Water access areas

Recreate responsibly to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages hundreds of water access areas throughout Washington, providing recreational access to the state’s lakes, rivers, and marine waters. Some WDFW owned properties are managed for water access by other agencies and are subject to those agencies’ rules.

A Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is required at all WDFW recreation lands. A Vehicle Access Pass provides access only to WDFW lands and is provided with the purchase of many hunting and fishing licenses. Discover Passes can be purchased separately and provide access to additional state lands, including state parks.

WDFW does not regulate the general use of watercraft on lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, marine areas, or other waters. Boating restrictions, including motorized boating prohibitions, are established by local ordinance. Consult your local county or city for information.

Toxic algae and other surface water advisories are issued by local jurisdictions. Consult your local county or city for current information.

Camping is allowed on select eastside water access areas. Camping facilities such as tent or RV pads, fire rings, and picnic tables are generally not provided.

Find water access areas

ADA facilities
Name County ADA facilities
7400 Road Grays Harbor
Adams Road Grant
Aeneas Lake Okanogan
Alkali Lake Grant
Amber Lake Spokane Parking, Restroom
American Lake Pierce
Ankeny N Douglas Parking
Ankeny S Douglas Parking
Averill Okanogan
Badger Lake Spokane Parking
Baehler Snohomish
Baker River Skagit
Barker Canyon Douglas Parking, Restroom
Barnaby Slough Skagit
Barrier Dam Lewis Parking, Restroom
Bass Lake King
Bay Lake Pierce
Bear Creek Clallam
Beaver Creek Wahkiakum
Beaver Lake Skagit
Beaver Lake King
Beda Lake Grant
Beebe Springs Chelan Parking, Restroom
Beginners' Hole Cowlitz Parking
Ben Howard Hole Snohomish