Coulee Playland
RV park
4.5 (334)
401 Coulee Blvd, Electric City, WA 99123
LakeWA
Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan a Banks Lake swim at Steamboat Rock State Park. Check day-use parking passes, campground reservations and conditions at your chosen lake access.
Water type
Lake
Access
Informal
Fee
Steamboat Rock State Park day-use parking requires a Discover Pass unless an exemption applies: $10 daily or $45 annual, before applicable transaction fees. Camping and other services are separate.
Best season
Check seasonal facilities, park notices and weather before travel. No month guarantees comfortable or safe water
Nearby towns
Wenatchee, Coulee City, Electric City
Water body
Banks Lake
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Wenatchee, Coulee City, Electric City
Access location not verified
ELECTRIC CITY, WA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Banks Lake: choose a specific swimming access
Banks Lake has developed recreation areas as well as shoreline with different access rules. This regional listing is not a single beach or permission to enter anywhere along the reservoir. For a documented swimming destination, start with Steamboat Rock State Park.
Steamboat Rock day use
The Washington State Parks Foundation describes a sandy swimming area, a large day-use area and campgrounds beside the lake. It lists restrooms, picnic tables, showers and drinking water among park facilities. Check the official park page for current alerts and seasonal availability; these amenities do not apply to every Banks Lake access point.
Parking and overnight plans
Washington State Parks fee guidance requires a Discover Pass for day-use parking unless an exemption applies. The listed rates are $10 daily or $45 annually, before applicable transaction fees. Paid campers do not need an additional Discover Pass at the park where they are staying. Campsites and other services have separate charges. Check reservations before planning an overnight stay.
Use designated access, not a generic shoreline route
Navigate to Steamboat Rock State Park at 51052 Highway 155, Electric City, and follow signed day-use access. The old listing route to Northrup Canyon did not establish a swimming entrance. Private resorts and other launches need separate permission and parking checks.
Before entering the water
Follow posted swimming boundaries and advisories, keep clear of boat launches, and reassess wind and water conditions on arrival. Do not jump or dive into unknown water. Warm air, clear-looking water and a sandy shore do not establish safe depth or current water quality.
Getting There
For Steamboat Rock State Park, use the official park address, 51052 Highway 155, Electric City, WA 99123, and follow signed day-use access. Do not rely on the old north-of-Electric-City mileage instructions. Other Banks Lake access points require their own directions and permission checks; Northrup Canyon is not established here as a swimming entrance.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Choose a specific authorized lake access. State-park parking requirements do not establish access rights at private resorts or other shoreline locations.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Coulee City Campground
Park
4.3 (450)
10113 US-2, Coulee City, WA 99115
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
State park
4.7 (2792)
34875 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City, WA 99115
Ice Age floods created huge waterfalls-now-cliffs overlooking a lake & with camping & a golf course.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Steamboat Rock Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (72)
Unnamed Rd, Electric City, WA 99123
Northrup Point Trailhead
Hiking area
4.6 (37)
Unnamed Road, Electric City, WA 99123
Coulee city rv park
RV park
4.3 (28)
36873 Rd I-8, Coulee City, WA 99115
Picnic tablesPublic restroomRestroomRunning water
Vault toilet
Public bathroom
4.9 (9)
Unnamed Road, Coulee City, WA 99115
Restroom and Showers
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
4 (1)
Coulee City, WA 99115
Frequently Asked Questions About Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots
Is Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots free to visit?
Reported fee information: Steamboat Rock State Park day-use parking requires a Discover Pass unless an exemption applies: $10 daily or $45 annual, before applicable transaction fees. Camping and other services are separate. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Check with the land manager and follow posted restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots?
Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots is a lake on Banks Lake located in Washington, near Wenatchee. Plan a Banks Lake swim at Steamboat Rock State Park. Check day-use parking passes, campground reservations and conditions at your chosen lake access.
When is the best time to visit Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots?
Seasonal planning notes: Check seasonal facilities, park notices and weather before travel. No month guarantees comfortable or safe water. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots?
Reported facilities at Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots include: Steamboat Rock lists restrooms, picnic tables, showers and potable water. Confirm seasonal availability. These amenities do not apply to every Banks Lake access point. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots?
Steamboat Rock offers camping. Check availability and reserve through Washington State Parks; camping charges are separate from day-use parking.
Highlights
Documented sandy swimming area at Steamboat Rock
Developed day-use and camping facilities
Access rules vary around Banks Lake
Unique Features
Banks Lake reservoir and basalt landscape
Developed recreation at Steamboat Rock State Park
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Follow swimming boundaries and posted advisories
- Keep clear of boat launches and traffic, supervise children and reassess wind and water conditions
- Do not jump or dive into unknown water
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph the lake and rock formations from authorized day-use areas and trails. Stay away from unstable edges and do not block water access.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife to protect the fragile ecosystem.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check seasonal facilities, park notices and weather before travel. No month guarantees comfortable or safe water.
Difficulty Level
Access varies by destination. Use signed day-use access at Steamboat Rock; do not assume all shorelines are accessible.
Fee
Steamboat Rock State Park day-use parking requires a Discover Pass unless an exemption applies: $10 daily or $45 annual, before applicable transaction fees. Camping and other services are separate.
Facilities
Steamboat Rock lists restrooms, picnic tables, showers and potable water. Confirm seasonal availability. These amenities do not apply to every Banks Lake access point.
Activities
Swimming
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Steamboat Rock offers camping. Check availability and reserve through Washington State Parks; camping charges are separate from day-use parking.
Nearby Attractions
- Steamboat Rock State Park - State Park
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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