Celebration Planned For One Of Washington's Most Special Lakes

GRAHAM, WA — What's so special about Lake Kapowsin? So much that the state Department of Natural Resources is throwing a celebration for the 512-acre lake in Pierce County.

Kapowsin was created about 500 years ago during an eruption of Mt. Rainier. The Electron Mudflow rushed down the side of Rainier, damming Kapowsin creek and flooding a cedar forest. That unique underwater forest supports lots of wildlife, and so the lake has been designated Washington's only freshwater aquatic preserve.

"This designation aims to ensure the many people who enjoy fishing and hunting on Lake Kapowsin can continue to do so, while also providing research opportunities for geologists and aquatic biologists. Lake Kapowsin is one of the few lakes in western Washington that supports bass fishing and is open for waterfowl hunting," the state DNR said of the lake.

Lake Kapowsin Day is coming up in early June, and will feature boats, fishing demonstrations, and experts talking about geology, plant life, and the creatures that call the lake home. Historians will also be there to talk about a boom town that once stood along the shoreline.

Here are the details:

What: Lake Kapowsin Day
Who: DNR, Friends of Lake Kapowsin, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Western Bass Club, Native Plant Society, Puyallup Tribe, Pierce Conservation District, Washington Rock
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 8
Where: Lake Kapowsin Boat Launch29517 Orville Rd E, Orting