Over the past 3 years of living in Seattle, I’ve completed a handful of hikes and lakes are usually more rewarding as end destinations for me. The only thing I’d wish for is to have better swimming ability because I’d get so jealous seeing people jumping in the lakes after a long day hiking. 

If you’re looking for some easy lake hike recommendations, then I have 5 recommendations for you in this blog post. Grab your bestie, put on your favorite hiking outfit, and go have fun!

  1. Lake 22, North Cascades
  2. Lake Serene, Central Cascades
  3. Heather LakeNorth Cascades
  4. Talapus Lake, Snoqualmie Region
  5. Eunice Lake, Mt. Rainier

Read my complete Seattle City Guide.

1. Lake 22, Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest

I hiked Lake Serene in mid-November 2018. The trail splits up into two, one to Lake Serene and one to Bridal Veil Falls, competing for attention. Lake Serene one is longer and more challenging but combined, they make a great day on the trail.

My favorite part was towards the beginning which the entire trail was filled with lots of lush green trees, moss, and ferns. The top was quite slippery and scary as it had just snowed up there a couple of days ago. Make sure you watch out for black ice if there is snow on the trail!

Length: 5.4 mi., roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1350 ft. Highest Point: 2400 ft.

2. Lake Serene, Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie Forest

I hiked Lake Serene in mid-November 2018. The trail splits up into two, one to Lake Serene and one to Bridal Veil Falls, competing for attention. Lake Serene one is longer and more challenging but combined, they make a great day on the trail.

My favorite part was towards the beginning which the entire trail was filled with lots of lush green trees, moss, and ferns. The top was quite slippery and scary as it had just snowed up there a couple of days ago. Make sure you watch out for black ice if there is snow on the trail!

Length: 7.5 mi., roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 2716 ft.

3. Heather Lake, North Cascades

I hiked Lake Serene in mid-November 2018. The trail splits up into two, one to Lake Serene and one to Bridal Veil Falls, competing for attention. Lake Serene one is longer and more challenging but combined, they make a great day on the trail.

My favorite part was towards the beginning which the entire trail was filled with lots of lush green trees, moss, and ferns. The top was quite slippery and scary as it had just snowed up there a couple of days ago. Make sure you watch out for black ice if there is snow on the trail!

Length: 4.6 mi., roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1034 ft. Highest Point: 2430 ft

Parking Pass/Entry Fee: Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass is ok

4. Talapus and Olallie Lakes, Snoqualmie Region

My favorite part was towards the beginning which the entire trail was filled with lots of lush green trees, moss, and ferns. The top was quite slippery and scary as it had just snowed up there a couple of days ago. Make sure you watch out for black ice if there is snow on the trail!

Length: 6.2 mi., roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1220 ft. Highest Point: 3780 ft.

5. Eunice Lake – Tolmie Peak Lookout, Mt. Rainier

Eunice Lake is a part of the famous Mt. Rainier hike, Tolmie Peak Lookout. It’s an extremely popular location for a picturesque spot to any Washingtonians and tourists alike.

Length: 6.6 mi., roundtrip (to the lake) 

Elevation Gain: 1100 ft. Highest Point: 5900 ft.

Parking Pass/Entry Fee: National Park Pass

I did not get to the lookout since I had a late start on the trail that day. From Eunice Lake, there was a steep mile up to Tolmie Peak, so we decided to turn back and come back another time for it. All I remembered was me in awe of the entire hike of the wildflowers and how many mosquitos there were at the lake. We really got attacked and had to ask for another hiker’s bug spray to survive the way back!