Nestled in the bustling Seattle and Puget Sound Corridor of Washington, Lake Tapps serves as a vital resource for water supply, recreation, and thriving fish ecosystems for the community. Despite being an artificial reservoir, the original Lake Tapps was a quaint body of water among a cluster of four small lakes nearby. The transformation occurred in 1911 when a diversion dam was erected along the White River near Buckley to redirect water flow to a nearby newly established reservoir. This development engulfed the original Lake Tapps and its neighboring lakes, creating a sprawling 2800-acre basin enclosed by artificial dikes to contain the water. Initially designed for hydroelectric power generation, this initiative, known as the White River Project, powered the locale for nearly a century through the Puget Sound Energy powerhouse stationed at an outlet in nearby Sumner. The shoreline of the reimagined Lake Tapps boasts a captivating irregularity with numerous arms, islands, and coves, attracting developers who secured extensive land parcels to construct vibrant communities along the shore and islands. Situated just a stone’s throw away from Pullayup and a short distance from Sumner, Lake Tapps swiftly evolved into a coveted destination for seasonal getaways and permanent residences. Sprouting along the 42-mile stretch of Lake Tapps, nearly a dozen ‘neighborhoods’ have flourished, united by association charters that oversee essential services facilitated by maintenance committees. These associations collaborate to preserve water quality, host seasonal events, and provide entertainment for local children.
Some neighborhoods offer recreational amenities such as clubhouses, playgrounds, swim beaches, and boat launches, with one even featuring a nine-hole golf course. While the western shoreline is adorned with residences, parts of the eastern shore remain expanses of open fields. The expansive waters of Lake Tapps beckon enthusiasts of water skiing, jet skis, pontooning, power boating, and paddle sports. Its proximity to urban centers like Federal Way, Auburn, Tacoma, and Seattle, embracing the Puget Sound, elevates Lake Tapps as an attractive address for executives and commuters. Bonney Lake integrated a segment of the southwest shore into its domain. Though shared with the public, Pierce County administers an 80-acre county park at the far reaches of a northwestern arm named Lake Tapps North County Park, boasting waterfront access, swimming areas, and two boat launches.
The City of Bonney Lake also presents a public lakefront park comprising various amenities for day-use visitors. Lake Tapps’ scenic backdrop juxtaposed against a suburban setting provides a haven for various waterfowl and wildlife. From eagles nesting in the shore’s trees to hiking trails within county-provided platforms for wildlife nesting, the area brims with natural wonders for exploration. Renowned among Washington anglers, Lake Tapps is famed for tiger musky and smallmouth bass, flourishing amidst the lake’s intricate network of islands, coves, and shoals that furnish diverse habitats for various fish species. In 2004, Puget Sound Energy ceased hydroelectric operations. This prompted a transition whereby Cascade Water Alliance assumed ownership, heralding agreements with homeowners, tribes, and surrounding communities to ensure sustainable water levels and distribution. This marked a monumental victory for Lake Tapps residents, who underwent a decade-long effort to safeguard their beloved lake. With a balanced water management strategy now in place, Lake Tapps continues to thrive as a cherished locale ideal for both leisure and waterfront serenity. Uncover the allure of Lake Tapps firsthand and relish a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and modern comforts.
