Andrew Pace
Tacoma is home to a handful of whale species and other unique aquatic mammals. Whale watching is a popular activity in the area, with Point Defiance being a prime location to spot whales. Tacoma is also home to several lakes, including Alder Lake and American Lake, which offer opportunities for boating and other recreational activities. In this article, we will explore the best ways to navigate between these lakes by boat, providing helpful tips and insights for a safe and enjoyable journey.
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Kopachuck State Park
The park's 41-site campground closed during the summer of 2011 as a safety precaution due to mature Douglas fir trees becoming infected with laminated root rot disease. State Parks cut down hundreds of trees, but others remain standing and could fall on campers. The park will close for more than a year from June 3, 2024, for a long-awaited makeover. Construction is projected to continue through mid-summer 2025.
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Dash Point State Park
The park is accessible by car, with cabins nestled in the forest near the Puget Sound shoreline. From Tacoma, take WA-509 N over the Thea-Foss Waterway. Continue on the 509 for approximately 12 miles, then turn left on Dash Point Road.
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Owens Beach
If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Owens Beach is a great option. The beach offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with plenty of shore to explore. You can also take a short boat ride to the island, where you can enjoy even more seclusion and natural beauty.
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American Lake
If you're looking to launch your own boat, non-military personnel have two options. The first is the WDFW American Lake Boat Launch, which is a popular site with a narrow access point. This launch is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and you will need a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass to park your vehicle. On warm days, boats and jet skis can be seen anchored just off the pebbly beach adjoining the launch, so there is not much shade.
The other option is the American Lake Boat Launch in Lakewood, which is where a truck ended up underwater in 2017 after a navigation issue. This launch can be difficult to get out of when it is busy, as boats and vehicles line up to launch.
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Alder Lake
The park’s roads lead along the lake, if you want an easy paved hike. You can also explore on your own through the alder forest, although you’ll have to go through the forest on unmarked trails. Alder Lake is also a great location for boating, with rolling green hills framing the pristine blue waters of the lake. Take a kayak out for a long, serene trip along the shore, or relax in a canoe with the whole family. Alder Lake allows motorized boats in certain areas, so you can water or jet ski. There are two boat launches, one near the day-use area and another by Rocky Point Campground.
The waters of Alder Lake offer excellent kokanee fishing, especially in spring. You’ll find a wide range of other fish species inhabiting the waters, from large and smallmouth bass to brown bullhead catfish. Once you’ve had enough fishing for the day, you can head to the Sunny Point Beach Area, a designated swimming beach with 20 nearby picnic sites with grills. This area just south of Seattle offers excellent bird watching, as you can spot many of the coastal species as they migrate north or south.
To get to Alder Lake Park from Tacoma, take I-5 south to State Route 512. Travel east on SR 512 about 2 miles to the Pacific Avenue exit (SR 7). Go south on SR 7 about 27 miles. Turn right at the Alder Lake Park sign (at School Road) and drive into the park.
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Frequently asked questions
The Tacoma Lakes are a group of lakes in Maine. The Tacoma Lakes Association is dedicated to the environmental protection of the lakes and the education of lakes' users.
Yes, boating is allowed on the lakes.
Yes, swimming is allowed in the lakes. However, one source notes that the lakes aren't the cleanest.
Yes, whale watching is possible in Tacoma. The best place to go is Point Defiance, where you can see spouts, fins, and tails of whales.
Yes, boating is possible in Tacoma. Kopachuck State Park is a short drive from the narrows bridge and is a nice day-use park.
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