Washington's Pristine Lake Has Fishing, Camping, And A Family-Friendly Resort Not Far From Spokane

Washington State is highly regarded for its spectacular outdoor attractions. You can sail through the San Juan Islands, hike in Olympic National Park, or ski the slopes of Mount Baker, to name just a few. Many of the state's best-known destinations, however, are clustered in Western Washington near Seattle and other population centers. Eastern Washington, while lesser known and visited, is impressive in its own right when it comes to opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're near Spokane and seeking a clean, clear lake with fishing, camping, and a family-friendly resort, Deer Lake is well worth a visit.

Deer Lake is postcard-worthy, spanning approximately 1,150 acres and surrounded by evergreen-covered hills. Fed by springs and snowmelt, the natural lake is known for its pristine, crystal-clear waters just waiting to be explored. It's primarily a residential lake, with much of its shoreline lined by private homes, docks, and moorings. If you're seeking true back-country, hike-in isolation, Deer Lake isn't the place. But if easy-to-access, beautiful scenery, and plenty of recreation is what you're after, this desitnation has it in spades.

Deer Lake is approximately 35 miles north of Spokane, and the drive should take you just under an hour. Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the closest major airport if you're traveling by plane. The nearest town for supply runs is Loon Lake, about 6 miles away. While you're there, you'll also find another crystal-clear lake escape to explore if you decide to spend more time in the region.

Camping options around Deer Lake are limited because most of the roughly 9-mile shoreline is privately owned. Fortunately, Deer Lake Resort offers a wide range of accommodations. Whether your ideal getaway involves pitching a tent, parking your RV, or even staying in a condo with lake views out the window, the resort has an option to match. It offers seven types of accommodations to match your style, including tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, rustic prairie cabins in the form of covered wagons, full hook-up RV sites, forest and loft cabins with kitchenettes and modern comforts, lake-view condos, and a resort house. As of this writing, costs range from $45 per night for a tent site up to $217 per night for a condo.

The resort is also well-suited for families, especially those who love spending time on the water. Amenities include a marina with a boat launch, boat slips, and moorage ($20 per night). Kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats are also available for rent if you don't have your own watercraft. If you just want to take a dip and relax in the sun, a beach and swimming area are at your disposal. Other family-friendly amenities include a playground, walking trails through the forested property, and a country store to pick up your s'mores supplies. If you have a four-legged friend traveling as part of your family, you'll be happy to know that the resort is pet-friendly, but there are some restrictions. To amp up your trip, consider these outdoor gear items for an adventure of a lifetime. 

Deer Lake is one of Eastern Washington's more popular fishing destinations, thanks to its year-round fishing season and diverse mix of warmwater and coldwater species. At a maximum depth of 75 feet, the lake is home to rainbow trout, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, along with kokanee, black crappie, yellow perch, brook trout, brown bullhead, lake trout, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, and yellow bullhead. If you're looking for a new travel rod to catch all of these fish species, check out this top-selling portable and affordable set-up on Amazon. 

Fishing by boat is the preferred (or even necessary) method for fishing on Deer Lake, as the private ownership of most of the shoreline precludes shore fishing. Public access to the lake is provided by a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife boat launch located on the western shore. There's no fee to use the launch, but be advised that it's shallow and may not be suitable for all boat types. An alternative is to use the launch at Deer Lake Resort for a $ 20-per-day fee. Day passes to use the resort facilities can also be purchased for $10 per adult and $5 per child as of this writing.

Before heading out, review Washington's current fishing regulations for Deer Lake. As it stands, two-pole fishing is allowed, and the limit on lake trout is five per day, with no more than one measuring longer than 26 inches. And, as always, before casting your line, make sure you have the appropriate recreational fishing license.