Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Protected natural area in the United States
Lake Roosevelt is a large reservoir in northeastern Washington created by damming the Columbia River at Grand Coulee Dam. The water extends about 130 miles with rocky shorelines, dry terrain, and numerous coves and sandy beaches suitable for recreation.
Grand Coulee Dam was constructed in the early 1940s and artificially created this massive water body. The region was previously home to Native tribes and contained historic frontier sites including Fort Spokane and St. Paul's Mission from the 1800s.
The lake's name honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his vision for bringing electricity to rural areas. The communities that once thrived here reflect how Native American tribes like the Colville and Spokane sustained themselves through the land and water for generations.
Visitors can launch boats at several access points but should check local regulations and fees beforehand. Water levels are maintained throughout the year to ensure safe conditions for boating and other water activities.
The area was originally named Coulee Dam Recreational Area when established in 1946 and renamed in 1996, though many locals still use the old name. Beneath the water lie submerged settlements and ruins from communities that were flooded when the lake was created decades ago.
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