Mountain Meadows Lake, Pend Oreille County, Washington

Mountain Meadows Lake
This lake is located about 12 miles from Newport, in Pend Oreille County, WA. Fishing on this lake is done from the bank off of the county owned Deeter Road (see white arrow in map below). We want to make it clear this lake is totally privately owned shoreline other that the one spot indicated in the map below. DO NOT access private land and obey all county/state and private landowner signs. Deeter Road which is a dead-end road that is on the east side of the lake, along the shore is county owned and allows public access unless otherwise posted by the county. This road connects to Baker Rd, which is a private road and does not allow access and is typically gated (if gate is open, do not enter). Making the effort to accessing this lake makes no sense when there are so many beautiful public lakes in the area.

This lake's shoreline is heavily lined with lily pads and other aquatic plant life making fishing from the bank from the one spot along the county road difficult. Waterfowl make this lake their home. No hunting allowed. There are some reports that this lake is 20-30 deep, but there is no verification of this, all info we have found at its deepest in early spring is about 10 ft deep. Due to its shallow depth with warm water in the summer Alge build up is a given, plus its marsh conditions makes this lake home to a lot of mosquitos. Fishing: Limited info, Crappie and Bass. Not stocked by state fisheries. Directions/Maps: Visit google.com/maps type in Mountain Meadows Lake or GPS coordinates 48.196151, -117.225960

Attention... Obey ALL private and county/state signs!

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel, Dirt combo parking along road (park totally off paved road); PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade via trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off very small bank through grass and then lily pads (see white arrow on map below); DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Deep grass, Lily pads; Terrain: Level to about 4% along lake; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in in towns of Newport and Diamond Lake, WA.

The Lake is For Sale at this link... Click Here

Green line indicates private land. Yellow line is public county owned road. White arrow indicates only location where can fish at. One must obey all private, county, and state signs.

Red arrow indicates only location where one can fish at. One must obey all private, county, and state signs.

Please make comments below

Ruddy Duck Sailing Adventures

Here is one of my favorite YouTube sailing accounts, Ruddy Duck Sailing Adventures. I particularly love this channel because its local and he creates great videos/content. I am also planning on doing more videos this year and I take inspiration from him and his account.

Check out his videos at this link and reward is awesome work by subscribing...

Winter Lakes Closures

Just a reminder that all lakes open to winter fishing in Inland NW (E WA., N ID, NW MT) will officially close this March 31 to fishing and boat launches (fishing and gates opens again the day after Black Friday on Sat.). Winter lakes for example in E WA. like Fourth of July Lake, Hog Lake, etc. It means again the lakes are closed to fishing and the gates to the access roads to the launches are locked.

However one can go over or through the gate or fence (cannot cause damage to the gate or fence of course) when fishing is closed and gates locked. The lands are public and access is allowed unless posted otherwise on the gate or fence. Always follow all rules as posted.

My wife and I like to access these lakes via hiking into them with our inflatable SUP's. Its nice for paddleboarding because there are no powerboats to deal with. Its quite and beautiful.

Hobie Potholes

After a couple of challenging years, it's time to get our Inland NW Hobie Cat and Small Boat Sailor club going again. This is our first event of 2024 that will include a fun Saturday distance maze race through the sand islands of the Potholes Reservoir just below Moses Lake, WA. in Eastern WA. Prizes given! In the evening we will have a beach party.

Bring your kites. This area has amazing winds.

You can come for the day's events or stay longer and camp with us. We will camp for free on the northeast side of the reservoir.

Event takes place July 27, Saturday. Camping over the weekend.

Learn more about the Potholes Reservoir by Click Here!

Post a question, etc. below...

2024 Spokane Outdoor Expo

 

Come to the best outdoor show in the Inland NW, many vendors to see, activities and presentations to experience.

FunToSAIL will be offering sailing lessons at the show via their Sailing Simulator and many prizes to win.

