Cushman Area Recreation

Tacoma Power received a long-term license for the Cushman Hydroelectric Project. View the recreation summary from the settlement agreement and a list of frequently asked questions.

Saltwater Park and the campground known as Camp Cushman will eventually be transferred to the Skokomish Tribal Nation. However, you’ll still be able use the boat launches. Tacoma Power will:

• Maintain the Camp Cushman boat launch for continued public use between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends
• Maintain Saltwater Park and Lake Kokanee boat launches and restrooms for year-round public use

Lake Cushman Recreation
The 4,010-acre Lake Cushman is set amid the majestic Olympic Mountains. Kokanee, bull trout, cutthroat trout and some land-locked Chinook salmon can be found in the lake's waters. Opening day of lowland lakes fishing season always draws a crowd of anglers.

Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park has camping, trails and an interpretive center. It is about three miles upstream from Lake Cushman.

Big Creek Campground in the Olympic National Forest sits in a forest along a creek north of the former Camp Cushman.

Additional day-use recreation areas can be found along Staircase Road near the upper end of Lake Cushman. This area contains 298 acres of picnic and vista areas.

Nature-lovers and photographers may be lucky enough to see the eagles and osprey that make their home near Lake Cushman. A herd of elk is often seen along the shoreline at the lake's upper end.

Lake Kokanee Recreation
A few miles downstream from Lake Cushman is the 150-acre Lake Kokanee. Lake Kokanee is prime fishing territory for catching kokanee and rainbow trout. A public boat launch is at the south end of the lake near the dam.

To get to the boat launch at Lake Kokanee, travel on Highway 119 from Hoodsport. Drive about 2.5 miles and turn left onto Potlach-Cushman Road. Turn right onto Lower Lake Road and turn right again at the bottom of the hill. Parking will be on your right; the launch will be on your left.

Saltwater Park
On Hood Canal across Highway 101 from the Cushman Powerhouse No. 2 is Saltwater Park. Saltwater Park is a day-use park with a boat launch, fire pits, picnic tables and restrooms. This facility will evenutally be transferred to the Skokomish Tribal Nation, and Tacoma Power will maintain the park boat launches and restrooms for year-round public use.

On Mayfield Lake
Ike Kinswa State Park is conveniently located by Mayfield Lake. It offers a boat launch, campground and day-use facility.

Wynoochee Lake Recreation
Wynoochee Lake, the 1,140-acre reservoir behind Wynoochee Dam, offers a variety of recreational opportunities.

From the vista area on the west bank downstream of the dam, you can enjoy a dramatic view of the structure and the river gorge. An area on the west bank of the lake near the project administration building is available for picnicking and swimming.

Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail, a 12-mile-long hiking and mountain bike trail, winds through the forest around the lake. The educational Working Forest Nature Trail provides information about the forest environment beginning at Loop B at Coho Campground.

Coho Campground
The campsites at Coho Campground, next to Wynoochee Lake, are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. The campground is operated by permit from the U.S. Forest Service and offers 46 sites for tents and trailers plus 10 walk-in sites for tents only. A boat launch and picnic area are located in the campground, and you’ll find an RV dump station near the entrance.

Recorded information about flows on the Wynoochee River and the elevation of Wynoochee Lake are available from our toll-free Fishing and Recreation Line at (888) 502-8690. 

More information about U.S. Forest Service recreational facilities is available from the Olympic National Forest.