Tapps (Pierce)

Lake Tapps in Pierce County, Washington

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Lake Tapps is a 2,700-acre man-made reservoir in Pierce County, Washington, created in 1911 when four smaller natural lakes were joined together by a series of earthen dikes and dams as part of a hydroelectric power project by Puget Sound Power & Light. Originally used for power generation until 2004, the reservoir is now owned and operated by Cascade Water Alliance, providing drinking water to 350,000 residents and 20,000 businesses throughout King County. Fed by the White River, which originates on the northeast slopes of Mount Rainier, the lake displays a distinctive emerald-green hue created by glacial silt carried downstream from the mountain. The reservoir features 45 miles of complex shoreline with numerous inlets, peninsulas, and islands, and reaches a maximum depth of 90 feet with an average depth of 25 feet. The lake experiences seasonal water level fluctuations, with drawdowns occurring from October through April for maintenance and safety, then refilling to full recreational capacity by late May for the summer season. Located near the cities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, and Auburn, approximately 20 miles east of Tacoma and 36 miles southeast of Seattle, Lake Tapps offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier to the south.

Lake Tapps is one of western Washington's premier recreational destinations, renowned for its excellent fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities. The lake supports diverse fish populations including Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Muskie, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Carp, and various panfish species, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife actively managing the fishery and conducting regular trout plants. Two major public access points serve the lake: North Lake Tapps County Park on the northeastern shore provides 135 acres of parkland with 10,000 feet of waterfront access, featuring a public boat launch, sandy swimming beaches, bathrooms, picnic facilities, and stunning Mount Rainier viewpoints, while Allan Yorke Park at the southern end offers 45 acres with a boat launch, designated swimming areas, sports fields, playgrounds, and hosts community events throughout the summer including concerts and festivals. The lake accommodates all types of watercraft without horsepower restrictions, making it ideal for powerboating, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Beyond water activities, the surrounding Bonney Lake area offers additional attractions including the scenic Fennel Creek Trail, picturesque Victor Falls, numerous neighborhood parks, local restaurants and cideries, and seasonal community events such as farmers markets, summer festivals, and outdoor concerts that showcase the area's welcoming small-town atmosphere.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"