Destination: Loon Lake, WA
Lake, Nearby Resorts Offer Fun Recreational Activities For All Tastes
A view of Loon Lake from Granite Point Park
Since the early 1900’s, Loon Lake has been a popular destination. Early on, tourists traveled by train to reach this once remote lake. Boarding the train in Spokane, travelers would spend the day fishing, swimming and picnicking at Morgan Park. Morgan Park was the first tourist destination, but it has since been replaced with two resorts, Shore Acres and Granite Point Park. Travelers now travel by car, truck, RV, and motorcycle to reach this destination. Located 30 miles north of Spokane on Highway 395, the once remote location is now a short jaunt. With more than 1,100 acres of water surface, Loon Lake remains popular for fishing, water skiing, swimming and boating.
Wildlife Viewing
Loon Lake has nearly 15 acres of wetland preserve. These marshlands are home to many species of waterfowl. As the lake’s name indicates, you will more than likely see a Loon, as well as many other migratory birds. Certain areas of the lake are reserved for this namesake bird, and binocular packing bird watchers are cautioned to keep their distance. Watching the Loon gently gliding through the still waters provides many photographic opportunities. Be sure to watch the shore line of the marsh for moose and or other wildlife.
Fishing
Fishing season on Loon Lake opens the last Saturday of April. With a depth reaching 240 feet, this spring fed lake is considered one of the best fisheries in Washington State. The state record Mackinaw (AKA Lake Trout) was pulled from the lake back in the 1960’s. Trolling for Mackinaw is still common, but these days fishing for Kokanee is popular. While night fishing, anglers are pulling Kokanee that weigh up to 5 lbs. and are reaching limit. If still fishing for Kokanee is not your gig, the lake offers many spiny ray species, including both small and largemouth bass. Early in the season, planted rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout are an easy catch. With its wide variety of species, Loon lake has a lot to offer anglers.
Anglers may launch their boat from the Washington State Department of Wildlife’s public access boat launch located at the north end of the lake. Be sure to have a Discovery Pass on your vehicle. Both Shore Acres and Granite Point Park have nice boat launches for a nominal fee.
Resorts
Shore Acres - Located on the northwest corner of the Loon lake, Shore Acres has both cabins and campsites available. Recently the staff made leaps and bounds towards upgrading the grounds. All of the cabins have been painted inside and out, with several of the cabins receiving new laminate flooring. The restaurant, “Laughing Loon,” is a new feature to the resort. Enjoy the vista from the restaurant or have dinner served while on one of the resort’s dinner cruises.
With cabin and RV space rental still available for the fishing season and summer, Shore Acres would make a great place to either spend the weekend or park your RV for the summer. Call to find out more information about this great resort opportunity. The enthusiastic hospitality of the staff is second to none.
Granite Point Park - A family friendly lake paradise! Located just 26 miles north of Spokane and eight miles north of Deer Park with easy access off of Hwy. 395, Granite Point Park has nearly a mile of sandy beach with two well maintained swimming areas. Either rent a boat or fish from one of the many docks or off the bulkhead. Granite Point Park’s original “rustic cabins” have given way to modern units sleeping 2-12 with great lake views and access, and many of the families are 3rd and 4th generation visitors. A beautiful natural rock-tiered waterfall with pond and fountains and gorgeous flowers greet visitors to the Park and add serenity, elegance, and beauty. A Govedare/Powell metal sculpture of Glenn Biddle can be seen above the waterfall. The store offers a variety of treats from candy and pop to sandwiches and coffee. The helpful and friendly staff can rent you a pedal boat, rowboat, or motorboat or loan out basketballs, horseshoes, volleyballs, soccer balls, badminton equipment, etc. for use on the game courts and fields.
Granite Point Park has cabin rentals available between now and the middle of June. Bring your family out to relax and make memories to last a lifetime!