Lake Spokane, Washington, USA

Also known as:  Long Lake

Lake Spokane, a 24 mile long reservoir, is so named because of its close proximity to Spokane, Washington. However, some people call it Long Lake, after its dam, Long Lake Dam. The dam was built in a spot where the Spokane River makes a complete horseshoe bend and was completed in 1915. At that time Long Lake Dam had the distinction of being the tallest dam in…
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All About Lake Spokane, WA

Lake Spokane, a 24 mile long reservoir, is so named because of its close proximity to Spokane, Washington. However, some people call it Long Lake, after its dam, Long Lake Dam. The dam was built in a spot where the Spokane River makes a complete horseshoe bend and was completed in 1915. At that time Long Lake Dam had the distinction of being the tallest dam in the world. Today, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places due to it previous architectural reign.

Lake Spokane offers many recreational opportunities at several private and state maintained resorts along its shores. The Riverside State Park is 10,000 acre park that offers year round recreational opportunities. With camping, swimming, and boating as water activities or trails for off-road vehicles, mountain bikes, and horseback riding, Riverside State Park offers something for everyone. In the winter, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and dog-sledding are offered along the many scenic trails.

The Lake Spokane area is rich in history. Two different sets of original prehistoric drawings have been discovered on large rocks are available for the public to view and are maintained by the Washington Department of Natural Resources with interpretative signs to provide additional information. Also nearby with an interpretive center and tours is a replica of the state’s first fur-trading post which was originally built in 1810.

Lake Spokane is easily accessible at many public boat launches. Due to Lake Spokane’s relative calm waters, sail boating and kayaking are also very popular. The reservoir holds its elevation throughout the summer but is typically drawn down in January. Fishermen will enjoy the year round fishing on Lake Spokane with plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, and bullhead catfish available.

Lake Spokane is also a popular place to settle with its close proximity to large towns and cities, amenities are just a short drive away. Waterfront property with your own private dock can be the most convenient and leisurely way to enjoy Lake Spokane’s beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

Whether you visit in the warm months or the snowy months of winter, Lake Spokane is sure to offer you an exciting adventure.

Things to Do at Lake Spokane

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

  • Vacation Rentals
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog Sledding
  • Horseback Riding
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • State Park

What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Spokane?

Lake Spokane has been known to have the following fish species:

  • Bass
  • Black Bass
  • Bullhead Catfish
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Perch
  • Smallmouth Bass
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Find Places to Stay at Lake Spokane

If you’re considering a Lake Spokane 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 Spokane Vacation

Our interactive Lake Spokane 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 Spokane Statistics & Helpful Links

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Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

Water Level Control: Avista Corporation

Surface Area: 5,020 acres

Shoreline Length: 54 miles

Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,536 feet

Average Depth: 50 feet

Maximum Depth: 180 feet

Water Volume: 243,341 acre-feet

Completion Year: 1915

Trophic State: Mesotrophic


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