Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington a Boater's Paradise

Located near the town of Coulee Dam in Central Washington, the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area was established in 1946 and occupies more than 100,000 acres in Ferry, Stevens, Grant, and Lincoln Counties.

The centerpiece of this recreation area is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, created in 1941 by the damming of the Columbia River at Grand Coulee Dam. The lake is 130 miles long and provides a plethora of recreational opportunities for visitors.

Boating is the main activity enjoyed at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. The park includes 22 public boat launches that accommodate vessels large and small. Sailing is popular as the wind here is excellent but power boating is common as well. Boat slip rentals and houseboat rentals are available at several locations throughout the recreation area. Fuel docks and boat dump stations are also located throughout the park.

Canoeing is also popular and visitors can explore on their own or with guided group tours that are available from local outfitters. The waters of Lake Roosevelt tend to be calm though lower levels can result in swifter currents. The wind also makes this area ideal for windsurfing. Guests can bring their own equipment or rent from a local concessionaire.

Fishing is available from boats or from the shore, with walleye being the primary fish available in these waters. Water lovers can also go swimming at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area as several designated swim beaches are located throughout the park. Most of the swimming areas include toilets, playgrounds, picnic tables and shelters, barbecue grills, and potable water. Lifeguards are not provided.

Hiking trails are not available at Lake Meredith though the recreation area is home to several walking trails. These trails provide not only a good view of the landscape but also an opportunity to explore local history. Visitors can choose from four trails: the .25-mile Mission Point Trail, which profiles the history of the St. Paul's Mission; Old Kettle Town-site Trail, a one-mile walk that travels through an original town site and ends at a beach; The Sentinel Trail, located at historic Fort Spokane and featuring clues about those who lived here for more than five decades; and Bunchgrass Prairie Nature Trail, a .25-mile trail that allows a close look at area flora and fauna. More vigorous hiking is available at nearby Colville National Forest.

In the wintertime, visitors flock to Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area to enjoy cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Designated areas are available for these activities.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area has 27 public campgrounds and boat-in-only campgrounds with facilities that vary from campground to campground. Most are open from mid April to mid October. Some can be reserved in advance while others are occupied on a first-come, first-serve basis.