Lower Cushman Dam

Lower Cushman Dam is a concrete hydroelectric facility on the North Fork of the Skokomish River that supplies power to the Tacoma area. The structure holds back water to create a reservoir behind it, which supports both electricity generation and local water management.

This dam was built in 1930 as an expansion of hydroelectric development that began a few years earlier with the first Cushman Dam. The project reflected growing efforts to harness river power for supplying electricity to expanding communities in the region.

The dam's development led to negotiations with the Skokomish tribe regarding water rights and environmental impact on their ancestral territories.

The dam is located in a forested valley and is best visited during drier weather when access roads and surrounding trails are easier to navigate. The site offers outdoor activities in the surrounding area, so it rewards a full visit to explore the river valley.

President Calvin Coolidge activated the power transmission lines of the Cushman dam system directly from the White House in an early remote control demonstration.

Location: Mason County

Inception: 1930

Elevation above the sea: 147 m

Height: 72 m

Length: 140 m

GPS coordinates: 47.39750,-123.20100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41