Top 8 Lakes around Tanglewilde

For swimming and family fun, Long Lake is highly recommended. Its 10-acre Long Lake Park features one of Thurston County's finest swimming beaches, sand volleyball courts, barbecue facilities, and picnic areas. Hicks Lake also offers good swimming opportunities, especially near Wanschers Community Park.

Yes, several lakes offer excellent fishing. Pattison Lake is well-regarded for year-round fishing, stocked with rainbow trout and natural populations of largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Hicks Lake is popular for rainbow trout and other warmwater species, while Long Lake provides year-round fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. Chambers Lake is known for warmwater fishing, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, and channel catfish.

Pattison Lake is ideal for quiet water activities. It has a year-round 5 mph speed limit, making it perfect for canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding without the disturbance of jet skis or waterskiers. Hicks Lake also permits non-motorized boating.

Yes, you'll find various hiking opportunities. The Ellis Cove Nature Trail offers a short nature walk with viewpoints of Budd Inlet. Bender Woods provides hiking trails with views of Mount Rainier. Additionally, Chambers Lake Nature Park, adjacent to Chambers Lake, offers trails for hiking, biking, and running. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Tanglewilde guide.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. At Long Lake, you'll find natural trails through wooded areas and two islands, Holmes Island and Kirby Island. Pattison Lake is home to various wildlife, including turtles, eagles, otters, and beavers. The Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, which includes lake areas, protects habitat for harbor seals, bald eagles, and a large bat colony.

Yes, Long Lake Park hosts the annual 'Polar Bear Plunge' each New Year's Day, a unique event for those looking for an invigorating start to the year. Additionally, the Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery offers a chance to see hundreds of little brown and Yuma myotis bats, especially during evening or early morning hours.

Several cycling routes are available. You can find routes like the 'Chehalis Western Trail – Chambers Lake loop' which passes near Chambers Lake. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the Cycling around Tanglewilde guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Tanglewilde guide.

Yes, Capitol Lake is a 260-acre man-made lake located directly behind the state capitol building. Created in 1937, it offers scenic views of the Capitol building and was constructed to improve the community.

Visitors appreciate the variety of lake environments, from those with extensive trail systems to those offering quiet water activities. The community enjoys the scenic viewpoints, such as those along the Ellis Cove Nature Trail and in Bender Woods, which offer views of Budd Inlet and Mount Rainier. The family-friendly amenities at places like Long Lake Park are also highly valued.

Lakes in Thurston County, including Long Lake, are regularly monitored for water quality and potential algae blooms. Visitors should be aware that Chambers Lake has faced issues with the invasive primrose willow, which affects water quality, though removal efforts are ongoing. It's always a good idea to check local advisories before swimming.

For easy walks, the trails at Long Lake Park offer natural paths through wooded areas. The Ellis Cove Nature Trail is a short and accessible option. Wanschers Community Park, adjacent to Hicks Lake, also provides easy walking trails. These spots are generally suitable for beginners and families.

While many trails in the area are dog-friendly, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed in the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, even on a leash, to protect nesting herons and eagles. Always check specific park rules before bringing your dog.