American Lake

American Lake is a lake located in Lakewood, Washington at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is the largest natural lake in Pierce County.[2] There are two public parks on the large lake: American Lake North Park & Marina, and Harry Todd Park. Both have lakeside beaches for swimming, fishing, or picnicking. The first also features a boat launching area; the latter has tennis courts.[4] Fishing is a popular activity at American Lake, with cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, rock bass, smallmouth bass, Sockeye salmon (kokanee) and yellow perch the most sought-after game fish. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly monitors the health of the fishery and stocks favored species regularly.[5]

American Lake
American Lake seen from the north park
American Lake
American Lake
LocationLakewood, Pierce County, Washington, United States
Coordinates47.130°N 122.567°W / 47.130; -122.567[1]
Primary inflowsGroundwater, Murray Creek
Primary outflowsSequalitchew Creek
Catchment area25 sq mi (65 km2)[2]
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area1,091.3 acres (441.6 ha) [3]
Average depth53 ft (16 m)[2]
Max. depth90 ft (27 m)[2]
Surface elevation238 ft (73 m)[3]

Areas of interest

Summer's Cove

A small and mostly quiet area on the JBLM side where soldiers' families often swim on off duty days during the summer. It is located away from the fishing areas and near other areas of interest, including a nearby park and shore.

Russell Landing Marina and Launching Dock

A marina located near Summer's Cove that features a boat launch, a picnic area, and motor boat, kayak, and jet ski rentals. The marina is maintained by the United States Army's Family and MWR Programs.

Islands

The lake contains or has contained these islands: Barlow Island,[6] Beard Island,[7] Cors Island,[8] Short Island,[9] and Silcox Island, which is inhabited. Barlow Island was acquired by the State of Washington for Camp Murray in 1931.[10]

References
  1. "American Lake". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved Jan 17, 2021.
  2. "Surface Water Health: 2010 Report Card". Pierce County Public Works and Utilities. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  3. American Lake at the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife site
  4. Washington State Tourism
  5. American Lake Vacation Info - Lakelubbers
  6. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Barlow Island
  7. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Beard Island
  8. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cors Island
  9. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Short Island
  10. Washington State Legislature session laws, 1931, Chapter 57: H. R. 115, "Additional Lands for Camp Murray"



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