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Recreation Region: Flagstaff Ranger District

Marshall Lake

Marshall Lake is a small marshy body of water that's generally full of coots and other waterfowl splashing, flapping, and cooting around. It is such valuable wildlife habitat that it is managed in partnership by Ducks Unlimited and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

During wet cycles the lake has enough water to be stocked with trout by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. In dry years, however, it may temporarily disappear! Even when the lake is dry this area still offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Dry or wet, a number of primitive campsites near the east side of the lake provide exceptional views of the peaks from pine sheltered locations. The surrounding area also serves as a good place to come to see some of this area's plentiful elk or its rare wintering bald eagles. The lake itself provides a hunting site for resident ospreys and a rest stop for migrating waterfowl.

General Information

Season: Opens in early May and closed in mid-October. This seasonal opening is due to rough terrain and weather conditions.

Facilities: Primitive boat launch on east side.

Notes:

  • The northwest side of the lake is closed to vehicular traffic to protect waterfowl nesting habitat.
  • No toilets, tables, or drinking water available.

Arizona Game and Fish Department Stocking Schedule

Pets must be leashed or controlled at all times.

Exterior image of the Flagstaff Ranger Station.

Address: 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone: 928-526-0866
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Cof_Webmail@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.11909

Longitude: -111.53035

Elevation

7138 ft.

Directions

Location: About 9 miles southeast of Flagstaff on paved and unpaved road.

GPS (Map): 35°06'44.6"N 111°32'18.4"W

Access: Drive 9 miles south from Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road. Turn east (left) on Forest Road 128 about 3 miles to the lake. The last mile or so is unpaved and may be impassable at times due to wet conditions.

Travel Considerations

Forest Road 128 closes during winter months, and the lake is not accessible. Check forest roads status here.

Parking

There are many different areas around Marshall Lake for parking and camping. The actual area of Marshall Lake is blocked off from motorized vehicles by logworm fencing.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized Info

Boat/Motor size restriction: 10 horsepower maximum.

Last updated May 23rd, 2025