Learn more by visiting the Spokane Outdoor Expo 

Alkali Lake, Adams County, Washington

 Pictures Coming Soon

Alkali Lake (80 acre)

Alkali Lake in Adam Washington is a very shallow lake just a mile below (South) Fourth of July Lake. If you hike right off the southeast end of Fourth of July Lake going south for about a mile you will come upon the very unknown Alkali Lake that is about half the size of Fourth of July Lake in surface area. No idea if the lake has fish as I doubt it due to its shallow depth and having no water in it if there is two years of very hot summers, dry winter, drought weather. Honestly there is no real reason to visit this lake due to no fish and its very shallow depth, and no significant features that make it stand out. There are railroad tracks on the south side of this lake. There are two another lakes with the same names that one could potentially confuse with, on is Spokane County this is a private lake that is private (small and shallow), and the other is a very popular for fishing in Grant County, south of Banks Lake in eastern WA (among the series of Sun Lakes). Alkali is defined as an ionic salt of an alkali metal.

Directions: To access Alkali Lake via Fourth of July Lake trails, take exit 245 off of HWY 95 and turn south on HWY 23, go about 2 miles and on your right you will see a gravel road with access sign. The gravel road is 0.8 mile to the large level gravel parking lot. The access sign sits a ways off the main road, so this access road is easy to miss. As noted this lake is a winter fishery only so the gate to the lake is locked in warm season. Gate is open Friday after Thanksgiving weekend and closed in late March. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages the fishing on this lake and leases the land from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). From the large gravel parking lot access the primitive gravel single track trail that runs along the southern shore of Fourth of July Lake, for about 7 miles. Once at the southeastern end of the lake, hike south and you will arrive at the lake. Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Level gravel/rocky and dirt parking area near Fourth of July Lake, can accommodate about 30 vehicles; PATHS/TRAILS... No paved paths. Primitive single track rocky dirt trails along the southern shore of Fourth of July Lake and toward Alkali Lake;   RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… None;   SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Not allowed. Camping nearby at Downs or Williams Lakes; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Very rocky, sand, and mud; Terrain: Level to very steep. Lots of sand, rocks, mud, and cow dung at different areas; Environmental Conditions: Cold and windy in the winter and hot during the summer (no summer access allowed); Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at town of Sprague off of I90.

Slide the google map downward to see this lake

Make a comment here about your experience at this lake or other questions...

Sprague Lake, Adam and Lincoln Counties, Washington

Sprague Lake, Adams County (1,841 acres)

Sprague Lake is the largest lake in at 1,841 acres. This lake is in Adams & Lincoln Counties with 1 public launch and one resort launch in Adams County and 1 resort launch in Lincoln County. Some people think this lake is in Spokane County, which it is not. This large lake is two miles west of the town of Sprague, along the south side of I-90. It was called Big Lake in some old surveys and until 1950 was known as Colville Lake, Changed to Sprague Lake in the 1970's. This is a windy lake with winds typically coming from the west and at times can exceed 20 knots. This is a fantastic sailing lake due to the consistent winds and open water, and great for Ice sailing as well. Due to the consistent winds on this lake it's not so good of course for water skiing, not to forget that his lakes shoreline and some places there are rocks, lots of rocks. This a fishing or sailing only lake! Not good lake for anything else due to algae develops in July when it gets hot and there are leaches in the lake as well, so not good for swimming, waterskiing, or tubing. Harper Island which is a bird sanctuary is on the S.W. end of the lake. This is a very popular fishing lake for walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, perch, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Access is southwest through the town of Sprague. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has one public boat launch on the southwest end of the lake, and there are two a private boat launches in association with two resorts with day use fees on the southeast and northeast end of the lake. Fishing: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Spiny Ray, Walleye, Yellow Perch. Lake Dimensions & Coordinates: 1,841 acres; Maximum depth estimated at 65 ft; elevation 1878 ft; Coordinates T20/21N R37/38E. Longitude 118d 1m 4s -to- 118d .6m 10s west. Latitude 47d 14m 15s -to- 47d 17m 28s N. Info: City of Sprague info at this link http://www.sprague-wa.us . 

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1. WDFW Southwest Public Boat Launch
This launch site has a single lane paved boat launch with a single dock (dock is not normally in place due the lake seemingly always to shallow to have it in place), toilet, lots of room for parking. The water depth at this site is shallow of only 2-3 ft at low water times of the year, which is most of the year. Large gravel parking lot and public accessible restroom. There is a tree that overhangs the launch site so those launching sailboats will need to step mast in the water if the mast is too tall. 

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area for vehicles and boats. Paved accessible parking next to restroom and boat launch; PATHS/TRAILS... One paved path to and from restroom from upper parking area. No paved path to launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES…  One accessible restroom with accessible parking next to it; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.  DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One dock that may or may not be in place due to the lakes typical shallow water level. More than not the dock is not in place creating a significant barrier to persons using mobility devices to access the water. One paved launch of 3 to 5% grade into shallow water with two accessible parking spaces next to it. The launch pavement transitions from blacktop to long vertical concrete slats; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices to directly access the water; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... None. There are two camping/RV resorts on this lake; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: There is a tree overhanging the launch that can interfere with masts of sailboats and super rocky shoreline, with some submerged rocks just under the surface of the water; Terrain: Level to 3 to 7 % grades. Shoreline is very rocky and sandy/muddy. Pavement next to restroom and at launch area; H2O/Water: Water on this lake is never really clear and in late summer is murky with algae. Not ideal for swimming. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70-90 degrees; Environmental Conditions: Little to no currents. Water can become stagnant. High winds are common in this area; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas within town of Sprague.

2. Four Seasons Resort
Four Seasons Resort is located on the west end of the lake on the north shore. This is a well-developed and old resort with tent and RV campsites, nice restroom, store, several docks, and a single gravel/muddy boat launch suited for light weight boats. The resort also rents fishing boats. This is not a state park supported by a large budget from our hard-earned tax dollars. Its rustic and old, so do not expect some Richy fancy resort. These nice old resorts need your support. 509-257-2332. I feel 4 Seasons is best used for sailing due to the depth you can launch into and quick access to the windier part of the lake. Directions: From Spokane on I-90 W. take 245 and from there you follow the signs to the resorts, etc. The town of Sprague is really run down for example you will turn on B street to get to 1st. street yet 1st street is marked incorrectly as B Street. So going to the resorts and landings you follow B street to B Street.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking;  PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS…  Well maintained and fully accessible to wheelchairs; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.  DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two docks, one of which one could access with a wheelchair (not ADA compliant); DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Tent and RV camping with full hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to 3% grade. Large grassy areas and gravel roads and walkways; H2O/Water: Water on this lake is never really clear and in late summer is murky with algae. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degrees; Environmental Conditions: Little to no currents. Water can become stagnant. High wind and hit are common in this area; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas within town of Sprague.

3. Sprague Lake Resort
This resort with launch is located on the northeast end of the lake http://www.spraguelakeresort.com / 509-257-2864). Has cabins, tent, and RV sites, restrooms, and docks. Has very primitive with mud/dirt/gravel launch. This is not a state park supported by a large budget from our hard-earned tax dollars. Its rustic and old, so do not expect some Richy fancy resort. These nice old resorts need your support. Directions: From Spokane on I-90 W. take 245 and from there you follow the signs to the resorts, etc. The town of Sprague is really run down for example you will turn on B street to get to 1st. street yet 1st street is marked incorrectly as B Street. So going to the resorts and landings you follow B street to B Street.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking;  PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES…  One well maintained restroom but not accessible to wheelchairs; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments.  DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two docks, not wheelchair accessible. One gravel rock launch of about 3% grade into shallow water; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Tent and full hookup RV campsites; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to 3% grade. Very rocky and sandy; H2O/Water: Water on this lake is never really clear and in late summer is murky with algae. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degrees; Environmental Conditions: Little to no currents. Water can become stagnant. High wind and hit are common in this area; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas within town of Sprague.

