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It’s going to be a hot week, Seattle—historically hot. In the forecast is Seattle's fourth triple-digit day since numbers were first recorded in 1894, and only a third of Seattle residents have air conditioning. Fortunately the natural geography surrounding Seattle affords residents some incredible options to cool off outside; with cool, clear swimming holes, sandy shores, and freshwater lakes, there are more than a few ways to cope with this heat. Cut to: the image of you on a beach under an umbrella toweling off cooler waters. This isn’t paradise, though it is almost unprecedented. It’s just summer in Seattle. No big deal.
Your escape awaits.
- Carkeek Park
- Skykomish River at Big Eddy Park: a sandy beach, pebble protected pools, and scenic views.
- South Fork Snoqualmie River Picnic Area: one of the best swimming spots on Snoqualmie Pass.
- Eagle Falls
- South Canyon Trail Loop: Saint Edwards State Park's little-known gem.
- Alki Beach: A broad sandy beach in the middle of the city.
- Houghton Beach Park: great for families, and they come in droves.
- Juanita Beach Park: another family-friendly beach perfect for the kids, and you’ll find it more open on weekdays.
- Matthews Beach Park: plenty of open grass along the Lake Washington shore.
- O.O. Denny Park: shaded barbecue areas and views of massive Mount Rainier.
- Golden Gardens Park: ballard's summer beach paradise.
- East + West Green Lake Beach: beach, boat rentals, and summer concession stands!
- Marsh Park: Kirkland's quieter waterfront park.
- Magnuson Swim Beach: diving boards, shaded lawn, and plenty of real estate for a towel.
- Lake Sammamish State Park: ice cream, boat rentals, and a broad beach!
- Enatai Beach Park: Bellevue's best beach, plus kayak rentals for exploring Lake Washington.
- Snoqualmie River, Plum Boat Launch: sandy beach and the put-in location for floating the Snoqualmie.
- No summer in the Seattle area would be complete without a Snoqualmie River Float on your inner tube!
- Newcastle Beach Park: sandy beach, swimming and fishing pier, and a large field.
- South Fork Snoqualmie River at Homestead Valley Road Bridge: tranquility and no crowds!
- Skykomish River at Al Borlin Park: 1,000-foot-long pebble beach and floating take-out spot.
In the more distant reaches of Washington:
- La Push, Second Beach
- Rialto Beach + Hole-in-the-Wall
- Point of the Arches + Shi Shi Beach
- North Beach, Port Townsend
- Sucia Island Fox Cove
- Waikiki Beach, Cape Disappointment State Park
- Fort Worden Beach
- Owen Beach + Promenade
- Sooes Beach
- Ruby Beach
- Westhaven State Park + Half Moon Bay
- Kalaloch Beach 4
- Damon Point Spit
- Crescent Beach
- Orcas Island Obstruction Pass Beach
- Golden Gardens Beach
- Orcas Island Spring Bay
- Long Beach
- Fort Flagler North Beach
Featured Adventures
Seattle
South Fork of the Skykomish River, Washington
Stevens Pass West
Plum Boat Launch to Fall City Park
Seattle + Tacoma Metro Area, Washington
Olallie State Park
Olallie State Park
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