Suttle Lake

Sitting in the foothills of the Cascade Range and surrounded by a lush forest, Suttle Lake offers an idyllic mountain retreat in all four seasons.

In late September and October, the vine maples surrounding Suttle Lake come alive in hues of orange, red, and yellow as fall foliage adds pops of color to the broader forest; savor the views from along the 3.5-mile, mostly flat Suttle Lake Loop Trail. Watch for several species of bird that stop by on their way south for the winter—including loons, ospreys, and bald eagles (the latter of which nests and spends its winters at the lake).

In winter, Suttle Lake calms down considerably. Savor the quiet with a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trek around the lake. Afterward, relax inside your luxe lodge room or cabin at Suttle Lodge and Boathouse on the lake’s northeastern shore; the overnight stay, open year-round, also hosts an on-site cocktail lounge.

By late spring, anglers love fishing for kokanee, brown trout, and rainbow trout in Suttle Lake’s cool, clear waters. It’s around this time that a trio of campgrounds circling the lake opens for the season, as well; those welcome campers until early fall.

Summer brings a jovial atmosphere to the lake, thanks to the wide range of outdoor activities available. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or canoe from Suttle Lodge and Boathouse; try your hand at fishing; take a leisurely walk around the lake; spend a night under the stars at Suttle Lake’s busy campgrounds; and enjoy a picnic at one of five day-use areas.