Click on map to enlarge or to print

Click on map to enlarge

Both pictures of 4 Seasons Resort on the northwest end of the lake, next to HWY 90.

Make a comment below or ask a question!

Fourth of July Lake, Adams/Lincoln Counties, Washington

Fourth of July Lake ( 110 acres)

Fourth of July Lake in Adam and Lincoln Counties Washington (access road is in Lincoln County) is a long and narrow desert lake set in a canyon with steep basalt cliffs and steep slopes around it. Its 3 Miles south of Sprague City and Sprague Lake, 3 miles from HWY 90 exit, and 40 miles west from Spokane WA. When one gets on the gravel access road and approaches the lake there is a large level gravel parking lot that can accommodate maybe 40 vehicles. When you pass through the parking area there is a short descending gravel road to the launch. The primitive launch is gravel/rocky/mud/grass. The launch is on the northeast end of the lake. Most of the time there is no water at the launch and even if there was water the depth will be inches to maybe 2 feet right at the launch. The launch itself is 5% to 10% grade, with a slight dip at the end of it of 17%.

There is always water in the lake no matter how hot the summer gets because in part due to its depth up to 45 ft. There is no creeks that enter or exit the lake. The water enters the lake from all directions from spring runoff and rain. Thus one can only use the launch during the wettest times of the year. If there are 2 or more wet years then one could use the launch or when there is a very high snow pack and very wet spring runoff. Being there is non aquatic grass growing in the launch itself, which indicates this launch seldom has water on it.

You might ask how does one get a boat into the lake. If there is water at the launch it requires a light weight shallow draft boat. There is a short gravel road just left of the launch that extends about 100 feet beyond the end of the launch toward the lake, but there is no launch at the end of the road, but one could portage off the end of it, which is 10-17% grade through a very rocky area through cattails. The water depth off this point is also shallow of inches to 2 feet tops, again if there is water present.

So really this lakes is a shore fishing lakes unless you portage kayak or other very light craft via the primitive trails that surround the lake. Would be a great paddleboard lake with the correct gear for super cold water. It would be best to portage via the trails on the south side of the lake as the north side is mostly cliffs or steep descending slopes/hills. I found the south side access points at the waters edge to be 5 to 17% grades, not difficult to access the lake from. Before getting to these access points it does require hiking down some fairly steep rocky slopes.

The depth of the lake does not get significantly deep until about a mile southeast from the launch when it dips to 15 feet, then another half miles it dips to 25 feet, and then ultimately to 45 feet at its deepest (see printable map below).

There are no facilities at the launch or parking area or anywhere around the lake. Camping or overnight parking is not allowed (camping nearby at Downs or Williams Lakes).

This is cattle country so watch your step for those wonderful cow pies. I did see some swans and otters.

This is a winter lake, meaning the gate that gives access to this lake is open the Friday after Thanksgiving and closes in March (no exact date). Because its open in the winter of course its covered in ice most of the time, thus a great ice fishing lake.

