North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way boat launch
North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way
North Lake is a small, shallow lake that covers an area of approximately 42 acres. It is primarily used for recreational fishing and is stocked with various fish species, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages North Lake and allows the use of boats with electric motors only. Gas-powered boats are not permitted on the lake. Additionally, all boats must be properly registered and display a valid registration sticker.
The information provided is accurate as of the time of writing, but users are encouraged to check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for the latest regulations and requirements for using the North Lake Fishing Access boat ramp.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Green River Near Auburn | 1,110 cfs | → |
| Lake Tapps Diversion At Dieringer | 28 cfs | → |
| Big Soos Creek Above Hatchery Near Auburn | 93 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek At Earthworks Park At Kent | 1 cfs | → |
| Puyallup River At Puyallup | 2,860 cfs | → |
| Clarks Creek At Tacoma Road Near Puyallup | 130 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Huckleberry Creek To Confluence With Clearwater River
- Snoqualmie Falls To Plum's Landing
- Wagner Bridge To Confluence With Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
- Confluence With Taylor River To Confluence With North Fork Snoqualmie River
- Confluence With Ipsut Creek To Western Boundary Of Mount Rainier National Park
- Headwaters On The Nw Slope Of Mount Rainier At Carbon Glacier To Confluence With Ipsut Creek
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of North Lake Fishing Access Federal Way.