American Lake is a lake located in

Lakewood, Washington Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, Washington, United States. The population was 63,612 at the 2020 census. History Lakewood was officially incorporated on February 28, 1996. Historical names include Tacoma/Lakewood Center and Lakes Distric ...

Joint Base Lewis-McChord A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones, ossicles, or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's skeletal system into a functional whole.Saladin, Ken. Anatomy & Physiology. 7th ed. McGraw ...

. It is the largest natural lake in Pierce County. There are two public parks on the large lake: American Lake North Park & Marina, and Harry Todd Park. Both have lakeside beaches for swimming, fishing, or picnicking. The first also features a boat launching area; the latter has tennis courts. Fishing is a popular activity at American Lake, with cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, rock bass, smallmouth bass, Sockeye salmon (kokanee) and yellow perch the most sought-after game fish. The

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is a department of the government of the state of Washington, United States of America. The WDFW manages over a million acres of land, the bulk of which is generally open to the public, and mor ...

regularly monitors the health of the fishery and stocks favored species regularly.

Areas of interest

Summer's Cove A small and mostly quiet area on the JBLM side where soldiers' families often swim on off duty days during the summer. It is located away from the fishing areas and near other areas of interest, including a nearby park and shore. Russell Landing Marina and Launching Dock A marina located near Summer's Cove that features a boat launch, a picnic area, and motor boat, kayak, and jet ski rentals. The marina is maintained by the

United States Army's Family and MWR Programs The United States Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs are executed within the Installation Management Command G9, Family and MWR Directorate, following the deactivation of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation ...

Islands

The lake contains or has contained these islands: Barlow Island, Beard Island, Cors Island, Short Island, and

Silcox Island Silcox Island is an inhabited island in American Lake in Pierce County, Washington. It is in the city of Lakewood, Washington. Although the island has had homes built on it, it is still mostly forested. History Silcox Island is named for Alber ...

, which is inhabited. Barlow Island was acquired by the State of Washington for

Camp Murray Camp Murray is located adjacent to Joint Base Lewis–McChord, Washington. It is home to the Washington Army National Guard, Washington State Guard and the Washington Air National Guard. See also * Washington National Guard Museum * Washington ...

in 1931.Washington State Legislature session laws, 1931, Chapter 57
H. R. 115, "Additional Lands for Camp Murray"
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References

Lakes of Washington (state) Lakes of Pierce County, Washington Tourist attractions in Pierce County, Washington Joint Base Lewis–McChord {{PierceCountyWA-geo-stub