When visiting Cranberry Lake, you will have many options when it comes to things to do. The lake is stocked with trout and is a perfect place for fishing. There are several nearby rivers that also offer excellent trout fishing. If you’re looking for other activities, you may want to take a Cranberry Lake waterfall tour.
Cranberry Lake Day-Use Area
Cranberry Lake Day-Use Area is one of Washington’s most popular state parks, offering miles of Puget Sound beachfront. It’s also home to Cranberry Lake, a popular swimming hole. The area also boasts excellent birdwatching opportunities. The state park is a popular stop for birdwatchers. The area also offers a group campsite. The group campsite is located near East Cranberry Lake Day-Use Area.
The day-use area and campground are managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Amenities include a picnic area, pier, beach, bathhouse, and boat dock. There are also accessible campsites, trailer dump stations, and two lean-tos. The park also features an accessible fishing pier on Columbian Road.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to enjoy nature, or you’re looking for a place to take your family for a day of paddling, there’s something for everyone at Cranberry Lake. Fishing enthusiasts will love the lake’s plentiful trout, and nearby rivers also offer great fishing opportunities.
Cranberry Lake was originally a natural lake, but a dam built in 1867 expanded the lake’s size by about two-thirds. Today, the lake has over 55 miles of shoreline, with more than 40 miles being state-owned. Before the dam was built, the lake was only a few square miles large. The dam’s original purpose was to improve navigation. Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps began constructing the first campsites. The campground has also gone through several phases. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the first 15 campsites in 1935, and in the early 1960s, the bathhouse, vault latrines, and peninsula loop were added.
The Cranberry Lake Campground offers both RV and tent camping with access to restrooms and showers. The site is located in a wooded setting along the lake. It’s one of the most remote lakes in the Adirondacks, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity.
Cranberry Lake Day-Use Area also provides fishing opportunities. The lake is located six hours north of New York City. Besides camping, the area also offers boat launches and a convenience store. The campground also has showers, laundry facilities, and a recycling center. The campground offers a great opportunity to get away for a while and reconnect with nature.
Camping at Cranberry Lake is an affordable option for the whole family. The cost is only $20 per night for residents and $25 per night for out-of-state visitors. This campground offers excellent facilities and is perfect for families on a budget. The campground is open May 15 to October 12 each year and closes during the winter.
Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour
The Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour is a great way to experience the many waterfalls found in the area. The tour includes six easy-to-reach waterfalls along a 20-mile drive. Some of the falls can be seen from the road while others are accessible only via short hikes. Visitors can take this tour in an afternoon or for an entire day. To access the area, head south on Route 3 toward the town of Oswegatchie.
To access the waterfall and lake, take the trail from junctions #6 and 7. The trail then follows the lake shoreline and climbs to ledges overlooking the lake. The lake was carved out by a glacier during the last Ice Age. It was estimated that the glacier was a mile high and carved out a portion of Long Island. The lake is four acres in size and has a maximum depth of 14 feet. After climbing the ledge, the trail continues descending to junction #7, where it crosses a bridge over the swamp.
The trail passes over half a dozen ponds and the Oswegatchie River. Many of these ponds have campsites, and you can listen to the loons while you hike. The trail also includes Cat Mountain, a 2,270-foot mountain that overlooks the lake. The 1.4-mile round-trip spur offers some of the most beautiful views along the trail.
The trail quickly reaches the river. The first waterfall is located about half a mile upstream. Those with more adventurous spirits can continue on upstream and find a small gorge. A sign will indicate this if you are feeling adventurous. On the way up, you’ll pass three small boulders.
In addition to the water, Cranberry Lake is also home to 50 miles of trails. The area around the lake is a great destination for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The lake has been stocked with trout in the past, and its many streams and ponds make for excellent trout fishing. You’ll also find perfect shade during the hot summer months, and the undergrowth provides excellent privacy for campers.
The Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour also includes the Copper Falls. These falls are stunning both in summer and in the winter. While you’re there, you should also check out the Au Sable Chasm, one of the oldest natural landmarks in the park. The Rainbow Falls and Elephant’s head are especially beautiful, and there are night lantern tours available if you’d like to spend the night.
This scenic town is also home to the Cranberry Lake 50, a 50-mile ultramarathon. If you’re up for a challenge, this trail will take you through the rugged Adirondacks. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the 2.4-mile Bear Mountain Trail. Another great trail system is the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, covering 11 square miles. The nearby Five Ponds Wilderness Area offers 50 miles of hiking trails.