Alkali Lake, Adams County, Washington

 We have taken some pictures of this lake that will be posted shortly

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 winters, 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 other lakes with the same names that one could potentially confuse with this lake in Spokane County 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 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...

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 snowpack and very wet spring runoff. Being there is no 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 lightweight 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 lake is a fishing from shore lake 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 water's 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 below 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. 

Upper Priest Lake, Bonner County, Idaho

UPPER PRIEST LAKE
This lake is the smaller sister to Priest Lake via connection to each by a thorofare. The thorofare is a slow moving river of 10'-20' deep that is a popular kayak and boating route (no wakes allowed). Upper Priest Lake is an extremely popular fishing lake but also popular with boaters for general boating. This lake is a "no wake" lake even though at times one can see boats creating wakes at high speeds. This rule is enforced heavily during the summer months. There are two boater campgrounds on this lake, both inaccessible by car. During the summer months, particularly in July, it can be hard to find an available camp site. Fishing: See sign when fishing at this lake. For more fishing info call 208-769-1414.

The thorofare to Upper Priest Lake can be accessed via 4 launch sites. Before entering the thorofare there are 2 launch sites at Lion Head State Park (preferred by the locals because they are closer to the mouth of the thorofare) a boat launch and a site where you can launch off a beach. The third is at Beaver Creek State Park, designated as a boat launch for small boats. The fourth location is not really a boat launch, but is a site one can portage their canoe or kayak to. This is located on the thorofare at Beaver Creek State Park (see picture to right). When traveling via the thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, take it slow as there are hazards in the thorofare such as rocks and logs and the lake can be quite shallow (2-10') in some locations.

Directions to Lion Head State Park (S.P.) - On HWY 57 traveling from the city of Priest River Idaho on HWY 2... Turn right/east onto Coolin Rd./Dickensheet Rd. In Coolin Idaho turn right/east onto E. Shore Rd. Watch for the signs to Lion Head State Park. You can either launch your power boat from the boat launch, or launch your kayak from the beach; signs will direct you to either. Directions to Beaver Creek State Park - On HWY 57... Turn Left in Nordman onto Reeder Bay Rd. / forest service road 1339 to Beaver Creek S.P. A sign will direct you to this park. Once at the park watch for the sign to either the small boat launch or canoe & kayak portage access site.

Pictures and info about boat launches, access points, campsites, etc. below...

Thoroughfare that connects Priest Lake to Upper Priest Lake: The thoroughfare is a slow moving river like channel of 10'-20' deep that is a popular kayak and boating route between Upper Priest Lake and Priest Lake. This thoroughfare as well as Upper Priest Lake are no wakes allowed.

Lion Head State Park Beach Sportsman Access - Sandy beaches like in Florida, restrooms, running water, RV and tent campsites, benches and picnic tables, hikng trails. Directions: On HWY 57 traveling from the city of Priest River Idaho on HWY 2... Turn right/east onto Coolin Rd. In Coolin Idaho turn right/east onto E. Shore Rd. Watch for the signs to park. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.744508, -116.832798

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel/sand parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide large sandy beach; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Might be two docks... might because sometimes the docks are lying on the beach, not extended out in the water. Launch from very sandy beach; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Tent and RV campsites, no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots sand; Terrain: Level to 4% grades over sand; H2O/Water: Water clear. 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 town of Coolin, ID.

 Lionhead State Park Boat Launch - Boat launch, beaches, restrooms, running water, RV and tent campsites, benches, and picnic tables, hiking trails. Directions: On HWY 57 traveling from the city of Priest River Idaho on HWY 2... Turn right/east onto Coolin Rd. In Coolin Idaho turn right/east onto E. Shore Rd. Watch for the signs to park. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.742209, -116.833476

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel, dirt, sand parking area; PATHS/TRAILS... No developed paths/trails. Wide paved roads throughout parking area; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms with in camping area not at launch site. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Single lane cement launch at about 5% grade. Lots of sand around and on this launch... potential to get stuck; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible Tent and RV campsites, with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand; Terrain: Level to 5% grades over sand/dirt/gravel; H2O/Water: Water clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No Drinking water available. Drinking water available in campground; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Coolin, ID.

