Pleasant (Clallam)

Lake Pleasant in Clallam County, Washington

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Lake Pleasant is a 493-acre natural freshwater lake in Clallam County on Washington's remote Olympic Peninsula, located near the town of Beaver between mileposts 200 and 202 on U.S. Highway 101, approximately 15 miles north of Forks. Situated at an elevation of 397 feet above sea level, this large lowland lake is surrounded predominantly by private property yet provides good public shoreline access for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tranquil fishing destination away from the crowds. The lake is open to fishing year-round without boat launch facilities, encouraging shore fishing and hand-carried watercraft access that preserves the peaceful character of this Olympic Peninsula gem. Lake Pleasant supports naturally reproducing populations of resident Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Brown Bullhead, while the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife historically stocked the lake with Rainbow Trout to supplement fishing opportunities, though recent stocking records indicate the lake now primarily relies on natural reproduction and holdover fish populations. Water activities including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are permitted year-round, while salmon spawn in the lake annually, contributing to the ecological diversity of this Pacific Northwest watershed. The lake's proximity to Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest, and the rugged Pacific coastline makes it an ideal stopover for travelers exploring one of America's most spectacular wilderness regions, offering a peaceful respite along the scenic Highway 101 corridor that winds through old-growth forests and connects coastal communities.

Lake Pleasant has earned a reputation as a modestly traveled fishing destination that provides good opportunities for Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Coastal Cutthroat Trout throughout the year, with Brown Bullhead also available for anglers willing to target these bottom-dwelling fish. Fishing success has been highest for kokanee according to angler reports over recent years, with spring and fall offering the best conditions for catching Coastal Cutthroat Trout when cooler water temperatures increase fish activity near shore. Rainbow Trout fishing remains most productive during spring months following historical stockings, though persistent anglers can find success year-round by adjusting techniques and locations as fish move to cooler waters during summer heat. The good shoreline access allows bank anglers to explore multiple locations around the lake without requiring watercraft, making it an accessible destination for families and casual anglers, while those who hand-carry kayaks, canoes, or float tubes can access deeper waters and remote shoreline areas away from road access. The absence of a public boat launch keeps powerboat traffic minimal, preserving the serene atmosphere and protecting sensitive fish habitat from excessive disturbance, creating an ideal environment for paddle craft enthusiasts who appreciate quiet exploration through pristine waters. The nearby town of Forks, located approximately 15 miles south, serves as the primary gateway community and provides lodging, dining, supplies, and visitor information for those exploring the western Olympic Peninsula. Forks has gained international recognition as the setting for the Twilight book and film series, attracting fans to visit filming locations, the Forks Timber Museum showcasing logging heritage, and the Forks Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center featuring Twilight memorabilia alongside information about area attractions. Beyond the lake itself, the surrounding region offers world-class outdoor recreation including Olympic National Park's Hoh Rain Forest with its enchanting moss-draped old-growth trees receiving over 140 inches of annual rainfall, Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach featuring dramatic sea stacks and tide pools along the wild Pacific coastline, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort with natural mineral pools and hiking trails to Sol Duc Falls, Hurricane Ridge offering alpine meadows and mountain vistas just 90 minutes east, Lake Crescent's stunning turquoise waters and historic Lake Crescent Lodge, plus hundreds of miles of hiking trails through temperate rainforests where Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles thrive in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"