Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake

Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake is a large reservoir created by a dam on the Columbia River, with a long, winding shoreline that curves through forested and open terrain. The water body connects several counties and receives water from multiple river systems, creating a diverse landscape of bays and inlets.

The reservoir came into existence in the early 1940s when a major dam was completed across the Columbia River, transforming the landscape. A few years later it was named after a former U.S. president.

The lake sits in a region shaped by Native American tribes whose presence remains woven into local place names and stories. Visitors can explore sites that reflect this heritage and learn how indigenous peoples used these lands long before the water arrived.

The lake offers several activities along its shores including boating, fishing, and swimming at different access points. Visitors should plan for varying distances to reach different areas and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

The lake draws water from three different river systems, which influences how the water moves and changes throughout the year. This mix of sources creates varying conditions in different parts of the reservoir that many visitors overlook.