Summertime Fun | The Best Lakes in and Around Spokane

Whether your more of a fisher, a swimmer, a boater, or just a water-lover, you’re probably looking for some lakes to hit for some summertime fun. That’s why today, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best lakes to visit in an around Spokane!

Fish Lake

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If your idea of summertime fun is going out fishing, then you’ll want to check out Fish Lake. Fish Lake is one of Spokane’s most popular brook trout lakes which is open until the end of September. You’ll mostly find brook trout and tiger trout fry in this lake. Despite having undesirable fish species established again, fishers can still expect to find decent populations of brook trout and tiger trout for the taking as well. Plus, internal combustion engines are prohibited on this lake. So, you can rest assured that your fishing excursion will be quiet and peaceful.

Liberty Lake

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Like Fish Lake, Liberty Lake is another great destination for summertime fun and fishing. Fishing is open at Liberty Lake until October 31st. With the warm summer weather, you can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other warm-water species that reside in this lake. This lake is also a popular spot to catch brown bullhead and channel catfish.

Bonnie Lake

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Located south of the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Bonnie Lake is one of the best warm-water fishing lakes in Washington. As a result, you can expect to have loads of summertime fun down at Bonnie Lake. It has a long history of producing yellow perch, black crappie, and largemouth bass catches. This lake isn’t just popular fishers, but kayakers and paddlers as well. You can even use the small, rustic boar lunch next to the bridge over Rock Creek and head upstream. Use caution as the creek is very shallow and narrow with twists and turns through the canyon known as Hole in the Ground. In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for the natural rock bridge as well as the huge beaver dam where the lake begins to drain into the creek.

Medical Lake

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Medical Lake is a spring-fed lake with an average summer temperature of 74 degrees. As a result, this lake is the perfect spot for some swimming, paddling, and other summertime fun. In addition, Waterfront Park provides a no-fee boat launch, a swimming beach with restrooms, and outdoor showers. Medical Lake is also a very popular lake for fly fishing. That being said, selective gear rules apply. So, be sure to check the regulations pamphlet for special size limits. The most popular fish caught in this lake are brown and rainbow trout.

Lake Pend Oreille

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Looking east, Lake Pend Oreille is the biggest lake in Idaho at 43 miles long with 111 miles of shoreline. It’s also its deepest. In fact, at 1,158 deep, there are only four deeper lakes in the entire nation. This lake was dug out by Ice Age glaciers and is located amid three major frontal ranges of the northern Rocky Mountains. Lake Pend Oreille has natural splendor galore to go with a fascinating human and natural history. There are also plenty of parks, boat launches, picnic sites, and other attractions to enjoy for some summertime fun. Major parks in the area include Farragut State Park, Whiskey Rock, Garfield Bay, Springy Point, City Beach, Trestle Creek, and Sam Owen Campground and Park.

Bear Lake

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Next up on our list we have Bear Lake. While fishing is only reserved for fishers under 15, seniors, and fishers with disabilities, this lake still offers loads of summertime fun. This lake is a great spot to go swimming, but swim at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present. In addition, although there is no official boat access area, you can launch your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle-board from the beach.

Priest Lake

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Priest Lake is the ultimate summertime fun destination where you can boat, fish, camp, hunt, cross-country ski, and more! The area’s spectacular backdrop, coupled with myriad recreational opportunities, make visiting Priest Lake an unforgettable experience. Priest Lake is considered by many as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel”, this northern lake area is a natural wonderland. Discover a magnificent 23,000-acre azure lake nestled beneath the majestic Selkirk Mountains.

Bonus Activity

Brews & Views on Mt.Spokane

Saturdays in July & August from 12pm-5pm

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Nothing pairs better with a hot summer day than a cool refreshing brew. At Brews & Views, you can enjoy that feeling while experiencing the best views in the region at the top of Mt.Spokane. They’ll be pouring the best summer selection from local breweries including beer and seltzers. Check out this event to enjoy a cold beverage and snack after a day playing on the mountain.

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