Summary
The park surrounds the 130-mile-long Lake Roosevelt and offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.
One of the main reasons to visit Lake Roosevelt is the stunning scenery. The park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged canyons, lush forests, and scenic beaches. Visitors can also explore the area's rich cultural history by visiting historic sites such as Fort Spokane and the Keller House.
Another popular attraction in Lake Roosevelt is the variety of outdoor activities available. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, with species such as rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass commonly caught in its waters. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are also popular activities in the lake.
For hiking enthusiasts, the park offers a wide range of trails of varying difficulty levels. Some notable hikes include the Kettle River Trail, which follows the river through scenic canyons, and the 10-mile-long Hawk Creek Trail, which features stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
One interesting fact about Lake Roosevelt is that it was created by the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in the 1930s. The dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the world and is a marvel of modern engineering.
The best time of year to visit Lake Roosevelt depends on the visitor's interests. Summer is the most popular time for outdoor activities, but the fall months offer stunning foliage and quieter crowds. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as the unique experience of seeing the frozen lake.
Overall, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Washington State's northeastern landscape and enjoy outdoor activities in a unique and scenic environment.
Weather Forecast
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
North Shore Campsite #1
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Porcupine Bay Campground
Porcupine Bay - Lake Roosevelt National Rec Area
South Shore Hike-In/Bike-In Campsite