Williams Lake in eastern Washington is a favorite destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This long, narrow 320-acre lake is less than 30 miles from Spokane, near Cheney. Although a few homes are perched on the northern and eastern shorelines, most visitors head to one of the two resorts that cater to guests. Although Williams Lake doesn’t have a public beach, it is a popular place for swimming, picnicking, and dock fishing since one of the resorts gives day permits to its sandy beach. Boaters can launch their boats at the public boat launch or the resort for a modest fee.
The windswept lake is a haven for sailing fans, who often launch from the public boat ramp without overhead wires. Sailboats, however, should be cautious during periods of low water as the ramp may become too shallow for larger boats. The lake allows all motor types, making it ideal for waterskiing, jet skiing, sail-boarding, tubing, and pontooning, especially on hot summer weekends. Both resorts rent boats and motors, making kayaks popular among day visitors.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and triploid rainbow trout. Additionally, a few tiger trout can be caught. Williams Lake is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, especially on opening day and around Father’s Day when an extra 400 triploid trout are stocked. Many families plan their summer vacations around this special stocking schedule. Fishing licenses can be obtained at the resort stores or local bait and tackle shops. An access permit is required when using any WDFW land.
The resorts offer various lodging options for extended stays, including cabins, tent campsites, and RV sites. Some lakefront sites are available on an annual lease, and private homes around the lake often offer short-term rentals. Both resorts feature on-site restaurants open to the public, and regular boating clients frequently visit these establishments while cruising the lake. The quiet roads around Williams Lake are perfect for walking and bicycling, and the surrounding bare basalt landscape, shaped by ancient ice-age floods, provides a unique and surreal backdrop.
Williams Lake serves as a base for exploring the unique landscape of the ‘Channeled Scablands.’ Nearby, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge showcases various terrains left by prehistoric floods, providing migratory birds and waterfowl habitats. The refuge is a haven for wildlife observers and offers controlled seasonal hunting to maintain ecological balance.
Several other lakes, including Badger Lake and Downs Lake, are situated nearby, forming part of the same historical watercourse. The area features remnants of flood scouring, basalt cliffs, and small pothole lakes. The local farm towns and villages retain their western roots, with heritage festivals, rodeos, and annual events adding to the charm.
The town of Cheney hosts Cheney Rodeo Days in July, centered around a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo. Cheney, home to Eastern Washington University, also offers cultural and arts-related events, including theater productions, art exhibitions, and special interest events. Lodging options in Cheney include hotels and bed & breakfasts, with additional amenities available in Spokane, just 20 miles away. Spokane offers four-season fun, from outdoor adventures to unique dining and nightlife, making it a perfect complement to a visit to Williams Lake.