Mud Lake Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mud Lake Park is a beautiful destination located in the state of Washington, offering visitors a range of exciting activities and attractions to explore.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
One of the main reasons to visit the park is to admire its stunning natural beauty, which includes expansive wooded areas, serene waterways, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
There are several specific points of interest to see at Mud Lake Park, including the park's namesake lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the park's numerous hiking trails, which wind through the forested areas and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mud Lake Park is also home to a range of interesting wildlife species, including elk, deer, and various types of birds. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.
Some interesting facts about Mud Lake Park include its location in the shadow of Mount St. Helens and its history as a popular spot for logging and mining in the early 20th century. Today, the park is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The best time of year to visit Mud Lake Park depends on the activities and attractions that visitors are interested in. Spring and summer are popular times to visit for hiking, fishing, and boating, while fall offers stunning foliage views and wildlife watching opportunities. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park.
Overall, Mud Lake Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Washington state.
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Paradise Point State Park
|
||
Battle Ground Lake State Park
|
||
Louis Rasmussen RV Park
|
Paradise Point State Park
La Center Community Park
Horseshoe Lake Park
Godffrey Park
Heinie Heumann Park