Anderson Lake: Overview
Park overview:
Anderson Lake State Park is a remote day use park of cedar, fir and alder forest mixed with freshwater marshes. Surrounded by 410 wooded and wetland acres, the park slopes down to the 70-acre Anderson Lake and abounds with birds and wildlife.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: Closed Nov. 1, reopens the last Saturday in April.
Current alerts:
Lake closure: Anderson Lake is closed to all water related activities due to high levels of anatoxin. All people, pets and horses should avoid contact or consumption of lake water. The park is still open for day use.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Campsite Information:
The park has no camping.Park Features
This remote, forested day-use park is surrounded by 410 wooded and wetland acres. Set on a lake, the park is abundant with fish, birds and wildlife.
History
Prior to becoming a state park, Anderson Lake was owned by William F. Anderson, who used the land around it to graze his cattle. Curiously, the lake was not named for him or anyone in his family. William Anderson purchased the property in 1947 from Amanda Anderson, who, though not a relative, shared his last name. Anderson Lake was named for one of her ancestors.Interpretive opportunities
There are currently no interpretive opportunities at this park.Services/Supplies
None
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • 4.4 mi. Hiking Trails • 3.4 mi. Bike Trails | • Boating (freshwater, non-motorized) • 1 boat ramp (freshwater) • Fishing (freshwater) | • Bird Watching |
The park is open seasonally for lowland fishing of trout (last Saturday in April to August 31). Catch and release only is permitted September through October. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website. | ||
Events
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Find other events at Washington State Parks
Boating Features
Watercraft launch site reopens the last Saturday in April.There is one boat ramp (for boats with electric motors only). Be advised lake water is 25 feet at its deepest spot.
A daily permit is available for watercraft launching at the park for $7.
Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Picnic and Day-use Facilities
The park has several picnic tables along the lake shore. No public water is available. Two vault toilets and equestrian trailer parking with hitching posts are avaliable within the park.Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Rabbits • Raccoons • Skunks | • Crows or Ravens • Ducks • Eagles • Herons • Woodpeckers • Wrens | • Trout |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| The park combines freshwater marshes with cedar, fir and alder forests. | • Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Alder • Birch • Maple • Daisy • Rhododendron • Berries • Ferns • Moss or Lichens |
