Summit Lake, lake in Thurston County, Washington state, United States of America
Summit Lake is a freshwater lake in Thurston County, in the forested hill country of northwestern Washington. The water stays notably clear year-round and supports several fish species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and coastal cutthroat trout.
The lake was once known as Prays Lake and then Crooked Lake before receiving its current name around 1900. In September 2025, a U.S. Army MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near the lake, and four soldiers lost their lives.
The lake received its current name around 1900, replacing earlier names like Prays Lake and Crooked Lake. Today, the community uses it primarily for fishing, boating, and quiet recreation, reflecting how the water shapes local outdoor habits and leisure time.
A boat launch on the southwestern shore is open year-round and is managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The lake sits west of Olympia and is easy to reach by car from most parts of the region.
The lake's water is oligotrophic, meaning it is naturally low in nutrients and filters itself over time. This makes it a drinking water source for the surrounding community, which also explains the clarity that visitors notice when they look into the water.
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