Thank you everyone for your answers. Judging by your answers, I can probably help narrow the search a bit. Here's what I'd like in lake front property:
- 3-4 hr drive from Seattle max
- Power boats, jet skis allowed on the lake. I want to use the lake for swimming, skiing, etc. I'm not too concerned about fishing.
- I'd prefer lake front to river front (feels safer for children).
- Near mountains for skiing, snow-shoeing, winter-use a plus (so we can use it year round)
- This home will be a second, vacation home; I don't intend to ever sell it.
- All things being equal, I'd love to be able to purchase a decent plot of land (would be great if someday I could build an additional house for my folks) .
- I don't necessarily want a "party" lake, but I think I'm pretty open. A quiet, somewhat private lake would be great, but I would expect a great lake (Chelan, Roosevelt, etc) to be busy.
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