Due to undercutting action of Hawk Creek on the access road between the Hawk Creek campground and boat launch, the road will be reduced to one lane until further notice. Use caution while on this road.
Full details →+3 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
For anyone traveling through Washington, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area provides a refreshing and educational outdoor adventure. This national recreation area is highly recommended for visitors who want to learn about the area's heritage while enjoying scenic trails and local wildlife.
About Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is a national recreation area located in Washington. Lake Roosevelt is generally a cool or cold place from fall through spring with overcast skies. In the summer, the skies clear and present warm to hot days. More information on weather can be found under Alerts and Conditions.
From Spokane Take I-90 West. At Exit 277, merge onto US-2 toward Davenport/Fairchild AFB/Spokane Airport. Just past Wilbur, turn right onto WA-21. Stay left onto Highway 174. Turn right onto WA-155. Stay on WA-155 past Grand Coulee Dam and into the town of Coulee Dam. Cross the Columbia River and continue on WA-155. Turn right onto Crest Drive and follow up the hill. The Headquarters Office is located on the left.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Lake Roosevelt is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, and 28 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Lake Roosevelt
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Lake Roosevelt
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Lake Roosevelt before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for Lake Roosevelt. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Lake Roosevelt get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Lake Roosevelt. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
The ancient geologic landscape of the upper Columbia River cradles Lake Roosevelt in walls of stone carved by massive ice age floods. Come explore the shorelines and learn the stories of American Indians, traders and trappers, settlers and dam builders who called this place home. Swim, boat, hike, camp, and fish at this hidden gem in Northeast Washington, created by the Grand Coulee Dam.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Roosevelt
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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