Best lakes around Everett, Washington, are situated in a region characterized by its proximity to Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The area features a diverse natural landscape, including numerous freshwater lakes that serve as recreational hubs. These lakes offer varied experiences, from urban accessibility to more secluded natural settings. The lakes provide opportunities for water activities and connection with nature within a short distance of the city.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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The Lower Duck Pond is right of the side of the North Creek Trail. The pond is true to its name and is home to a lot of ducks.
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Lake Stevens, located six miles east of Everett and partially within the city of Lake Stevens, is the largest natural lake in the county. Spanning 1,012.7 acres, it offers plenty of outdoor activities, including beach access, boat launches, swimming, and picnic areas within several parks along its shoreline. It is a fantastic spot to stop for a picnic or a swim on a sunny day.
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Located just 5.5 miles (8.85 km) south of Everett along the Bothell-Everett Highway, this suburban lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. It is surrounded by three city parks with public access, including Thornton A. Sullivan Park on the west side, which offers ample shoreline and public bathrooms.
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This spot offers one of the most spectacular views of Lake Cassidy, where visitors can stroll out onto the dock and enjoy a panoramic vista of the water. It provides opportunities for fishing or launching your boat onto the serene waters, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The Lower Duck Pond is right of the side of the North Creek Trail. The pond is true to its name and is home to a lot of ducks.
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Thornton A. Sullivan Park — one of three city parks offering public access to Silver Lake — has a nice sandy beach. You'll also find walking trails, a playground and restrooms, picnic shelters, and equipment for table tennis and disc golf.
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Very beautiful stop; take the sloping descent from the trail rather than the steep drop farther north.
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A lovely spot to stop along the Centennial Trail and get a view of Lake Cassidy. You can walk out along the dock and have a snack on the park bench at the end.
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For families, Silver Lake is an excellent choice, especially with Thornton A. Sullivan Park offering a sandy beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Lake Stevens also provides multiple parks with beach access and picnic spots, suitable for a full day of family recreation. Flowing Lake, near Snohomish, is another great option with public access, swimming areas, and open spaces for kids.
Several lakes offer great swimming opportunities. Silver Lake is very popular, featuring a broad sandy shore and shallow wade-out areas. Lake Stevens has extensive beach access. Flowing Lake and Lake Roesiger also provide dedicated swimming areas within their county and state parks, respectively. For a larger state park experience, Lake Goodwin in the Seven Lakes Area has a significant swimming area.
Yes, for a quieter experience, Lake Cassidy is ideal as motorboats are not allowed, making it perfect for paddle sports and nature watching. Panther Lake is also mentioned as a good, quiet alternative for paddleboarding, especially on windy afternoons. Martha Lake, close to Everett, offers a more natural, treed feel for a quick paddle.
Beyond water sports like swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding, the area around Everett's lakes offers various land-based activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Silver Lake - Mill Creek loop' or the 'Lowell Riverfront Park to Snohomish' route, which you can explore further in the Cycling around Everett guide. For hiking, consider trails like 'Silver Lake and Green Lantern Trail' or explore more options in the Hiking around Everett guide. Running enthusiasts can find routes like the 'Japanese Gulch Loop Trail' in the Running Trails around Everett guide.
Silver Lake is known for good fishing, especially for rainbow trout. Lake Cassidy also provides opportunities for fishing from its dock or by launching a small boat onto its serene waters.
Yes, Silver Lake and Lake Stevens are both noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. Always check local regulations for specific park areas regarding leash laws and designated off-leash zones.
Many lakes offer excellent amenities. Silver Lake, particularly at Thornton A. Sullivan Park, provides picnic tables, play areas, floating docks, and public restrooms. Lake Stevens has multiple parks with beach access, boat launches, and picnic areas. Flowing Lake County Park includes BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and open spaces. Lake Roesiger, as a State Park, also offers public access and facilities.
The lakes are generally most popular during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Summer offers the best conditions for water activities. However, lakes like Lake Cassidy, with its serene atmosphere, can be enjoyed year-round for quiet walks and nature watching, especially for observing water lilies in bloom during warmer seasons.
Absolutely. Lake Cassidy is known for its serene atmosphere and offers a dock where visitors can enjoy a panoramic vista and observe abundant water lilies. The lake is also great for nature watching due to its quiet, non-motorized boat environment. Many lakes in the region, including Lake Stevens, provide scenic views from their shorelines and parks.
While Silver Lake and Lake Stevens can be busy, Lake Cassidy offers a more tranquil experience, being free from motorboat noise. Flowing Lake and Lake Roesiger, both near Snohomish, provide a more natural, less urban setting compared to the lakes directly within Everett, making them good choices for those seeking a quieter day out.
For specific events and activities, especially at city-managed parks, it's best to check local government websites. For example, the City of Everett's official site often lists activities and park information, such as those found at everettwa.gov/Activities. For broader recreational ideas, you might also consult resources like visiteverett.com.


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