake is a quiet setting particularly appealing to anglers.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Mount Vernon?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Whatcom, especially Bloedel Donovan Park, offers swimming, picnic areas, and lifeguards during peak season. Lake Samish features Samish Park with a public swimming area, boat launch, picnic area, and playground. Clear Lake is also an ideal destination for families, offering hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming during summer months.
Which lakes are best for wildlife observation and birdwatching?
The Barney Lake Conservation Area is an exceptional spot for wildlife viewing, particularly for Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Trumpeter Swans, and Coho salmon. In winter, thousands of ducks and swans can be seen. Clear Lake is also an incredible place for wildlife observation and birdwatching, with osprey frequently spotted.
What kind of hiking opportunities are available near the lakes?
Around Lake Whatcom, you can find various parks and trails, including those accessible from Whatcom Falls Park. Lake Samish has trails within Samish Park. Near Sixteen Lake, the nearby Bulson Creek Falls offers a short hike to breathtaking views. For general hiking around Mount Vernon, you can explore routes like the hiking guide for Mount Vernon.
Are there any secluded or quiet lakes for a peaceful retreat?
Yes, if you're seeking tranquility, Lake Cavanaugh is remarkably secluded, surrounded by evergreens and the snowy peaks of the Northern Cascades, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat. Lake Samish also offers a quieter atmosphere compared to larger lakes, and Sixteen Lake provides a quiet setting, particularly appealing to anglers.
What public access points are available for these lakes?
Public access varies by lake. Lake Whatcom has Bloedel Donovan Park for swimming and boat launches. Lake Samish offers Samish Park with a public swimming area and boat launch, plus a state-operated boat launch on the east shore. Lake Cavanaugh has a public boat launch on its north shore. Sixteen Lake provides a WDFW access point with a concrete boat launch and toilets.
Can I find places for cycling or jogging near the lakes?
Yes, the paved road encircling Lake Cavanaugh offers great views and is suitable for cycling or jogging. Additionally, for general cycling opportunities, you can check out the gravel biking guide for Mount Vernon, which includes routes near lakes like Bishop Loch and Lochend Loch.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Mount Vernon?
The summer months are ideal for visiting Clear Lake for recreational activities like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For wildlife enthusiasts, winter offers exceptional opportunities to observe thousands of ducks and swans at the Barney Lake Conservation Area, with events like 'Swanrise' and 'Goodnight Swan' walks hosted by Skagit Land Trust.
Are there any unique natural features or historical sites near the lakes?
Near Sixteen Lake, you can find Bulson Creek Falls, a 64-foot waterfall offering breathtaking views, especially during the rainy season. The Barney Lake Conservation Area, while not historical in the traditional sense, is a significant restored wetland providing a unique natural habitat and educational opportunities. The surrounding views of Blanchard Mountain and Chuckanut Pass enhance the beauty of Lake Samish.
What kind of activities can I do on the water at Big Lake?
Big Lake is a popular destination for boating, skiing, and fishing. It's particularly known for warmwater species like largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, and black crappie, making it a great spot for those interested in active water recreation and angling.
Most popular attractions around Mount Vernon
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Mount Vernon? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
