Wynoochee Dam facts for kids
The Wynoochee Dam is a large structure located about 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of Montesano, Washington. The city of Aberdeen, Washington owns it. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built this dam in 1972. Its main job is to control the water flow of the Wynoochee River. This control creates a big lake called Wynoochee Reservoir. The Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail is a special path around the lake. It was named a National Recreation Trail in 1979. This trail is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long.
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What is the Wynoochee Dam?
The Wynoochee Dam helps manage the Wynoochee River. It makes sure the river's flow is steady. This is important for many reasons, like preventing floods and providing water. The dam also creates Wynoochee Reservoir, a large lake that offers many fun activities.
Powering Up: How the Dam Makes Electricity
In 1994, Tacoma Power added a special plant near the dam. This plant uses the force of the water to make electricity. It is a hydroelectric plant. It can produce 13 megawatts of power. This means it can create enough electricity for many homes. Even though access to the dam has been limited since 2001, you can still arrange tours to see it by making an appointment.
Fun Things to Do at Wynoochee Lake
Wynoochee Lake and the area around the dam offer many outdoor activities. It's a great place for families and friends to visit.
Exploring the Lake Shore Trail
The Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail is a popular spot for hikers. It goes all the way around the lake. This trail is a National Recreation Trail. It means it's a special path for people to enjoy nature.
Camping at Coho Campground
Coho Campground is located upstream from the dam. The Olympic National Forest manages this campground. It has many helpful features for campers.
- There is running water for drinking and washing.
- You will find restrooms for your convenience.
- There is a day-use area with cooking pits.
- The campground has 46 sites. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table.
- These sites have room for tents, trailers, and motor homes.
- There is a fee to use these sites.
- You can also find a boat ramp to launch your boats.
- A camp host is usually there almost every day to help you.
Picnics and Swimming
Tacoma Power also runs a day-use area right by the reservoir. This area is perfect for picnics. You can also go swimming in the lake there. It's a nice spot to relax and enjoy the water.
Getting There: Roads to Wynoochee
Getting to the Wynoochee Dam and its recreational areas is easier now. About 16 miles of the Upper Wynoochee Valley Road (also called Forest Service Development Road 22) have been paved. This includes the road that leads to the dam and the Coho campground. This paving makes traveling much faster from Highway 12 and the city of Montesano. Another road, the Donkey Creek Road (also Forest Service Development Road 22), is paved for about 7 miles from Highway 101 into the National Forest. The rest of this road to the junction of FS2294 is gravel.
