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Washington
66

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Coast Region
Lake Sylvia State Park
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Lake Sylvia State Park Lake Sylvia 1924 © Lisa Markley
Mildred Sanderson age 24, 1924 Lake Sylvia
Lake Sylvia State Park © Betty
Lake Sylvia State Park Lake Sylvia © Carolyn Greer
Beautiful campgrounds surrounding Lake Sylvia. Fishing, hiking, day picnics, swimming and boating are available.
Lake Sylvia State Park © Betty
Lake Sylvia State Park © Betty
Lake Sylvia State Park © Betty
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LAKE SYLVIA STATE PARK
LAKE SYLVIA STATE PARK
1812 Lake Sylvia Road North
Montesano, Washington   98563
(lat:47.0006 lon:-123.5905) map location

Phone: 360-249-3621
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Lake Sylvia State Park is a quiet, 233-acre camping park with 15,000 feet of freshwater shoreline. The park is an old logging camp in a wooded area halfway between Olympia and the Pacific shore. Aside from the interesting displays of old logging gear and curiosities, the lake is good for fishing, and the rustic charm of the park makes for excellent day outings and group camping trips. The park features a giant ball carved of wood by a local logging legend. Lake and forest offer rest and rejuvenation for park visitors.
Nature of the Area

History of the Area
Huge, old-growth stumps are everywhere in the park. There is a giant wooden ball carved from a single log by a local logging legend. Story has it the logger could stand atop the floating ball and "walk it" from one end of the lake to the other. The area is rich with logging lore and history. When logging ceased in 1930, the dam was used to generate electricity for the town of Montesano. In 1936, Montesano donated the land to the State Parks Commission for conservation. Addditional lands were added by a trade in 1985.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has 31 standard campsites, 4 partial-hookup sites, one dump station, three restrooms one ADA, and six showers four ADA. In addition, there are four primitive walk-in sites and two primitive sites for hikers and bicyclers. Most sites will accommodate either a tent or an RV. Maximum site length is 30 feet limited availability. Individual campsites are reservable from April 1 - Sept. 30.

There is one group camp available tents only for groups of up to 50 people. Parking for five vehicles is included with your group camp rental. Additional vehicles will be charged the extra vehicle fee of $10 per night. The group camp is reservable April 1 to Sept. 30.
Swimming
1. Lake Sylvia State Park offers a designated swimming area in the freshwater lake.
2. Lifeguards are not provided, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is best during summer when water temperatures rise.
4. The park provides changing rooms and restrooms near the beach for swimmers' convenience.
5. Children should be supervised while swimming due to deep areas within the lake's boundaries.
6. The clear waters of Lake Sylvia make it an ideal spot for recreational swimming activities.

Boating
Located in Grays Harbor County on Lake Sylvia, the park offers one boat ramp. Electric but not gasoline-powered boat motors are allowed.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a serene, forested setting with options for both shoreline and boat angling. Species include rainbow trout.

The park's freshwater lake is stocked annually with fish, providing ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Fishing enthusiasts can expect to catch largemouth bass along the shores or from their boats during warmer months.

In addition to bass and trout, you may also encounter cutthroat trout while casting your line here.

Remember that a Washington State Discover Pass is required when parking at this location.


Location
Lake Sylvia State Park is located near Aberdeen, Elma

Picnicking
The park provides one kitchen shelter with electricity, one sheltered picnic table and 75 unsheltered picnic tables. To make a reservation, visit online or call 888 CAMPOUT or 888 226-7688.
Bicycling
Bicycling enthusiasts can enjoy the park's 2-mile biking trail. Be aware, it is shared with hikers and joggers.

The terrain varies from flat to moderately steep sections which may be challenging for beginners.

Cyclists should exercise caution due to occasional loose gravel or fallen branches on trails after storms.

Remember that helmets are mandatory in Washington State; safety first!

Please note: off-trail cycling isn't permitted as this could damage local flora and fauna habitats.

During peak times, cyclists might encounter congestion so patience is advised.

Lastly, always respect other users of the path by maintaining a safe speed limit at all times.
Trails
1. Lake Sylvia Loop Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that circles the lake, offering beautiful views of water and wildlife. It's an easy hike with minimal elevation gain.

2. Old Growth Ridge Trail: A moderate difficulty level trail stretching for about 3 miles through dense forests featuring old-growth trees, ferns, mosses and other native plants.

3. Beaver Pond Nature Pathway: An accessible half mile long pathway suitable for all skill levels leading to a beaver pond where you can spot local fauna in their natural habitat.

4. The Montesano City Park Connector Trails: These trails connect Lake Sylvia State Park to nearby city park providing additional hiking options including longer hikes or bike rides into town.

5. Sylvia Creek Forestry Trail: About two-and-a-half miles long this moderately difficult path takes hikers along scenic creek side terrain showcasing forestry practices from past decades.

6. Lake Shoreline Fishing Access Paths: Short paths branching off main trails provide access points around the lake shore ideal for fishing enthusiasts who want to cast lines at different spots on the same day.

7. Picnic Area Walking Paths: Paved walking routes connecting picnic areas within park boundaries are perfect short strolls after meals while still enjoying nature's beauty.

8. Campground Loops: For campers staying overnight there are several loops surrounding camping sites which offer leisurely walks under starlit skies.

9. Wildlife Viewing Spots: Several marked locations along various trails allow visitors chance encounters with diverse bird species, small mammals like squirrels & rabbits as well occasional deer sightings.
Area Attractions




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 13 Great place to hike by Phyllis Burnett
park review stars; one to five We went today and hiked both ends...total of 7 miles in the park and out of the park area....Was great....lots of scenery and several ducks in the lake...took over 500 pics!
June 7 Beautiful campground
park review stars; one to five Beautiful place to camp. Great place to set up camp, drop your pole in the water and let your kids swim! Gets pretty crowded on the weekends with lots of people, so reserve during the week if you want it quieter.
December 11 this is the best park by darlene
park review stars; one to five we have been going there for 25 years with our kids and now we take our grandkids and they love it.
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Area Campgrounds
Artic RV Park
893 US Highway 101
Cosmopolis, WA
360-533-4470
Elma R.V. Park
4730 State Route 12
Elma, WA
866-211-3939
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located one mile north of Montesano, Wash.

From Olympia: Drive west on Hwy. 101 to SR 8, and west on SR 8 to SR 12. Follow signs to Montesano. Lake Sylvia is a mile north of the SR 12/Lake Sylvia exit.

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Washington
66

Washington State Parks

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