Battle Ground Lake

Battle Ground Lake, Washington
Battle Ground Lake State Park

Battle Ground Lake State Park (179.5 acres of land with 4,100 feet of freshwater shoreline surrounding a 28-acre lake) is located 19 miles northeast of Vancouver, three miles east and north of the community of Battleground, in Clark County. -- Excerpt from: Washington State Parks and Recreation Website, 1999

Battleground Lake State Park is nestled in a stately stand of timber northeast of Vancouver, Washington. The deep, small, oval-shaped lake is an ideal family angling destination, and is only about 45 minutes from Portland.

The park offers camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and of course, fishing. The lake contains seasonally stocked trout, some big brooders, and a few bass. According to a few locals, the bass can be found along the shore opposite the boat ramp. Downed timbers around the edge of the lake are also good spots for catching fish.

A boat ramp is open for public use but gas motors aren't allowed, so canoes, float tubes, and rubber rafts are ideal for this lake. For landlubbers, access to the shore is easy all the way around the lake.

The park consists of an ancient 400 foot volcano in the Boring Lava Field where a magma-induced steam explosion made a large bean-shaped crater which later filled with water. It is considered to be a smaller version of Crater Lake in Oregon.

The park is vegetated with mostly evergreen forest. Bridle trails ring the lake and criss-cross the summit area. Paddleboats may be rented.