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.

Here is a 6-photo slide show. Click any image for full-size view.

 

 

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General Information

Location: About 12 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 Forest Highway 3 (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. The road is closed in the winter. 

Click on map thumbnail for larger view.

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

Attractions: fishing (usually), picnicking, camping (primitive), wildlife watching, mountain biking, and photography

Facilities: Primitive boat launch on east side

Notes:

• Boat/Motor size restriction: 10 horsepower maximum.
• The northwest side of the lake is closed to vehicular traffic to protect waterfowl nesting habitat.
• No toilets, tables, or drinking water available.
• Camping next to the lake is not allowed; camp on the other side of the road.

Arizona Game and Fish Department Stocking Schedule