Anderson Lake State Park is a 496-acre day-use park surrounding a 70 acre lake.  There are 8 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of bike trails and 5 miles of equestrian trails.   

It’s easy to miss the park entrance.  I didn’t see any signs on Lake Anderson Road, and the park welcome sign is about 100 feet in.

Driving down the gravel road to the lake.

Hitching posts halfway to the lake, beyond which horse trailers are prohibited.

The lake was closed to all water activities (fishing, boating, swimming) due to a toxic algae bloom, something that occurs with great regularity. The Washington State Lake Protection Association has done studies showing toxic algae bloom at Anderson Lake existed at least back to the mid-1700s.

The perfect spot to munch on the cherries I got at the farmer’s market this morning.

Mallard ducks hoping I had some crumbs to share with them.

Dragonflies were all around the lake edge.

Canada Geese

I was able to go down the lake shore trail for a short way.

These Canada Geese didn’t want to share their picnic table.

The lake front trail hadn’t been mowed for a while, and not feeling the need to tromp through knee-high grass and possible encounters with ticks, I headed for the Anderson trail, a 1.3 mile loop around the lake, though there are only peek-a-boo views of the lake, as it’s forested. The shade was muchly appreciated on this warm, sunny afternoon.

Heading down the Anderson Trail.

This tree stump was nearly shoulder high.

Salmonberries along the trail. They’re a bit sour, but I like them.

Red baneberries are so shiny and pretty, but quite poisonous.

Love the blue color of this damselfly.

Lots of rock roses too.

Just a bee investigating a water parsnip.

The lake was purchased by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in 1969. The lake bears the family name of an earlier owner, Amanda Anderson. This photo from the early 1900s shows cows grazing around the lake. (Courtesy of the Jefferson County Historical Society.)

Trail map!

Things to keep in mind:

• Open April – Oct. 31, day use only. No camping.
• Limited facilities (sani-can and trash receptacles), no public water available
• Picnic tables scattered throughout the park
• Bring bug repellent – mosquitoes and gnats are plentiful
• Freshwater fishing (rainbow trout and some largemouth bass, though the lake hasn’t been stocked in several years), recreational license required
• Discover Pass required

Links of Interest:

• Anderson Lake State Park website

Location:

1061 Anderson Lake Road, Chimacum, WA 98325