The Best Lakes On The West Coast For Swimming
By DANIEL FEININGER
As one of the largest artificial lakes in North America, it took 17 years to fill Lake Powell, which snakes through southern Utah and crosses into Arizona.
Lake Powell
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation surround the lake, with views of Navajo Mountain and Mount Pennell.
Enjoy all kinds of watersports, or visit Rainbow Bridge, one of the world's largest known natural bridge features, which is accessible via a lengthy hike or on a boat tour.
Formed by a volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago in Oregon, this is the deepest lake in the country and took between 420 and 740 years to fill up through rain and snowfall.
Crater Lake
The exceptional clarity and fantastic water quality make it a wonderful place to swim. Boat tours go to Wizard Island, with spectacular hiking trails with stunning views.
This cultural icon can be found just along the border between Nevada and California, and relaxing along the lake's shores is a great way to spend a long weekend.
Lake Tahoe
The immaculate water is perfect for a refreshing dip. You can also go whitewater rafting or participate in watersports like kayaking and waterskiing on the lake's waters.
Lake Washington is a natural lake fed by multiple rivers and an ideal place to dive in for a dip after a hot summer day in this part of the Pacific Northwest.
Lake Washington
With many excellent kayak launching spots, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming areas, a day at Lake Washington is often on the itinerary for visitors to Seattle.
Seven confirmed plane wrecks beneath the surface add an interesting scuba option for those with the requisite PADI certification levels.
There are no better views of Sonoma County's soaring transition between tall mountains and sweeping valleys than on the shores of Lake Sonoma.
Lake Sonoma
The lake is tucked away firmly within California wine country, arcing through the cliffs and crags of the mountains near the town of Cloverdale and acres of pristine vineyards.
The 2,700-acre lake and 50 miles of shoreline offer a phenomenal place for swimming, watersports, hiking, and camping in one of America's premier relaxation destinations.