Lake Ellen

Lake Ellen is 78 acres and can be found in a setting of rock outcropings and timber. Stunning views and accessible dock fishing make this a lake the whole family can enjoy.

History: In the 1880’s, logging and lumbering practices in the Pacific Northwest was on the rise. As trees were being used up in one area the need for building materials was expanding and populations began moving westward. This lumber boom was known to historians as “the Westward Movement.” By 1910, over 100 sawmills were in Stevens County. Competition between small operators became more difficult as power was almost completely mechanized; motorized trucks and log trucks replaced horses and the railroad living as a logger or lumberman during the Westward Movement was not easy to say the least, often sharing 20 men bunkhouses at designated mill camps. One of two mill camps in Ferry County was at Lake Ellen, and the other was on Barnaby Creek.

General Information

Lake Ellen offers camping on the east and west end of the lake. Lake Ellen East offers 11 sites with picnic tables, fire rings and parking spurs. The campground does not offer agency developed tent pads, but there are user created tent pads amongst the rocks and trees. Lake Ellen West offers five campsites with fire pits, tent pads, picnic tables, and a vaulted toilet. The west campground has access on a well maintained gravel road to the boat launch, where people of all ages can enjoy fishing for rainbow trout off the dock. A pullout for backing in boats is available along with adjacent parking for vehicles with trailers. Campgrounds are first come, first serve and separated nicely from one another. RV hookups and garbage disposals are not available at either campground.

Opportunities for wildlife viewing are abundant here at Lake Ellen. You can see bald eagles, various species of waterfowl, osprey, beaver, bear, songbirds, migratory birds, loons, turtles, and more.

Rainbow trout are planted each spring, though you might also catch green sunfish and largemouth bass. Lake Ellen Road runs along the southern edge of the lake where people can access several pull-offs used for fishing. Young children have excellent opportunities for fishing as there is a boat dock on site.

Two-pole fishing and boats with motors are permitted on Lake Ellen.

Getting There

Elevation

2,340 feet

Directions

From Kettle Falls, WA: Head west on US-395 N/WA-20 W/E 3rd Ave toward Meyers St Continue to follow US-395 N/WA-20 W for 3.7 miles. Turn left onto WA-20 W for 4.1 miles. Turn left onto Inchelium Kettle Falls Rd for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Lake Ellen Rd for 3.0 miles.

Google map directions from Kettle Falls, WA