Seattle-area polar bear plunges: dive into 2026

Start 2026 screaming.

State of play: It's time for polar bear plunges to pop up across the region, drawing crowds willing to trade comfort and warmth for bragging rights.

Seattle Polar Bear Plunge

One of the most popular New Year's Day plunges in the region, the dip at Matthews Beach Park starts with cub diving at 11:45am with adults following at noon.

• Courage badges are awarded to all who get in up to their necks.
• Here's a short video of a previous plunge to get you stoked.

Lake Sammamish State Park Polar Bear Plunge

• Festivities start at 10:30am with a first day hike, yoga, a costume contest and the plunge at noon.

Magnuson Park Resolution Run and Polar Bear Dive

5K starts at 10:30am ($45), kids' run (free) at 11:30am. The Polar Bear Dive into Lake Washington is located just before the finish line.

Renton's Polar Bear Double Dip 

• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. 10am to 10:30am. Free.
• Or take a dip at the Henry Moses Aquatic Center between 12 and 12:30pm. Register here.

Normandy Park Polar Bear Plunge

 The Cove Normandy Park Community Club. 11am.

Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge

• This classic plunge is two hours north of Seattle in Whatcom County but worth the drive, especially this year as organizers attempt to break a world record.
• Noon. Free, but registration is requested.

Pro tip: Wear water shoes or old sneakers to protect feet from barnacle-covered rocks and bring a fleece onesie to wear after.