Top 5 Lakes in Colville National Forest

Among the most popular lakes are Sullivan Lake, known for its rocky beaches and diverse fauna, and Bead Lake, which stands out for its extreme water clarity and scenic shoreline. Brown Lake is also highly regarded for fly-fishing and camping.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Gillette Lake is a popular spot for family activities including fishing, camping, boating, and swimming. Sullivan Lake and Bead Lake are also considered family-friendly, offering various recreational opportunities.

The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy fishing, camping, boating, swimming, and hiking. For specific hiking routes, consider exploring options like the Sullivan Lakeshore Trail or the Columbia Mountain Loop Trail, which are part of the Hiking in Colville National Forest guide. Road cycling routes are also available, such as the Bonaparte Lake loop from Bonaparte Lake Dam, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Colville National Forest guide.

Many lakes offer excellent fishing. Gillette Lake is stocked with tiger and rainbow trout, and also has brook trout, largemouth bass, and crappie. Lake Thomas is popular for black crappie, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Mystic Lake is known for planted cutthroat and eastern brook trout, while Brown Lake is well-regarded for fly-fishing. Fish Lake is a non-motorized, fly-fishing-only lake, ideal for rainbow trout.

Yes, there are several trails. The Bead Lake Trail offers a moderate 10.5-mile hike with views along the lake's edge. The Lakeshore Trail at Sullivan Lake is a designated National Scenic Trail. For easier options, the gentle 0.5-mile Fish Lake Trail provides a pleasant walk along its banks. You can find more hiking options in the Easy hikes in Colville National Forest guide.

The lakes and surrounding forests are rich in wildlife. At Fish Lake, you might spot waterfowl, deer, moose, bear, and common loons. The Pasayten Wilderness, which includes some lake areas, is home to deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, gray wolves, and Canada lynx. Huckleberries are also abundant near Gillette Lake during peak season, attracting various animals.

Yes, camping is a popular activity. Gillette and Lake Gillette Campgrounds offer camping near Gillette Lake. Undeveloped dispersed campsites are available above Mystic Lake. Brown Lake has a campground with a historical cabin. Little Twin Lakes features a campground with shaded, private sites. Rocky Lake Campground offers free campsites, though a Discover Pass is required.

The lakes offer diverse experiences throughout the year. Summer is excellent for recreation like boating, swimming, and hiking. In the fall, the alpine larches around Sullivan Lake transform the hillsides with a golden hue, offering stunning views. Some areas, like Lake Thomas, also have nearby winter Sno-Parks for winter activities.

Yes, Mystic Lake does not permit motorized boats, making it ideal for a tranquil experience. Fish Lake is also a non-motorized boat lake. Rocky Lake is perfect for non-motorized boating like canoeing or kayaking, offering a peaceful environment.

The lakes boast several unique natural features. Bead Lake is known for its extreme water clarity. Sullivan Lake features rocky beaches and vibrant alpine larches in autumn. Emerald Lake is noted for its beautiful color and rustic, secluded setting. Brown Lake offers the possibility of observing a cutthroat spawning run in the spring.

Yes, Brown Lake has a historical cabin located within its campground, adding a touch of charm and history to your visit.

Bonaparte Lake, situated at 3,556 feet elevation, offers very scenic views, especially from the Pacific Northwestern Trail. This trail winds through dense forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, providing a picturesque backdrop to the lake.