Fishing/Wildlife: Black Crappie, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Spiny Ray, Yellow Perch. Swans, Geese, Ducks, Otters, Deer. Lake Dimensions & Coordinates: 110 acres; Maximum depth estimated at 45 ft; elevation 1895 ft; Coordinates T20N R38E Sec 1, 11, 12. & T21N R38E Sec 35, 36. Longitude 117d 57m 59s -to- 117d 58m 57s west. Latitude 47d 14m 45s -to- 47d 16m 8s N. Center of lake coordinates is: 47.25243, -117.975721 Directions:  Take exit 245 off of HWY 90 and turn south on HWY 23, go about 2 miles and on your right you will see a gravel road. The gravel road is 0.9 miles long to the launch. The access sign sits a ways off the main road, so this access road is easy to miss. NOTICE: As noted this lake is a winter fishery only so the gate to the lake is locked in warm season. Gate is open Friday after Thanksgiving weekend and closed in late March. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages the fishing on this lake and leases the land from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Level gravel/rocky and dirt parking area near launch, can accommodate about 30 vehicles; PATHS/TRAILS... No paved paths. There are primitive single track rocky dirt trails around either side of the lake. All trails have deep descents to the lake; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No dock or platforms, One muddy/rocky primitive launch, 5% grade with short 17% grade right at the end of the launch. Must have significant spring runoff and/or consistent heavy rains for there to be any water at the launch (Gate to lake opens Friday after Thanksgiving and closes the end of March); DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Not allowed. Camping nearby at Downs or Williams Lakes; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Very rocky, sand, and mud; Terrain: Level to very steep. Lots of sand, rocks, mud, and cow dung at different areas around the lake; Environmental Conditions: Cold and windy in the winter and hot during the summer (no summer access allowed); Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at town of Sprague off of I90.

Click on map to enlarge or to print

Make a comment here about your experience at this lake or other questions...

Note... If you hike right off the south end of the lake going south for about a mile you will come upon the very unknown Alkali Lake that is about half the size of Fourth of July Lake and super shallow. No idea if the lake has fish as I doubt it due to its shallow depth and having no water in it, if there is two years of very hot weather, dry winter/drought. There are railroad tracks on the south side of this lake. There is another lake that one could potentially confuse with this lake, which is very popular for fishing in Grant County, south of Banks Lake in eastern WA. 

Fishtrap Lake, Spokane and Lincoln Counties, Washington

I just visited this lake and updated this lake info on 3/18/2023. This lake is 35 miles west of Spokane Washington USA just 2 miles off of Interstate 90. If you have questions or comments, please post at the bottom of this page.

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Fishtrap Lake (196 acres)
This lake was named after the willow fish traps that the Indians used to catch Red Horse Suckers at its outlet creek. The lake is known for its great trout fishing. This popular Lake is great for slow boating and swimming. There is a 3-foot-high cement dam on the south end of the lake the helps keep the water level up during the hot months of the year. As with all the lakes in the Scablands the lake gets a lot of wind throughout the year so it would be a great sailing lake even though because its narrow you will be doing a lot of tacking. Also great for kayaking. Watch out for strong currents at the south end of the lake during early spring runoff when snow is melting or heavy rains. It is long and narrow at 2.2 miles long and 30' deep at its deepest. In the Fishtrap Lake area there are extensive wetlands. There are numerous trails crisscrossing the area, offering several loop hikes and access to Fishtrap Lake and Hog Canyon, wildlife viewing areas. Fishtrap Lake Resort has been on this lake since 1902. It is a private resident only resort, has no camping or day area, their launch is private. Camping is available nearby at Sprague or Williams Lakes. If you are sailing do not get too close to the resort primitive boat launch/docks due to a low hanging cable from a dock to a cliff (clearance from the water is about 8-10 ft depending on water level). There is one public launch right next to this resort that has no obstacles. One could launch a deep draft boat or sportboat/keelboat from this launch. This launch is on an incline so sailors should step their mast on as level ground as possible. There is a sign posted by the resort at the launch on this lake indicating the lake is for canoe and kayaks, however there is no official policy on this, more wishful thinking on the part of the resort people. Due to the narrow width of this lake, water skiing or high-speed boating would be hazardous to the user and others on the lake. There is a horrible public toilet at this public launch, not maintained at all, kind of falling apart. The resort restrooms are private. I would highly recommend bringing your own portable toilet. Seriously good restroom facilities are very limited in this area. If your like Buffalo, they are present on surrounding land. Call the resort about private residence opportunities 509-235-228.

