Top 5 Lakes around Mission

The Mission area features a mix of natural lakes and man-made reservoirs, offering diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities. You'll find everything from serene, quiet spots like Devils Lake to more developed recreation areas such as Hayward Lake and Stave Lake.

For swimming and family fun, Rolley Lake is often cited as one of the warmest and most kid-friendly lakes in the region, also offering a small waterfall hike. Devils Lake is excellent for swimming and family picnicking in a serene setting. Hayward Lake also features a 90-meter long sandy beach and day-use picnic areas, making it popular for families.

Yes, several lakes offer hiking opportunities. Devils Lake has a scenic forested loop trail, rated as easy, with a floating bridge. Hayward Lake boasts the 6-kilometer Railway Trail and the longer 10-kilometer Reservoir Trail. Stave Lake also provides various hiking trails, and Hoover Lake has a trail known for the sound of waterfalls in spring. For more general hiking options, explore easy hikes around Mission.

Hayward Lake is a great spot for kayaking. Stave Lake, being a large man-made reservoir, is ideal for a wider range of boating activities, including canoeing and kayaking, and features a double-wide concrete boat launch.

At Devils Lake, you can enjoy views of Rockwell Peak from its floating bridge. Davis Lake Park is notable for its unique ecology, including a virtually pure western hemlock stand and prime bird habitat, along with a scenic waterfall. Hoover Lake is known for the enjoyable soundscape of waterfalls, especially in spring.

Stave Lake, created by the Stave Lake Dam, is part of a wilderness adventure area with nearby attractions like the historic Power House at Stave Falls, the Warden's Office, and the Interpretive Pond Trail. Hayward Lake's Railway Trail was once a railway line, adding a touch of history to your walk.

For popular spots like Hayward Lake, especially during warmer months, it's recommended to arrive early to secure parking. Davis Lake requires a walk-in, with access via a 1 km deactivated road leading to the parking area.

The warmer months are generally best for swimming and water activities, with lakes like Rolley Lake being particularly pleasant. However, the forested trails around lakes like Devils Lake and Hayward Lake can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, though some sections might be rugged, slippery, or muddy in wetter seasons.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Devils Lake is an excellent spot for fishing. Hayward Lake and Stave Lake also offer good fishing opportunities. Davis Lake supports small populations of cutthroat trout and northern pikeminnow.

While Stave Lake offers mountain biking as an activity, for dedicated trails, you can explore the wider region. Check out the MTB Trails around Mission guide for various routes, including some challenging options.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Davis Lake Park, for instance, is recognized as prime bird habitat due to its unique ecology. The forested areas around lakes like Devils Lake also provide opportunities for nature observation.

Devils Lake is known for its serene, quiet atmosphere and is often less crowded than other lakes, making it a peaceful choice. Hoover Lake is also lauded for its serenity.