Lake Merwin sits in a verdant bowl of pine-covered Cascade Mountains, known for exceptionally clear water. Located along the Lewis River in Southern Washington, this reservoir is about a 45-minute drive north of Portland, Oregon, or around a 2.5-hour drive south of Seattle, Washington. The area has always been a hub for fishing. Once home to the Cowlitz, Yakama, Klickitat, and Chinook peoples, the river was a center for the indigenous tribes to catch Pacific salmon. Construction began on the dam in 1931, and the gates closed in 1950, flooding the pear orchards that were established in 1870.
Today, Lake Merwin is home to a variety of different outdoor activities. Those who love fishing will find this a picturesque spot to angle for kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and bass. There are boat ramps and docks around the lake to explore the water, while campgrounds, tucked in the woods, let you enjoy the sunset over the lake before drifting to sleep. If you’re just looking to spend the day, Merwin Park is a popular place to enjoy the water.
Activities on the water at Lake Merwin
To truly enjoy the clear waters of Lake Merwin, you’ll want to rent or bring a boat. Both Speelyai Bay and Cresap Bay have launches for a fee if you’re visiting on weekends. If you only have a kayak, the Yale Bridge kayak and paddle board access point is free to launch from. Once you’re on the water, have fun exploring the 3,835-acre reservoir, keeping an eye open for the small, hidden waterfall.
Mountains surround the reservoir, including Green Mountain, Davis Peak, and Dunegan Mountain, and lend a remote feel to the lake, while rocky cliffs jut out of the water. From the Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway, you can see the stunted, bare peak of Mt. St. Helens in the distance. The mountain is about an hour away by car if you’re inclined to hike the breathtaking, yet dangerous, trail to the top of St. Helens…