Sep 10 2008
Boating: Alder Lake, Part I
Alder Lake: Overview
As the season winds down, I can’t help but write at least one 3 part series on boating. Now that we’ve covered boating and what you need to get started, it’s time to hit the water. Experienced boaters, you’re in for a treat. Alder Lake, located near Elbe, WA offers you plenty of recreation opportunities. Water sports are a favorite past time at Alder Lake, and it’s not uncommon to see boating, tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and swimming in the afternoon.
As a lake, Alder has it made pretty well. It is dammed up, feeding the Nisqually River far below the walls of what used to be one of the largest dams in the U.S. at the time of construction. The recreation area covers nearly 3000 square miles, so you’ll have no problems finding enough to do on the water and enough space to roam.
If you do decide to go to Alder Lake, try to go during the week, because the crowds really come in over the weekend. The lake offers a mooring spot with room for about 15-20 boats on a first come, first serve basis. This is located by the day use area. The lake has two spots to put in boats. The first is the Alder Lake access area on the right when driving near Elbe on Hwy 7. The second is located a few miles farther down and is a fishing boat launch.
Directions:
From I-5 south Tacoma, WA, take the hwy 512 exit east towards Puyallup. Take the hwy 7 exit and continue on highway 7 for about 25-30 miles. Alder Lake will be on the right.
Note: Pictures to be included in the last post of the series.
