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Anderson Lake State Park
Pack up the kids and a picnic lunch and spend a day at Anderson Lake State Park. Located 20 minutes from Port Townsend on the Northeastern Olympic Peninsula, Anderson Lake combines a cedar, fir and alder forest with freshwater marshes. Anderson Lake is one of the few parks in the area to offer equestrian and bike trails, which slope down to a lake teeming with birds and wildlife. Non-motorized boating is allowed. The lake may be closed to all water activity due to recurring toxic algae issues. Check with Jefferson County Public Health on their lake status page for lake conditions and status reports.
Park features
Anderson Lake State Park is a 496-acre day-use park with 8,250 feet of freshwater shoreline on the 70-acre lake, which abounds with birds and wildlife.
ADA amenities/facilities
- Hiking trail
Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities.
Picnic & 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 available within the park.
Activities
Trails
- 8 miles of hiking trails
- 7 miles of bike trails
- 5 miles of equestrian trails
Water activities & features
- Boating (non-motorized)
- Boat ramp
- Fishing (freshwater)
Interpretive opportunities
- Birding and nature tours are now being held on the 3rd Friday of each month. Bird walks will last approximately 2 to 3 hours. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for changeable weather. Bring binoculars and your own water. Please send Bev an email, subject: Birdwatching Walk to Bevybirds53@gmail.com and she will plan directly with you. Please note this program is dependent on good weather and the group size is limited to 5 people.
Additional information
- The lake is open year-round for lowland fishing of all game fish. Internal combustion motors are prohibited. Check for lake closures due to toxic algae issues.
- 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 and Wildlife.
- Printable park brochure (PDF).
Boating features Located in Jefferson County, Anderson Lake has one boat ramp, for boats with electric motors only. Be advised lake water is 25 feet at its deepest spot. Watercraft launch site opens the fourth Saturday in April. Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:
- An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit; or
- An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
- A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit. Annual permits may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available. Additional information can be found in the Boating Program.
Boat launch
Latitude: 48D 1' 11.27" N (48.0198)
Longitude: 122D 48' 15.12" W (-122.8042)
Historical information
In May 1966, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission entered into agreement with property owner William F. Anderson, to purchase 410 acres surrounding Anderson Lake. The purchase was finalized in a ceremony on July 21, 1969. Anderson Lake is not named for William F. Anderson, but rather a relative of Amanda Anderson, a previous owner of the property with no relation to William F.