good places to cruise

I am sure there are more then one or two of us fairly new to boating on this site and might have pondered this. Since putting the boat into the water two weeks ago I have been thinking, where are the better places to take your boat (smaller ones) for nice day outings, do all cost money to use and which are better then others (have ramps or good parking access etc..).

so what is your preference and what do you recommend. I want to get out there this summer and cruise the various waterways but not sure which ones are worth doing and where to put in at. prefer places with docks to make it easier to load and unload but not sure how common that is around here

thanks in advance

[Steve_Kiesel]

The club has a couple good outings planned that I'm looking forward to. Alder Lake and Mayfield. I went on the Alder Lake outing last year. Good ramps, reasonable cost, plus they have slips to tie up to next to the picnic area.

Haven't been to Mayfield, but I did check the Marina out online. Looks like a great setup. Plus the Lake looks real interesting to cruise.

I think that most of the larger lakes in the area have docks at the their launches. I'm with you there, I'm usually on my own, so it's a lot easier with a dock. Have fun.

[Skagitguy]

Look at the ( Event ) Calendar. Other great places are out on Puget Sound. Chuck

[FINS]

Some great fresh water lakes in the area that have really nice ramps and finger docks are also usually crowded when the weather gets nice. The day you pick to go may contribute more to the enjoyment than the actual lake choice. The addition of a finger dock next to the ramp is almost a must as you found at Lake Sawyer. It makes all the difference in the world if you can launch the boat, tie it to the dock, parkthe trailer, start the boat, etc while still tied to the dock. As most of the replies have stated, the Club event calendar has alot of the great lakes listed for upcoming events. Here are some that I have taken boats to and would recommend.

Lake Tapps: Love it here and there is always a standing offer to come and play on the Lake for anyone in the Club. It is best during the week, but on overcast weekends it can be vacant as well.

Mason Lake: One of my favorites and I still kick myself that I passed on a summer cabin there. A bit of a drive, but well worth it. Never seems to be crowded. Added bonus of this lake is that it is only minutes from a great launch on Hood Canal. You can play in the Canal and then go up to Mason and run around to flush the motor and boat. Make a weekend out of it and stay at the stunning Alderbrook Resort.

Lake Sammamish: Fun to cruise the shore line and check out the houses. Very nice launch and docks.

Lake Washington: One to avoid on busy summer weekends but worth the effort. Coulon Park is really nice and has Kidd Valley Burgers!!

Alder Lake: Beautiful Lake that does not seem to ever get really crowded.

American Lake: Another large lake that has some great older homes to check out while cruising.

Lake Meridian: Good only for testing in my opinion. Has strictly enforced speed limits and you can only cruise counter clock wise around the Lake.

Clear Lake: Another one that is a long relaxing drive, but beautiful Lake.

Duck Lake: Ocean Shores Lake and canals that are fun to explore. The water is not all that great looking (water weeds and mucky) but I love to be able to explore when I go out.

Many, many more but these are most of the ones that I frequent. With Google maps, you can "fly" around the lakes and check them out prior to going. My advise, just post here when you want to go and someone will probably want to join you. It is much more enjoyable to go out with others just in case and to enjoy the day.

Lake Ozette and Baker Lake?

We checked out Lake Ozette in Olympic National Park for a little boat camping and it was quite beautiful. A couple of things to note: the launch ramp at the campground end of the lake was really shallow. The other ramp that was located mid lake looked better. If you are boat camping it is considered wilderness and permits and bear canisters are required. They can be picked up at ONP headquarters in Port Angeles along with a permit. If it is just a day cruise, no need to worry about that stuff.

Baker Lake in the North Cascades also seems like it would be great for exploring and / or boat camping. Has anyone been there?

some great ideas.

Fins, I will be taking you up on the offer in the near future..

[halffast32]

Baker Lake

Baker lake is a gem. Spectacular views. We try and boat camp there once a year. Load everything up and go find your own little cove to claim for the weekend. Lots of little camp spots along the East side. Plenty of drift wood for fire. You can head to the resort for a pop or more ice. Just pay attention to underwater stumps and floating debris.
Last time we went, the water was down 10' due to dam work. That left a great wide beach all around the lake. The amount of wood was amazing. I think I had the best camp (bon) fire I've ever had. I burned nothing but 3-6' cedar driftwood for 2 straight days. Everytime the wind would change direction, another couple chords of wood would wash up in "our" cove. Always a great campout for us at Baker! Sure hope we can find the time this year....

[strobee]

The Puget Sounders, the northwest part of the Antique Outboard Motor Club, is having a meet at Baker Lake June 12, 13, and 14th. I am hoping to take my 16 Skagit there for a day. A bunch o f nice guy and it should be fun. Clint

where is baker lake located

[strobee]

Baker lake is behind Baker dam. You take highway 20 thru Sedro Wolley toward Concrete. Take a left off 20 and it leads to Baker Lake. Good views of Mount Baker. Clint