I personally took my Hobie Mirage Tandem Island (TI) out on this lake on March 18, 2023. Winds were very light, so I pedaled my TI pretty much the full length of the lake to and from the launch, which took me 3.5 hours. I did get a few good short runs sailing, but the wind never lasted long. I boated right up to the cement low head dam on the south end of the lake. Was surprised the current was not stronger by the dam this time of year. Below the dam the water is always to shallow to paddle in Fishtrap Creek. Plus, the creek runs through private land and barbwire fences at times runs across the creek. By mid-summer it's likely the water will be too shallow to paddle up to the dam. The lake itself is deep throughout its length other than near the south end marsh area.

Dam on south end of lake

Directions: From Spokane go west or from Moses Lake go east on I-90 to Exit 254. Turn south after getting off the I90 exit onto Old State Highway/Sprague HWY Rd E and travel 2 miles. Turn left/east onto Fishtrap Rd. You will descend a hill and will see the lake and resort. Watch for the public launch sign, on your right/south. It can be easy to miss.

Maps: See printable below. To view a map click on google.com/maps and type in Fishtrap Lake, WA. Info: Visit Fishtrap Lake Resort website https://ftlresort.com or call them at 509-235-2284.

1. Public Boat Launch

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking lot at 3-7% grade; PATHS/TRAILS... None. Large open gravel area on either side of cement launch. Beware of deep mud on either side of the cement launch pad as you go down toward/into the water; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… 2 non accessible vault toilets, very old and not maintained. Highly recommend bringing your own portable toilet as there are very few restrooms in this area; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS…One single lane cement grated launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices, small gravel and mud access on either side of the cement launch; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... None; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Deep mud during wet times of the year along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 3-7% grades; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Very hot in the summer. High currents on south end of lake during early spring runoff or very heavy rains; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot summer temperatures; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sprague.

2. Fishtrap Resort Launch and Marina
This is an old and rustic private resort... Private residence opportunities 509-235-2284 https://ftlresort.com . We have supplied an accessible assessment of their launch for those interested in having a residence at this rresort.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... None. Launch pavement serves as path to docks and launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One restroom in resort building. Not ADA accessible. There are private picnic areas on the grass, drinking water; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Five docks none of which are wheeled mobility devices accessible. One gravel single lane launch. Attention there is a low hanging non-electrical cable hanging a few feet on in the lake away from the launch, which will inhibit the launch of sailboats at this launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Deep mud during wet times of the year along shoreline, muddy murky water. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to horeline; Terrain: Level to about 5% grades; H2O/Water: Water no70 degree; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot summer temperatures. Strong currents on south end of lake during spring runoff and heavy rains; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Sprague.

Click on map to enlarge or to copy to print.

 

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Yocum Lake, Pend Oreille County, Washington

Yocum Lake is maintained by the Pend Oreille County Parks and Recreation Department in the Yocum Lake Wildlife Recreation area. The lake is just east, a mile from the Pend Oreille River, about midway up from the city of Newport and the US/Canada border. This lake is about a mile long and several hundred feet wide, at its widest. This is a no wake lake, electric motors only. Primitive no trace camping is allowed around the lake, but one most pack it in and pack it out (no trace). There are not trash receptacles. There is also no established parking or restrooms.  Access to the dirty/mud/gravel boat launch is via Yocum Lake County Rd. This is a primitive road, recommended for 4-wheel drive vehicles.

ACCESSIBILITY: Access via dirt, mud, gravel primitive launch. Not accessible to wheeled mobility devices.

Nearby developed camping. We have not assessed its accessibility feature yet. Pend Oreille County Park... Located just north of the Spokane County line HWY 2. Potable water available at multiple sites throughout the campground. The park is serviced by Vault toilets, which are ADA accessible. There is an overnight camping fee. Electrical and water hookups are not available. Amenities include Open picnic shelter, picnic tables, fire rings, BBQ grills Enjoy over 7 miles of trails throughout the park, accessible year-round. Open to hikers and horses.

