Local guide

Lake Cushman: the lake on the way to the park.

Lake Cushman is a 4,000-acre reservoir on the drive to Olympic National Park's Staircase entrance. The drive to Staircase runs along the lake's east side, and the lake itself is a destination: kayaking, swimming, camping, and the Skokomish River. The lake is in Olympic National Forest, not the national park. Dogs are allowed at the lake. The park starts at Staircase, past the lake.

Kayak, swim, camp, and the river that feeds it all.

Written by Assaf, the Olalla Bay editor. Updated October 2026.

The lake

Lake Cushman was created by damming the Skokomish River for hydroelectric power. The powerhouse along US-101 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lake is surrounded by Olympic National Forest, Olympic National Park, and private property. It is more than 4,000 acres of flat, calm water framed by steep forested slopes.

The lake is cold. It is swimmable in summer, but the water stays cold even in August. The valley portion can be rough in wind; the rest of the lake is usually calm.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

The lake is excellent for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The water is calm, the mountain backdrop is constant, and the shoreline is long enough for full-day paddling.

Bring your own. If you have kayaks or paddleboards at the house, bring them. There are multiple boat launches around the lake.

Rent at Skokomish Park. Skokomish Park offers single and tandem kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe rentals. Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visit the Welcome Center or the Day Use area for rentals.

Boat launch. Skokomish Park has three boat-launch ramps. Boat launch fee: $25 per launch (includes day-use and launch fee). If you bring a boat, there is a $26 per day fee for boat and trailer at some private parks; check at the launch.

Swimming

Skokomish Park swimming area. The park has a designated swimming area maintained by tribal staff. This is the safest and most family-friendly spot to swim.

Big Rock. On the lake's northwestern rim, a well-known swimming and cliff-jumping spot, with drops up to about 17 feet. It gets busy and loud on summer weekends; go early for a quieter experience. Cliff jumping has risks; check water depth before jumping.

Water temperature. The lake is cold year-round. In summer, surface water warms enough for swimming, but it is still cold. Children and weak swimmers should wear life jackets.

Camping at Skokomish Park

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman is the primary campground, managed by the Skokomish Tribe. It covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline.

Address: 7211 N Lake Cushman Rd, Hoodsport, WA 98548. Phone: (360) 877-5760. Website: skokomishpark.com.

Season: March 27 to November 1, 2026. Reservations are open for 2026.

Sites: 59 to 80 RV and tent campsites, depending on how they are counted. RV sites with full hookups, pull-through and back-in sites, walk-in tent sites, and two group camping areas. RVs up to 40 feet with full hookups.

Rates (2026): Standard campsite starting at $56 per night. Primitive campsite starting at $49 per night. RV site starting at $63 per night. Group campsite starting at $240 per night. Multi-site area starting at $180 per night. Day use: $20 per vehicle per day, $25 on weekends and holidays. Boat launch: $25 per launch. Each camping or RV reservation has an $8 non-refundable registration and processing fee.

Amenities: Full hookups, camp store, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ, 30-amp service, pets OK, group area, dump station, security patrol, WiFi, paved camp roads. Coin-operated showers and flush toilets. Volleyball courts, rope swing. General store with basic supplies, firewood delivery to campsites.

Day use: Two day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations.

Notes: RV sites tend to be closely spaced. Walk-in tent sites see lighter use. The campground stays busy during peak season, particularly the RV section. Reservations are recommended for summer months.

Other campgrounds

Staircase Campground. Inside Olympic National Park, at the base of the Staircase Rapids Trail. Tent and RV sites. Best for hikers who want to start the trail early. Park entrance fee applies.

Falls View Campground. On the North Fork of the Skokomish River. Tent and RV sites. Good for fishing; the North Fork is known for steelhead and salmon runs.

Camp Cushman. Operated by the Boy Scouts, on the east shore of the lake. Open to the public. Tent and RV sites, boat launch, swimming beach.

The Skokomish River

The Skokomish River feeds Lake Cushman and flows out of it toward Hood Canal. The North Fork of the Skokomish River runs through Staircase in Olympic National Park. The river is known for steelhead and salmon runs.

Fishing. The North Fork is known for steelhead and salmon. Check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for seasons, limits, and license requirements. Fishing regulations change; verify before you go.

River rafting. The Skokomish River has rafting opportunities. Check with local outfitters for current conditions and availability.

Hiking along the river. The Staircase Rapids Loop follows the North Fork Skokomish River. The North Fork Skokomish River Trail heads deeper into the park. Note: wilderness trails beyond the Rapids Loop are closed as of 2026 due to Bear Gulch Fire damage.

Mount Ellinor: The peak above the lake

Mount Ellinor is the signature peak above Lake Cushman. Summit 5,952 feet. From the lower trailhead, 6.6 miles round trip, 3,300 feet of elevation gain, strenuous, 4 to 5 hours. From the upper trailhead, 3.3 miles round trip, 2,300 feet of gain. The upper trailhead requires a Northwest Forest Pass for parking; the lower trailhead does not. Dogs are allowed (National Forest, not National Park). Best July through October. Mountain goats are often spotted near the summit. The exposed upper section can be hazardous in early-season snow or icy conditions.

Practical notes

• Lake Cushman is in Olympic National Forest, not the national park. Rules differ. Dogs are allowed at the lake but not on park trails.
• Gas up in Hoodsport. There is nothing past the lake turnoff.
• Cell service is sparse around Lake Cushman. Download maps before you leave the house.
• The lake is cold. Wear life jackets for swimming, especially for children.
• Skokomish Park is managed by the Skokomish Tribe. Respect tribal rules and the land.
• Check skokomishpark.com for current rates and reservations before you go.

Questions people ask

How big is Lake Cushman?

More than 4,000 acres. It is a man-made reservoir created by damming the Skokomish River for hydroelectric power.

Can you swim in Lake Cushman?

Yes. The lake is cold but swimmable in summer. Skokomish Park has a designated swimming area. Big Rock is a well-known swimming and cliff-jumping spot.

Can you kayak on Lake Cushman?

Yes. The lake is excellent for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Skokomish Park rents kayaks, canoes, and SUPs during the summer season.

Where do you camp at Lake Cushman?

Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman is the primary campground, managed by the Skokomish Tribe. Season runs March 27 to November 1, 2026.

Is Lake Cushman in Olympic National Park?

No. Lake Cushman is in Olympic National Forest. The park starts at Staircase, past the lake. Dogs are allowed at the lake but not on park trails.