Freshwater Recreation in the North Puget Sound Region, Volume I: Participation and Destinations

This study examines freshwater recreation participation patterns in the rapidly growing North Puget Sound region during summer 2023. A survey of residents found that 76% of adult residents (2.2 million people) engaged in freshwater recreation activities. Participation rates were highest among younger adults (82% for ages 18-34) and those with higher incomes (85% for $200,000 or more annual household income). The most popular activities were walking/jogging/hiking (89% of participants), sunbathing/relaxing (81%), and picnicking (62%). Lakes were more frequently visited than rivers (59% vs. 41% of trips), with 44% of trips occurring to waterbodies with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) water access areas. Respondents valued cleanliness, good water quality, and natural scenery, with 18% prioritizing boat launches and 24% emphasizing fishing opportunities. The findings highlight the importance of understanding participation patterns for effective management of public water access. This research provides insights for WDFW and other entities managing water access in the region, serving as a model for similar studies elsewhere.