 

Little Spokane River, Spokane County, Washington

Little Spokane River
The Little Spokane River access area is about 6 miles northwest of Spokane and is managed as a joint project between the Spokane County Parks and Riverside State Park. The river starts in Pend Oreille County, WA. The West Branch starts at Sacheen Lake, and the main river starts a few miles above the Chain Lake not far from HWY 2.

The Little Spokane River Natural Area is a 1,993-acre preserve along a river and todays Rutter Parkway that would otherwise be off-limits to the public. In 1900, the Washington Supreme Court ruled the Little Spokane River to be non-navigable, giving property owners the right to stop public use of the river where it flows through their land, which is most of it and this natural area if the primary public access area. Former Spokane County Parks Director Sam Angove, along with the late river residents Morey and Margaret Haggin and others, secured the natural area for public use in 1985, thank God.

The navigate-able portion of Little Spokane River is approximately 7.3 miles long. This river is pretty much the same as it looked hundreds of years ago when the Native Americans used it for hunting and fishing. 

Popular activities on this river include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The river is typically slow moving with a max river depth of about 40 feet at its deepest points. It is recommended that when paddling this river, one stays in the middle as there are many areas where branches, etc. hang just above the water (called sweepers) and can potentially sweep you off your craft. This is particularly important during spring runoff when the river is much swifter and colder. Other than during spring runoff or during flash floods and heavy rains the river is slow moving but can still be dangerous especially during the colder times of year.

Doing a paddle trip on this river is either an easy 3.5 mile or 7 mile paddle depending where you put in at. The unique freshwater marsh you will be passing through is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as moose, deer, elk, otter, muskrat, beaver, songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, and waterfowl. This marsh is important as Great Blue Heron rookery within tall cottonwoods by the riverbanks.

When on a paddling trip here, you know you are coming to the end when you pass under a bridge then see some rapids for the first time. Just before these rapids, to your left is the take-out site. One could paddle through the rapids and follow the river down until it intersects with the Spokane River (do not go through the rapids during spring runoff or late summer or during heavy rains, etc.); then paddle up the Spokane River to the paved boat launch (this part of the Spokane River is considered part of Lake Spokane/Long Lake). The paved boat launch is just a short distance down the road from the Little Spokane River Take-Out-site. I don't try to paddle up the Spokane River to the boat launch during spring runoff or high-water times of the year because the Spokane River can be near impossible to paddle up during this time.

Fishing limits and restrictions apply as specified by current fish and game regulations. In addition, park rules don't allow fishing from the banks of the Little Spokane River so one can only fish from a non-motorized watercraft such as a kayak, drift boat (without electric motor), canoe, or raft. No part of your body is allowed to be in the water so using float tubes with fins is not allowed. Fish species that make this river their home include salmon, trout, carp, catfish, bass, and perch.

Little Spokane River Rules
1. No swimming or any part of one's body can be in the water. No air mattresses or inner tubes are allowed. Canoes, kayaks, and rafts.

ONLY.
2. No motorized craft are allowed including electric motors (an electric motor is obviously a motor).

3. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
4. No pets allowed.
6. No disturbing the wildlife!
7. No fishing from shore. Fishing allowed from non-motorized craft only.
8. No Littering! Pack it in, Pack it Out.
9. No hunting.
10. No Campfires.
11. No horses.
12. No bicycles.
13. No off-road vehicles...
14. Wear your life jacket at all times.
15. All Persons regardless of Age SHALL wear a Lifejacket while on moving water! Moving water shall be the Little Spokane River and Spokane River from the Washington/Idaho State Line to the Centennial Trail Bridge at Plants Ferry Park and the City of West Spokane west to the Nine Miles Public Launch. Per Spokane County Ordinance 6.03.020. Meaning you must wear a Life Jacket/PFD when on this river, no exceptions.

16. A Washington Discover Pass is REQUIRED in vehicles parking at Little Spokane River access sites, including the St. George’s Put-in and the Highway 291 takeout.

17. Attention the Little Spokane River is legally a non-navigable river even though its technically totally navigable. This means the river above or upstream of the Little Spokane River Natural Area Preserve cannot be legally accessed by the public unless the river passed through federal/state/county/public land.

Info: Contact Park Rangers (http://www.riversidestatepark.org) about any issue that may affect the park and safety of visitors. Visit River Side State Park for all info related to this river, such as closures, sweepers, river flow, etc.

CAUTION: This river is often called a slow-moving river. This is true in the summer, but during spring run off the river can move quite rapidly. Caution should be observed anytime you are on a river or stream. Be especially cautious during spring run off when rivers are much swifter and there may be new fallen trees can block the river; low branches can sweep you off your craft (called sweepers), and cold water also presents potential danger.

Access the Little Spokane River/Directions:  From I-90 at Spokane, WA take the Division Street exit and drive north across the bridge and up the hill to Francis Ave. Turn left at Francis Ave. and follow it west until it ends and turns into Highway 291. Follow State Route 291 North past Rutter Parkway Road and Nine Mile Falls. A mile past Rutter Parkway Road is the turn off for the take-out-site area on N. Shoemaker Ln. (there will be a boat launch sign). Follow this road until you come to the park near a creek with rapids; this is the place. This take-out-site is before you get to the Spokane River paved boat launch area. Leave a car here and go back to Rutter Parkway Road. Follow Rutter Parkway Road east until it intersects Indian Trail Road, then turn left (north) onto this road. The first put-in site is just over the bridge. The second put-in site is past the next bridge up W St. Georges Road.

 RIVER ACCESS POINTS

1. St. George Put-In
The first access site is via the parking lot just after you cross the bridge. The portage trail to the river is out the back of the parking lot (If you start to drive up the hill after the bridge you've gone too far). There is an outhouse with some informative signs at this parking area. When launching from here it is about a 7 mile trip down the river to the take-out-site near the Spokane River.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide grassy, dirt, sand path to water. Can be access by those using wheelchairs, etc. but at wet times of the year can be hard to navigate due to mud. Once at the river's edge beware of mud at access point and swift water; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One fully accessible restroom; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One non-motorized put-in/launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices at water's edge. See Paths/Trails info above; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud; Terrain: Level to about 3% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. River currents can be swift and cold most of the year; Environmental Conditions: Hot temperatures in the summer. Watch out for sweep trees and bushes along the riverbank; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in city of Spokane.

2. Indian Painted Rock Put-In
The 2nd and last put-in-site is after the next (2nd) bridge. As you come to this bridge the road changes names to Waikiki Road. After the bridge, turn right/west onto W St. Georges Road. Before the end of this road where the school is located you will see a sign and gravel road to the Little Spokane River put-in-site. The access site to the river is well defined and wide. There are restrooms and info signs here with no running water. It's about a 3.5 mile trip down the river to the take-out-site near the Spokane River.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot in same place as the trail to Indian Painted Rocks; PATHS/TRAILS... Narrow dirt and sand trail to water. Cannot be accessed by those using wheelchairs, etc. Trail is real muddying during the wet times of the year. Once at the river's edge beware of mud at access point and swift water; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One fully accessible restroom; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One non-motorized put-in/launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud; Terrain: Level to about 3% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. River currents can be swift and cold most of the year; Environmental Conditions: Hot temperatures in the summer. Watch out for sweep trees and bushes along the riverbank; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in city of Spokane.

3. Take-Out and Put-In Site

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide grassy, dirt, sand path to water. Can be access by those using wheelchairs, etc. but at wet times of the year can be hard to navigate due to mud. Once at the river's edge beware of mud at access point and swift water; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… One fully accessible restroom; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One non-motorized put-in/launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices at water's edge. See Paths/Trails info above; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Mud; Terrain: Level to about 3% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. River currents can be swift and cold most of the year; Environmental Conditions: Hot temperatures in the summer. Watch out for sweep trees and bushes along the riverbank; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in city of Spokane.