Big Meadow Lake
Big Meadow Lake is 4.1-acre shallow lake perfect for family recreating and wildlife viewing. The Lake is located in a beautiful setting of forested mountains. Visitors come for fishing, camping, hiking, birding and canoeing. It has a primitive boat launch and fishing pier and an accessible dock. It is a shallow lake with a depth of 15'.
Fishing
Anglers can access the dock on the west end or fish from a few areas around the lake. Rainbow trout fry plants are annually planted and provide 10-16-inch fish. Two-pole fishing is allowed. The use of lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis is not allowed, in order to protect breeding common loons.
Trails
Trails in the area offer about 4.4 miles of easy terrain around the spectacular mountain lake. A trail to the lookout tower gives you a view of the lake and meadow area along Meadow Creek. There’s also an interpretive trail that leads to the Hess Homestead Cabin which has a picnic table and fire ring. From there, you can then continue the trail that wraps around the lake.
Camping
Big Meadow Lake Campground offers campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, tent pads and vault toilets. Campsites are within walking distance of the lake. Camping is free although access to the back loop is limited seasonally.
Drinking water and garbage disposal are not available. Be prepared with our own drinking water and pack out everything you pack it.
General Information
History:
According to Joe Barreca with Northeast Washington Trails, “Big Meadow Lake was once the true homestead. Meadow Creek was dammed to create Meadow Lake for wildlife habitat. The lookout tower was built on top of North Baldy Mt in 1964 and survived for many years without guy wires, a noteworthy fact. Guy McKee helped save it for Big Meadow Lake.”
Washington state fishing license required. See Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at http://wdfw.wa.gov/ for more information.
- Internal combustion motors prohibited
- No wake zone for boating -8 mph maximum
- Use of lead weights or lead jigs that measure 1.5 inches or less along the longest axis is prohibited
- Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Campfire in developed fire ring only
- Fireworks are prohibited
- Pets must be on leash
- OHV use prohibited in the campground
- Maximum length of stay: 14 days
- Food and wildlife attractants must be properly stored at all times
No day use or overnight fee.
Address: 255 W. 11th Avenue Kettle Falls, WA 99141
Phone: (509)738-7700
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Three Rivers Ranger Station: Take Meyers St to US-395 S/E 3rd Ave. Follow US-395 S and Aladdin Rd for 29 miles. Turn right onto Meadow Creek Rd continue for 6.0 miles. Slight right onto Settlers Way continue for 499 feet. Slight left onto Meadow Creek Rd continue for 0.4 miles to lake.
Google map directions from Three Rivers Ranger Station, Kettle Falls, WA
