Weekend Getaway: Lake Roosevelt

By Colin Anderson.

In North Idaho we are blessed with many incredible lakes including Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake, and Lake Pend Oreille. Each has its own beauty, but perhaps none carry as much varied scenery as another giant lake to the West. Lake Roosevelt is the result of the 1941 creation of the Grand Coulee dam along the Columbia River. This created a 130 mile long lake filled with incredible recreational opportunities. The lake is bordered by the Colville and Spokane Indian Reservations as well as the Colville National Forest. While surrounded by forest and trees near Kettle Falls, further south you’ll find incredible geological formations and miles of sandy beaches. A day is simply not enough time to explore this paradise so plan on going by boat or hopping campgrounds.

CAMPING

Lake Roosevelt has 27 designated campsites. Each site has a paved parking space large enough for most RVs, fire ring, and a picnic table. Most of the locations have flush toilets and running water, while others have wells and pit toilets. There are no hookups in the campgrounds so those with RVs wanting power will have to bring their own. Camping is $10 per night, and those looking to book sites for parties of 25 or more should do so using the website www.reserve.gov.

One of my favorite campsites is Hawk Creek Campground. From Spokane, take Highway 2 to Davenport and turn north on Highway 25. After about 17 miles you’ll take a left on Larene Road, followed by a right onto Geissler Road. After a couple miles you’ll turn left onto Indian Creek Road. From here the campsite is marked about a mile ahead.

The main attraction here is Hawk Creek Falls which seemingly come out of nowhere. The water level varies greatly here from a tiny trickle to a full stream depending on the time of year. This is also a popular fishing access when water levels are right, and when the water level drops many people fish from shore here as well. There are several hikes you can take from the campground. You can follow a fisherman’s trail about 20 minutes and you’ll soon open up to a beautiful view of the lake. There are sandy beaches here where you can park and read a book or take a quick dip. Swimmers should use caution as the drop off is steep.

Further to the North there are half a dozen sites around Kettle Falls where you can visit the Sherman Pass National Scenic Byway, Fort Colville, and St. Paul’s Mission - one of the oldest churches in the state of Washington.

BY BOAT

The best way to explore all this area has to offer is by water. If you’re a boat owner you have any number of places from which to launch, all depending on what you want to see and do. Lake Roosevelt is especially popular with fishermen, as it’s known to produce consistent numbers of walleye, rainbow trout, kokanee, and small mouth bass. Know that tribal fishing licenses might be required if you cross a reservation. Check with Washington Fish and Wildlife before planning where to drop your line.

If you have a long weekend, you can pull up your boat to many campsites along the lake or simply run up onto a beach and sleep under the stars. If you aren’t a boat owner, take on the ultimate staycation by renting a houseboat for up to seven days. The Marinas at Seven Bays and Kettle Falls are popular launching points. Most houseboats come with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, sun decks, and a few even have built in hot tubs. Go at your own pace and enjoy the comforts of home while spending a quiet night on the water.

Our National Parks are some of our most treasured areas and are meant to be enjoyed by all generations. Lake Roosevelt is one of 390 parks with such a designation, and it’s truly wonderful to have such a place so close to home. For more information visit www.nps.gov/laro.

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