Top 6 Lakes in Skamania County

Skamania County offers several excellent fishing lakes. Drano Lake is renowned for Chinook and Coho salmon, and summer steelhead. Little Ash (Ashes) Lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and also has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Swift Reservoir is known for trout fishing, particularly rainbow trout. Coldwater Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and also has cutthroat trout. Takhlakh Lake is annually stocked with several thousand rainbow trout, and the lakes within the Indian Heaven Wilderness offer various trout species like rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout.

Yes, Takhlakh Lake is highlighted as a family-friendly mountain lake, offering stunning views of Mount Adams and a U.S. Forest Service campground nearby. Coldwater Lake also provides picnic facilities and scenic hiking trails suitable for families.

You can find diverse natural features. Blue Lake is a natural monument surrounded by pine forest with clear water. Takhlakh Lake offers a beautiful mountain setting with views of Mount Adams. Gillette Lake is a secluded lake fed by Gillette Creek. Coldwater Lake was formed by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, offering unique ecological interest. You can also get a dramatic View of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens from Harry's Ridge, showcasing the volcanic landscape.

The best time to visit many of Skamania County's lakes is typically during the summer months. High-elevation lakes like Takhlakh Lake are ideal for escaping the heat in summer but are often inaccessible from late fall through much of spring due to heavy snowfall. Fishing conditions vary by season, with salmon runs in Drano Lake and trout stocking in others. Generally, late spring to early fall offers the most accessible conditions for hiking and recreation.

Near the lakes in Skamania County, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with trails like the Dog Mountain Trail or the Table Mountain Loop via Pacific Crest Trail. Running is also an option, with routes such as the Cape Horn Loop Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like the Gobblers Knob – Panther Creek loop. Fishing is a primary activity at many lakes, and some, like Coldwater Lake, permit electric motors for peaceful boating.

Yes, many lakes in Skamania County are accessible via hiking trails. Gillette Lake is directly on the Pacific Crest Trail. Coldwater Lake has scenic hiking trails, including the 'Birth of the Lake' trail. The Indian Heaven Wilderness is known for its extensive hiking trails that lead to dozens of lakes. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in Skamania County.

Two lakes stand out for their historical and ecological significance related to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. Coldwater Lake was created by the eruption, and Spirit Lake was dramatically transformed by the blast, with its level raised significantly and floating log rafts still visible today. These lakes serve as powerful reminders of the volcanic history of the region. You can learn more about the eruption on Wikipedia.

For a more secluded experience, Gillette Lake offers a beautiful, quiet setting above Kidney Lake. The lakes within the Indian Heaven Wilderness also provide a sense of wilderness and can be explored with a float tube or inflatable raft for a unique experience away from more crowded spots.

Blue Lake is a popular hiking destination. Visitors recommend it for its crystal-clear water and the surrounding pine forest. You'll find great spots to camp or simply rest in the shade around the lake.

Deer Lake is an important water source for hikers on nearby trails. It's advisable to fill up your water bottles here, as it may be the last water source for several miles. You'll need to climb down a short distance to reach the lake from the main trail.

Visiting lakes in Skamania County during winter can be challenging, especially for high-elevation lakes like Takhlakh Lake, which become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Lower elevation lakes might be accessible, but conditions can be cold and icy. Always check local weather and road conditions before planning a winter visit.

The water at Green Lake can be a little challenging to access directly, but the area offers nice hidden sites where you can take a break in the shade or even spend the night.