Boating

The Byway’s plentiful lakes, rivers, and ponds provide boat enthusiasts with picturesque places to explore some of the state’s greatest waterways. Lakes Mayfield, Riffe, and Rimrock are just a few popular spots for boating. From small, non-motorized lakes to large lakes serving as recreational hotspots, the byway offers boaters a variety of choices. Wherever you launch your boat, the forested shores of these picturesque lakes provide a charming setting. Watch the shorelines for birds and other wildlife.

On the water is arguably the most relaxing way to spend a beautiful day outdoors. Whether you spend it in a power boat or a kayak, be sure to take time to explore the Byway’s beauty from the water. After a day of boating fun on the byway, it’s easy to remember why it’s called the “Great Outdoors.”

Boating Hotspots

Mayfield Lake

People seeking that classic trip to the lake will fall in love with 2,250-acre Mayfield Lake and its family-friendly atmosphere. Considered one of the state’s premier recreational lakes, it offers 33 miles of mainly undeveloped shoreline. On its eastern shore, discover Mayfield Lake Park, a day-use park offering boat launches, playgrounds, a swimming area and more. Also located on the lake to the north is popular Ike Kinswa State Park, offering boat launch facilities, camping, day-use picnicking and more. Additional boat ramps are available at a marina and a lake resort. As one of the state’s largest freshwater lakes, fishing is also at the top of the list for many guests. The lake was formed in 1962 with the creation of Mayfield Lake Dam. Today, the dam provides hydropower to over 50,000 homes in the area.

For recorded information about boat launches, water levels, and river flows, call Tacoma Power at 1-888-502-8690.

Swofford Pond

A charming lake in an idyllic setting, come to Swofford Pond for fishing and wildlife-watching opportunities. Seek out the osprey nests and watch bald eagles fly. Look for common loons and western grebes. In early spring, watch for the mating dance when birds walk on water. Swofford Pond is a quiet birder’s paradise. River otters, muskrat, and beavers also make their homes here. Deer and elk frequent the fields surrounding the pond.

Also popular with anglers, Swofford Pond has both bank fishing and is accessible to small boats with electric motors only. This 240-acre lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. The pond also has largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill.

Riffe Lake

Formed by Tacoma Power’s Mossyrock Dam, the tallest dam in Washington State, 11,830-acre Riffe Lake winds for over 20 miles through forested hillsides as a recreational mecca. With Mossyrock Park at the west end of the lake and Taidnapam Park at the east end, the lake is well-equipped with recreational facilities for fun on the water. On the highway at the west end of Riffe Lake, the North Shore Fishing Access offers a close-up view of the dam and great fishing possibilities. Nearby, the Riffe Lake Overlook provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding foothills. Watch the lake’s shores during dawn and dusk for deer and elk. Boats can be launched from either end of the lake at Mossyrock Park and Taidnapam Park.

For recorded information about boat launches, water levels, and river flows, call Tacoma Power at 1-888-502-8690.

Leech Lake

Covering 41 acres, Leech Lake is a high-elevation, fly-fishing-only lake that is quite popular with anglers fishing for brook trout during the summer months. A boat launch is located on its quiet and scenic shores. It is an ideal destination for time spent on quiet waters. Use of motors is prohibited.

Dog Lake

It’s not a common sight to find such a beautiful alpine lake right alongside a major state highway, but Dog Lake is an exception. Sitting at 3,400 feet elevation, 61-acre Dog Lake offers an abundance of nearby outdoor activities and is a great option for boating in a small boat or even a float tube. Set up camp along the shores and fish for native rainbow trout. Enjoy easy access to this serene little gem right alongside the Byway.

Clear Lake

Located right next to Rimrock Lake, the smaller 265-acre Clear Lake is a little gem on the “dry” side of the Cascade Mountains. It is known as a popular summer fishing destination, a good wildlife-watching spot, and a truly picturesque lakeside camping setting. Like Rimrock, the scenic shores of Clear Lake are a premium spot for viewing bald eagles, osprey, and elk. Bring the canoe to this lake – it’s common to see them trolling the lake.

Rimrock Lake

So very scenic and a fan favorite among repeat visitors, 2,530-acre Rimrock Lake is the highest-elevation large lake along the byway. The area’s outstanding natural beauty creates a scene that beckons to boaters. From the water, gaze upon the serrated snowcaps of the Goat Rocks and surrounding mountains. Many Forest Service campgrounds are located around the lake and offer boat launches. Anglers enjoy time spent fishing for rainbow trout and kokanee. Rimrock Lake is the whole package for boaters – recreation, camping, and spectacular natural beauty.