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
Silver Lake Spokane Parking, Boat launch, Dock
Silver Lake Whatcom
Silver Nail Lake Okanogan
Simmons (Clay Banks Hole) Snohomish
Sixteen Lake Skagit
Skagit Headquarters Skagit
Skokomish 101 Mason
Smith (Colonel's Hole) Mason
Smith Creek Pacific
Snively Road Benton
Snyder Bar Asotin
South Bend Pacific Parking, Boat launch, Dock
South Montesano Grays Harbor Parking, Restroom, Boat launch
Spectacle Lake E Okanogan
Spectacle Lake W Okanogan Parking
Spencer Lake Mason
Sportsman's Club Cowlitz
Sportsmans Lake San Juan
Sprague Lake Adams Parking
Spring Lake King
Spud House Skagit
Squalicum Lake Whatcom
Stan Coffin Lake Grant
Steel Bridge Skamania
Steel Lake King Parking