Top 19 Lakes in Skagit County

For a wide range of watersports including kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, consider

Lake Shannon near Concrete, which also offers stunning views of Mt. Baker. Baker Lake, within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park, is another massive body of water perfect for boating and kayaking. Other great options include Lake Cavanaugh, Big Lake, and Lake Campbell, all popular for boating and water skiing.

Skagit County offers numerous excellent fishing lakes. Clear Lake near Sedro-Woolley is enthusiastically fished for stocked trout, and also has largemouth bass and yellow perch. Heart Lake, south of Anacortes, is a sanctuary for anglers, offering good rainbow trout fishing. Other notable fishing spots include Grandy Lake (rainbow trout), Lake McMurray (kokanee, rainbow, bass), and Lake Erie (excellent trout fishing).

Yes, many lakes in Skagit County are great for families. Cranberry Lake offers an easy hike with multiple swimming holes, perfect for a refreshing dip and a leisurely outing. Cranberry Lake is described as beautiful and serene. Lily Lake is ideal for a picnic or spotting beavers, offering a gentle stroll. The Tommy Thompson Trestle provides car-free routes with water views and opportunities to spot marine life like sea lions and blue herons, which families often enjoy.

Skagit County's lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Near the Tommy Thompson Trestle, you can spot marine life such as blue herons and sea lions. The March Point Heronry is home to one of the West's largest Great Blue Heron colonies. Diablo Lake and the Skagit River area are known for a large population of Bald Eagles and abundant wildlife, while Lily Lake is a good spot for beaver sightings.

For relaxation and nature exploration, Diablo Lake, though just outside Skagit County, is renowned for its picture-perfect blue water and numerous viewpoints. Lily Lake is a nice wetland lake, ideal for a picnic or spotting beavers. Cranberry Lake offers an easy hike and multiple swimming holes, making it a beautiful spot for a refreshing dip and a leisurely outing.

Yes, some lakes in Skagit County have specific restrictions. Clear Lake has a 25 mph speed limit and does not allow personal watercraft. Lake McMurray and Lake Sixteen both have a 5 mph speed limit, with Lake Sixteen further prohibiting combustible fuel motors. Lakes like Lake Cavanaugh, Big Lake, and Lake Campbell generally have a 40 mph speed limit.

Several locations offer stunning views. The Tommy Thompson Trestle provides splendid views of Mount Baker, Fidalgo Bay, and marine life. The View of Mount Erie and Lake Campbell, the highest point on Fidalgo Island, offers breathtaking vistas of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier on clear days. Lake Shannon and Baker Lake also provide stunning views of Mt. Baker.

Beyond watersports and fishing on the lakes themselves, Skagit County offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy trails like the Rosario Head Trail or the Little Cranberry Lake and Trail 100 Loop. For those interested in cycling, there are gravel biking routes such as the Boulevard Park – South Bay Trail loop or the Historic Concrete – Skagit River loop.

The optimal time to visit many of Skagit County's lakes for activities like hiking and swimming spans from March through October. During summer, popular spots like Baker Lake can experience crowded parking, so arriving early is advisable. The warmer months are generally best for watersports and enjoying the full range of outdoor opportunities.

For a unique and quieter experience, Vogler Lake near Concrete is a small, fly-fishing-only lake. It's regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and anglers must release their catch, ensuring a robust fishery. It offers good bank access, though a float tube or small watercraft is recommended for easier casting.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the stunning views of Mount Baker and other peaks from lakes like Lake Shannon and Baker Lake. The ease of access to swimming holes at Cranberry Lake and the abundant wildlife viewing, such as the Great Blue Heron colony at March Point Heronry, are also highly appreciated. The variety of fishing and watersport options cater to all interests.