This Crystal-Clear Pacific Northwest Lake Is An Artificial Gem With Mountainside Beaches, Swimming, And Fishing

Northern Washington is known for its dramatically scenic landscapes, accented by massive mountain peaks, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and towering trees. The region is also home to an impressive amount of public lands, which afford visitors access to a dizzying array of outdoor activities. Baker Lake, which is located on one of those large tracts of public land, is a destination that affords visitors a taste of all of the qualities for which Northern Washington is known. This Pacific Northwest lake is a perfect spot to swim, fish, paddle, camp, and hike while surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Baker Lake actually began as a natural lake nestled in the North Cascade Mountains. However, its size increased drastically once it became a reservoir with the construction of a hydroelectric dam across the Baker River in 1959. Today, the lake — which is fed by snow melt runoff from the neighboring mountains – covers a little more than 4,700 acres and stretches for 9 miles from the dam. Located within Washington's underrated Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the scenery around Baker Lake is stunning, thanks to the surrounding North Cascade Mountains. A number of towering peaks, including the iconic Mount Baker, are visible from the shore and surrounding trails.

The clear waters of Baker Lake are an ideal setting for activities such as fishing and swimming. Anglers have the opportunity to target bull and rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, kokanee, and sockeye salmon. The general fishing season on Baker Lake runs from late April through the end of October. Sockeye season, which usually opens around July, is a big draw. Anglers will find ample bank access along the shore for fishing or launching paddle craft. There are also a handful of boat ramps in day use areas and campgrounds on the western shore of the lake. All vessels must undergo an invasive species check before launching, and anglers aged 16 and older must have a valid Washington fishing license.

Swimming is another way to enjoy the clear, cool waters of Baker Lake. Designated swim areas are located in the day-use portion of the Shannon Creek, Horseshoe Cove, and Swift Creek campgrounds during the open season, which runs from May through September. Of the designated swim sites, Horseshoe Cove is among the most popular. The protected swim area is sandwiched between the campground's beach and a small island on the lake, with a boat launch nearby. Both Horseshoe Cove and Swift Creek feature sandy beaches. Each of these swimming spots, as well as those at the Bayview and Shannon Creek day use areas, also have picnic tables. 

While the nearby hiking trails are open year-round, the campgrounds surrounding the lake are only open seasonally. However, from late spring through September, campers have plenty of overnight options along the shores of Baker Lake. The Forest Service operates eight developed campgrounds around the lake: Bayview, Boulder Creek, Horseshoe Cove, Lower Sandy, Panorama Point, Park Creek, Shannon Creek, and Swift Creek. Each of these campgrounds are located in the national forest and spots can be reserved in advance online. Sites in the Lower Sandy Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Kulshan Campground, operated by Puget Sound Energy, has over 100 sites which are available on a first-come basis.

There are four hike-in, backcountry campgrounds with non-reservable sites along the Baker Lake Trail. The hike to these campgrounds ranges from 2 miles to 9.5 miles from the trailhead. Among these is Noisy Creek Campground on the east shore of Baker Lake, which is said to have exceptionally clear water. "The bay around Noisy Creek is that perfect turquoise tinted water that reminds me of the Caribbean," one past camper wrote in a Northwest Dive Club forum.

Baker Lake is located about 15 miles north of Concrete, a small town known as the "Green Gateway to the North Cascades." Burlington, Washington's "Hub City," is about an hour's drive from the lake. The closest commercial airport is Bellingham International Airport (BLI), which is about 20 minutes outside of Burlington. Those who prefer creature comforts to overnight camping will find plenty of accommodation options in both Concrete and Burlington.