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Lake Sacajawea, Washington, USA

Named after the Shoshone woman, Sacajawea, who was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Lake Sacajawea is located in south-central Washington. Lake Sacajawea, a 32 mile long reservoir behind Ice Harbor Dam, began filling on November 28, 1961 and was completed in April 1962. The Ice Harbor Dam area is a multi-purpose facility dedicated on May, 9, 1962 by Vice President Lyndon Johnson. There is…
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    • All About Lake Sacajawea, WA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Washington - South Central Washington -

    Named after the Shoshone woman, Sacajawea, who was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Lake Sacajawea is located in south-central Washington. Lake Sacajawea, a 32 mile long reservoir behind Ice Harbor Dam, began filling on November 28, 1961 and was completed in April 1962.

    The Ice Harbor Dam area is a multi-purpose facility dedicated on May, 9, 1962 by Vice President Lyndon Johnson. There is one lock to aid in navigational progress along the Snake River, as well as two fish ladders to provide easier access for migratory fish. In addition, with a ten gate spillway that is 590 feet long, Ice Harbor can produce approximately 603 megawatts of hydroelectric power.

    Lake Sacajawea contains two ports, Windust and Sheffler, which are both used for grain. Also, water from Lake Sacajawea is used to irrigate approximately 37,000 acres of land that produces a variety of agricultural crops including potatoes and corn.

    Lake Sacajawea, with a surface area of 9,200 acres of cool sparkling waters, offers many popular recreational activities for public use like boating, camping, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. With seven developed recreational areas adjacent to Lake Sacajawea, there is easy access to the water. The amenities in these areas include multiple boat ramps, public swimming areas, as well as campgrounds that offer rustic camp sites to sites that have electrical and water hookups. If you can only stay a day, then visit one of the day use picnic areas.

    With wide open vistas surrounding Lake Sacajawea, the natural beauty is displayed everywhere you choose to wander. The land surrounding Lake Sacajawea is federally owned and managed by the Army Corps of engineers which includes a wildlife habitat. Hunting is allowed around the lake with appropriate permits and licenses.

    At the Ice Harbor Dam Visitor Center, which is open daily from April 1 through October 31 from 9:00am to 5:00pm, you can enjoy self-guided tours with interpretive displays and programs. You may also be able to watch passing boats transport through the lock or watch migrating fish utilizing the fish ladders in the special fish viewing room.

    Whether it is for a day, a weekend, or extended stay, Lake Sacajawea’s arid climate and wide array of facilities will make it a memorable trip.

    Things to Do at Lake Sacajawea

    These are some activities in the Lake Sacajawea, WA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Sacajawea

    If you’re considering a Lake Sacajawea lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Sacajawea Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Sacajawea lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Sacajawea Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 9,200 acres

    Shoreline Length: 83 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 440 feet

    Water Volume: 406,500 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1962

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Lake Sacajawea Map
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