Lake Tapps Park in Bonney Lake, Washington, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you love being near the water. Located at 2022 198th Avenue East, Bonney Lake, WA 98391, this park offers plenty of space and activities for families, friends, and anyone looking to relax or have fun outside.

 

What You Can Do at Lake Tapps Park

The park sits on the north side of Lake Tapps, a large reservoir covering about 4.5 square miles with roughly 45 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in 1911 and used to generate hydroelectric power until 2004. Today, it is managed by the Cascade Water Alliance and serves as a water source for many nearby communities. The lake is also open for recreation during the warmer months, with agreements in place to keep water levels stable for boating and fishing.

At Lake Tapps Park, you’ll find a sandy swimming area that’s perfect for kids and adults to cool off on sunny days. The water is clean, and the beach area is large enough to spread out and enjoy. There are picnic tables and BBQ grills, so you can bring your own food and have a nice outdoor meal. The park also has restrooms and walking trails, including a path that leads to a viewpoint with beautiful views of Mount Rainier.

For boaters, the park offers an improved boat ramp and bulkhead, making it easy to launch your boat or kayak. The boat launch is usually open from mid-April through late fall, though water levels are lowered from October to April for maintenance and safety reasons. This means boating is limited during the winter months.

Fishing is popular at Lake Tapps, with fish like largemouth and smallmouth bass, tiger muskies, yellow perch, and black crappie living in the lake. Anglers can use two poles and enjoy good shoreline access at the park. Just remember to follow local fishing rules, such as releasing tiger muskies under 50 inches.

 

Park Amenities and Facilities

Lake Tapps Park covers about 135 acres and has approximately 10,000 feet of waterfront. The park is mostly undeveloped, which means you get a natural setting with plenty of open space. The amenities include:

  • Beach access with a sandy swimming area

  • Picnic tables and BBQ grills for family meals

  • Restrooms for visitor convenience

  • Walking trails, including a peninsula trail that ends at a Mount Rainier viewpoint

  • Life jacket self-serve kiosk during the summer months for water safety

  • Improved boat ramp and bulkhead for easy boat launching

Parking is available, but it can be limited during busy times. The park is currently undergoing improvements to add 49 new parking spaces, two bus parking stalls, safer walkways from parking areas to the beach, and updated stormwater systems.

These upgrades are expected to improve accessibility and safety for visitors. Construction work is taking place from late April to late May, but the park remains open during this time.

 

Park Hours and Access

Lake Tapps Park is open daily with the following hours:

  • Monday – Sunday: 6 AM to 8 PM

 

About Lake Tapps and the Surrounding Area

Lake Tapps itself is a man-made reservoir held in place by a series of dikes. The shoreline is very complex, with many inlets, peninsulas, and islands, making it interesting for boaters and kayakers to explore. Water is diverted from the White River into Lake Tapps and then returned downstream after passing through the former hydroelectric infrastructure.

The lake is located mostly in unincorporated Pierce County, with parts inside the city of Bonney Lake. Bonney Lake is a growing community with many parks, trails, and local events. Nearby parks include Allan Yorke Park, which hosts summer concerts and family events, and Victor Falls Park, which offers walking paths and picnic areas near a 70-foot waterfall.

Bonney Lake is also convenient for commuters, with easy access to highways that connect to Tacoma and Seattle. The city offers a mix of lakeside homes, hillside neighborhoods, and plenty of outdoor activities year-round.

 

Tips for Visiting Lake Tapps Park

  • Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic, but be sure to clean up afterward to keep the park clean.

  • Use the life jacket kiosk if you plan to swim or boat, especially for children.

  • Check the water levels and boat launch availability before heading out, especially in early spring or late fall when the lake is lowered.

  • Follow fishing regulations to help protect the lake’s fish population.

  • Expect some construction-related delays or reduced parking during spring improvements, but know that the park remains open.

 

Lake Tapps Park is a welcoming place to spend time outdoors, whether you want to swim, fish, boat, or just relax by the water. Its natural beauty, combined with helpful facilities and easy access, makes it a favorite spot in Bonney Lake for locals and visitors alike. Next time you’re looking for a day of fun in the sun, consider Lake Tapps Park for a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

 

 

Sources: yelp.com, visitpiercecounty.com
Header Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org