Lake Cushman

Lake Cushman is a 4,010-acre (16.2 km2) lake and reservoir on the north fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington. The lake originally was a long narrow broadening of the Skokomish River formed in a glacial trough and dammed by a terminal moraine from the last ice age, during the Vashon stade.

Lake Cushman
Lake Cushman and Hood Canal, as viewed from the summit of Mt. Ellinor
Lake Cushman
Lake Cushman
LocationMason County, Washington, United States
Coordinates47°28′48″N 123°15′0″W
Lake typeReservoir
Primary inflowsSkokomish River
Primary outflowsSkokomish River
Basin countriesUnited States
Max. length8.64 mi (13.90 km)
Max. width1.10 mi (1.77 km)
Surface area4,010 acres (1,620 ha)
SettlementsLake Cushman

The lake was expanded after construction of the Cushman Dam No. 1. The lake is maintained by this dam and provides electrical power to the Tacoma Power system.

As a popular retreat for hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking, Lake Cushman's shoreline is dotted with resorts and rental cabins. The lake is notable for its beautiful crystal clear blue water and the huge round rocks surrounding it, as well as thick stands of hemlock, fir and cedar trees.

Lake Cushman was named in honor of Orrington Cushman, who served as interpreter for Governor Isaac Stevens during the Treaty of Point Elliott negotiations with Puget Sound Natives in 1854.[1]

Panoramic image of Lake Cushman, 5000 feet below, as viewed from the summit of Mount Ellinor on a summer afternoon.
Lake Cushman with stumps showing changing water levels

References
  1. Meany, Edmond S. (1923). Origin of Washington geographic names. Seattle: University of Washington Press. p. 138.


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