Parks & Recreation
We are currently accepting applications for seasonal positions at our parks and hydro projects. Embrace the great outdoors and be part of our dynamic team. Revel in the joy of physical activity and engaging tasks that make a positive impact on nature and the experiences of our visitors.
- Cowlitz seasonal park and grounds maintenance aide
- Alder lake park aide
- Cushman hydro seasonal grounds worker
Tacoma Power Parks are available to you and your family for camping, boating, fishing, water skiing, nature watching and day use. Our four parks are located in western Washington on the shores of lakes formed by our dams, which generate clean, renewable hydropower.
- Reserve individual campsites up to nine months in advance for dates between May 15 and Sept. 15. Sites not reserved during that timeframe are available for one-night walk-in stays.
- Between Sept. 16 and May 14, our individual campsites are walk-in only (first-come, first-served; reservations are not available), except for Dec. 20 – Jan. 1 when our parks are closed. Camping at Mayfield Lake Park is closed between Oct. 16 – April 14.
- Save money on reservation costs by using our online reservation system. Or, you can call 833-290-8180 to book a spot (for a higher fee). Both offer the same real-time campsite availability.
- Get information about making reservations for ADA-accessible sites here.
- Can you float your boat? Get boat launch and day-use area updates on the River Flows/Lake Levels page.
The parks include:
Reservations: Use our online system or call 833-290-8180
Park office: 360-569-2778
Reservations: Use our online system or call 833-290-8180
Park office: 360-985-2364
Reservations: Use our online system or call 833-290-8180
Park office: 360-983-3900
Reservations: Use our online system or call 833-290-8180
Park office: 360-497-7707
- Get information about making reservations for ADA-accessible sites here.
- Fishing and recreation line for all parks: 888-502-8690
- Tacoma Power Parks email: tacomapowerparks@cityoftacoma.org
- Click here to sign up for our Cowlitz River Project email list.
- How to Reserve
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To reserve individual campsites, group camps or kitchen shelters at our parks, use our online system or call 833-290-8180. Our reservation system is for Tacoma Power Parks only and is not part of Washington State Parks.
- General Parks Information
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- You may reserve campsites nine months in advance for dates between May 15 and Sept. 15.
- The rest of the year, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis (except Mayfield Lake Park).
- Campground check-in begins at 2:30 p.m. Check out is 1 p.m.
- Day-use visitors may use the boat launches and picnic areas between 8 a.m. and dusk.
- Our parks are open year-round except for between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1. (Except Mayfield Lake Park campsites, which are closed Oct. 16 through April 14.)
- See the Department of Natural Resources and respective county websites for burn ban details by county. Alder Lake Park is in Pierce County; Mossyrock, Taidnapam and Mayfield Lake parks are in Lewis County.
- Learn more about reservations and fees at our parks.
- For information about boat launches, river flows and lake levels call (888) 502-8690.
- For other information, please contact us at tacomapowerparks@cityoftacoma.org.
- Boater and Cold Water Safety Information
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We want visitors to our recreation areas to have a fun – and safe – time. We ask that visitors please observe and follow all boating regulations: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Boating Information Portal
For example:
- Wear your life jacket: All vessels must have one readily accessible life jacket for each person on board.
- Never boat or swim under the influence.
- Travel at safe speeds.
- Look for water level changes, floating debris, rock outcrops, and stumps. (Get lake level info at MyTPU.org/LakeLevels.)
Learn more:
- Life Jacket information: Wear it Washington and Wear it Life Jacket
- Washington State Parks Boating Program
- Washington State Boater Education Card
- National Safe Boating Council
It’s important to remember that warm air temperatures don’t equal warm water temperatures. Even if it’s hot outside, the water is extremely cold. The farther from shore, the colder the water can be as well.
According to NOAA, cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air. Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60F as it is from water at 35F. Even experienced swimmers can quickly lose muscle control.
Learn more by watching this story included in the July 9, 2021, edition of the Tacoma Report (from 1:06 – 3:02).
Read about the steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from cold water hazards:
- Local Tourism Resources and Maps
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- White Pass Scenic Byway
- White Pass Scenic Byway Map
- Discover Lewis County
- Pierce County – Explore
- Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier
The following maps are courtesy of the WDFW Cowlitz Wildlife Area (CWA) team:
- Peterman Hill Unit Trail Map (trail is co-managed by Tacoma Power and the CWA)
These trails are managed by the CWA: