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
Wannacut Lake Okanogan
Ward Creek Pacific
Ward Lake Thurston Restroom
Warden Lake Grant Parking
Warden Outfall Grant
Waterworks Yakima
Weiss Pierce
West Medical Lake Spokane
Wharton Grays Harbor
Whitcomb-Diimmel Clallam
Whitestone Lake Okanogan
Wildcat Lake Kitsap Parking
Wilderness Lake King
Williams Lake Spokane Parking, Restroom, Boat launch, Dock
Williams Lake Stevens
Wilson Bridge Clallam
Winchester Lake 1 Grant
Winchester Lake 2 Grant
Winchester Lake 3 Grant Parking, Restroom
Windmill-Canal-Heart Lakes Grant
Wiser Lake Whatcom
Wishkah River Grays Harbor
Woodhouse Ponds Kittitas
Woodland Bar Cowlitz
Wye Lake Kitsap