Summary
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and swimming. The park is situated on the shores of Mayfield Lake, which is a popular spot for water sports and fishing.
One of the main points of interest at Ike Kinswa State Park is its proximity to Mount St. Helens. Visitors can take a day trip to the mountain and explore the surrounding area. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the popular Lakeshore Trail which provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park is named after Ike Kinswa, a Native American who was known for his fishing skills. Additionally, the park was established in the 1950s and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years.
The best time of year to visit Ike Kinswa State Park is in the summer months when the weather is warm and the lake is perfect for swimming and boating. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and winter snow activities.
Overall, Ike Kinswa State Park is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and range of activities make it a must-visit location in Washington state.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Ike Kinswa State Park
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Mayfield Lake - Tacoma Power
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Mossyrock Park - Tacoma Power
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Main Campground
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S'mores Loop
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Riffe Lake Campground
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