Swan Lake
Fly fishing, swimming, and shady camp grounds. Trout fishing at its best….
Swan Lake is a clear-water lake located in the Colville National Forest, just off Highway 21, south of Republic, Washington.
In the late spring and summer months, the lake is frequented by local anglers and fly fishers after brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The mid- to late-summer months attract campers, hikers, and bicyclists to the warm lake waters and hiking-biking trails. In the cooler fall months, hunters take advantage of the campground’s proximity to deer which frequent the fir- and spruce-lined hills of the national forest.
Visitors to the lake are often treated to visitations from squirrels, chipmunk, and woodpeckers. Black bear are occasionally spotted walking the trails in search of summer berries. Beaver chew on trees lining lake shore. Wild flowers, cattails, and water lilies can be seen.
Because combustion engines are banned from the lake, the harshest sounds campers and day visitors are likely to hear are the calls of loons across the lake, children paddling in the sun-warmed shallows, or the quiet hum of an electric boat motor.
Campgrounds & Lodging
Maintained by the US Forest Service, the Swan Lake campground provides community water spigots, bear-proof trash containers, fire grills, picnic tables, and well-maintained handicap accessible toilets. Most campsites are tree-shaded.
21 tent and trailer sites, 4 tent-only sites, 1 group site.
For day hikers, motel, inn, and RV accommodations are nearby in Republic and Curlew, Washington.
Swan Lake Trail
Recommended seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Length: 1.5 miles
Rated: “easiest” for hiking and “more difficult” for biking.
Elevation: remains at 3650 feet
Access: 7.5 miles south of Republic on Hwy. 21; turn west on Road 53/Scatter Creek Road and travel 8 miles on paved road to Swan Lake Campgrounds.
The Swan Lake Trail circles Swan Lake, beginning at the parking lot or community kitchen. By late summer, there are huckleberries along the trail.
Boating and Fishing Information
Swan Lake has a boat launch. Electrically-powered motor boats are permitted. Combustion engines prohibited.
Events
The annual Fall Mountain Bike Fest is held at the Swan Lake Campground. The family event is sponsored by the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, Colville National Forest, and Republic Ranger District. Mountain bikes and canoes are usually available at no charge. Camping is free at the campgrounds. Events include registration, bicycle, kayak, and canoe demonstrations; ride and repair technical clinics; poker rides, women’s-only rides, obstacle course rides, and awards. For more information, call the Republic Ranger District office at (509) 775-3305.
Supplies
Stock or replenish your grocery, camping, hunting, and fishing supplies 16 miles away in Republic, Washington.
Caution
All water collected from lakes or trails should be treated before drinking. Always plan for injuries and abrupt changes in weather by carrying matches, a knife, first aid supplies, food, water, and extra clothes.
Map
Warning: Map is informational only and not to scale. Consult an up-to-date topographical map before traveling these roads and trails. FerryCounty.com makes no claims as to the accuracy of the map.
For More Information
Visit Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife page on Swan Lake, WA for lake restrictions and conditions, or the Colville National Forest’s Swan Lake Campground page.
For more information and a complete list of Colville National Forest hiking, biking, and riding trails contact:
Republic Ranger District
650 E Delaware
Republic WA 99166
(509) 775-7400
Colville Forest Information
755 South Main Street
Colville, WA 99114
(509) 684-7000
