Between Spokane And The Idaho Border Is A Natural Lake With Fishing, Hiking, And Boating

On the far edge of Eastern Washington, less than a mile from the Idaho border, is a sparkling lake that provides an array of outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. Newman Lake is a year-round outdoor oasis surrounded by towering pine and fir trees, with snow-capped mountain peaks visible in the distance. Despite its amazing natural surroundings, Newman Lake is barely 20 miles from downtown Spokane, one of the biggest cities in the state.

The main draw at Newman Lake is the lake itself, which offers excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. This lake formed naturally as a result of glacial activity during the Pleistocene Epoch, or the last Ice Age. Currently, the lake covers 1,200 acres, encircled by 10 miles of shoreline. Newman Lake is 30 feet at its deepest point, and offers plenty of room for boaters, paddlers, and fishing enthusiasts to enjoy the water. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) maintains a public boat ramp on the southeast shore of the lake. Silverbeard's Marina also has a boat launch and boat slip rentals, just a few steps from the public ramp. 

Anglers heading to Newman Lake are able to target a wide range of species, including bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, sunfish, and yellow perch. Additionally, the blue-green waters of Newman Lake are known for yielding trophy-sized tiger muskies. Visitors can fish from boats, canoes, or kayaks. There is public shore fishing access adjacent to the WDFW boat ramp. Anglers can also fish from shore on the north end of the lake within the boundaries of the McKenzie Conservation Area.

In addition to water-based activities, visitors to Newman Lake can spend time hiking and exploring the surrounding land. One of the best outlets for such exploration is the aforementioned McKenzie Conservation Area, which borders 3,000 feet of shoreline along the north end of the lake. Within the conservation area, there are 6 miles of trails. Turtle Rock Trail takes hikers from the trailhead to the lakeshore. Alternatively, the Bedrock Ridge Trail loops along the opposite side of the conservation area and drops through a dense forest before meeting Turtle Rock Trail near the lake. Turtle Rock itself is a rocky outcrop that provides amazing views across the lake. Along the way, hikers may spot a variety of birds and wild animals, including bald eagles and moose, which have been spotted along the lakeshore.

Another excellent option for hiking is on the opposite of the lake. The Newman Lake Southwest Loop is nearly 5 miles round trip, taking hikers to a point on the lake between Sutton Bay and Shadow Bay. This trail does have some fairly steep inclines at various points along the way, according to reviews from past hikers on AllTrails. But visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake from higher vantage points all the way down to the shore.

Spokane, Washington's "River City," has plenty of overnight accommodation options within a half-hour's drive of the lake. Post Falls, Idaho's "recreational mecca" city, is only about 15 minutes in the other direction. Those wishing to stay on the lake can choose from a handful of vacation rentals on Airbnb. Silverbeard's Marina also has RV and tent campsites available. Nature lovers will find even more to explore at Mount Spokane State Park, Washington's largest state park, about a 40 minute drive from Newman Lake.