Beaver Creek S.P. portage canoe & kayak thoroughfare Access: This is a trail that kayakers and canoeist use to access the thoroughfare that leads to Upper Priest Lake from the campground parking. The trail is about a mile long. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.742441, -116.863591

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Portage trail to Priest Lake Thoroughfare put-in/take-out is not accessible to wheeled mobility devices. Wide dirt/gravel path to lake shoreline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms within park but not at put-in/take-out. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Launch from bank put-in/take-out. Again the trail to this site is not accessible to wheeled mobility devices but to launch off the beach and then paddle up the thoroughfare. Sand at beach is deep; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. With offroad tires, etc. on your wheeled mobility device it is possible to cross the beach to the water, one may need assistance; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible Tent and RV campsites, no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand; Terrain: Level to 4% grades to beach; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available within park; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Lamb Creek, ID.

Beaver Creek State Park, lake sportsman access via beaches - Beach, boat launch near launch beach (see #2), restrooms, running water, RV and tent campsites, benches and picnic tables, hiking trails, portage trail for kayakers to access the fairway to Upper Priest Lake. Directions: On HWY 57, turn Left in Nordman onto Reeder Bay Rd. / forest service road 1339, to Beaver Creek S.P.. A sign will direct you to this park. Maps: View interactive google map above or visit google.com/maps type in GPS coordinates 48.735473, -116.857128

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide dirt/gravel path to lake shoreline. Portage trail to Priest Lake Thoroughfare is not accessible to wheeled mobility devices; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Fully accessible restrooms. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. No developed launch. Launch from beach; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No developed access for wheeled mobility devices. With offroad tires, etc. on your wheeled mobility device it is possible to cross the beach to the water, one may need assistance; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible Tent and RV campsites, no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Sand; Terrain: Level to 4% grades; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Lamb Creek, ID.

We will have more info about these campsites and accessibility in Summer 2017

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Southeast Campsite right at the outlet of the Thoroughfare. Includes campsites with fire pits and tent sites. Includes Restrooms with no running water.

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Plowboy Campsites: This small campground is just northeast of the outlet of the Thoroughfare. Includes 4 campsites and restroom on the southwest shore of Upper Priest Lake, Idaho.

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Trapper Creek Campsites: This campground is on the north end of the lake on the west shore next to Trapper Creek. Includes 5 campsites and restroom on the northeast shoreline of the lake.

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Navigation Campsites: This campground is on the North end of the lake on the east shore next to Upper Priest River. Includes 5 campsites and restroom on the northwest shoreline of the lake. This campsite is near Hughes Fork Creek... one can put up this creek depending on the water level.

Fall and winter training is here, 2023

1. R2AK Training log post...

Crazy to think how fast the summer went by. Actually, fall is my favorite time of year, due to the fall colors and the increase of winds speeds. The air temperature tends to stay warm until the middle of the month when temperatures drop to the 60's and 50's (warm to me is 70 degrees or higher, actually the 60's are not too bad). Nighttime temperatures tend to stay at around 40 degrees but by Halloween those nighttime temps drop to at or below freezing, then winter temperatures are here to stay. For me fall is here went the Geese start showing up/flying through the area. Occasionally we will get a warmup, sometimes in November in the 60's, which I am hoping for, as I plan to sail Fourth of July Lake in Spokane County/Easter WA. USA. This lake is only open to the public starting on Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Freezing or not I will sail this lake in November (article with video to be posted) or early Dec. Only thing that would keep me from sailing the lake is if we get a deep freeze and the lake ices over.

Also been doing some biking to keep myself in shape. Sailing is great and is better when your body is feeling well. It's important to get out in the fresh air and working that cardiovascular system. An added plus is riding with my amazing wife.

Hope you enjoy the video of one of my fall sails and some pictures to go with it.

In this article, I noted "training." I plan this winter to start reviewing various winter SUP boards and gear in preparation with my wife to do some SUP races. Plus I plan to board foil with a handheld sail. Need strength for this obviously. Not like I am weak but more fitness and strength is always a great thing. I will be posting my training through the winter, so stay tuned.

My friends Hobie 16 hull landed on some rocks. Here is my pics of the repair in October of that hull. Fiberglass is pretty easy to repair. With some tender loving care almost any damage can be fixed in an hour or two.

Article by Skipper Miles Moore

Alkali Lake, Spokane County, Washington

Alkali Lake

Alkali Lake(119 acres. Not to be confused with Alkali Lake which is next to Fourth of July Lake both of which are in Lincoln county) is a totally private lake, surrounded by farm land. If one could access this lake it would be a nice size lake to boat and sail on due to it being very open to the wind. Some have asked the local farm owner to access the lake with no access granted so far. Maps: To view a map click on google.com/maps and type in Alkali Lake, WA. then select #2 for the correct lake.

ACCESSIBILITY: No access.

Click on map to enlarge or to print

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.