American Lake
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Locations
- USA > West > Washington
American Lake: Description
American Lake is located just eight miles southwest of Tacoma, Washington but is also conveniently located to the Seattle and Bellevue metro areas. American Lake received its name during the area's pioneer days when more American settlers homesteaded near the lake as compared to the number of English settlers who homesteaded in neighboring regions.
Although American Lake is in an urban location, the natural beauty and wildlife is abundant. Looking south of the lake, a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier is visible to lake visitors and home owners. As eagles soar above American Lake, rainbow trout, kokanee, yellow perch, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and cutthroat swim below the crystal water waiting for the eager anglers. There are multiple public boat launches available around American Lake for easy access to the lake for fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and tubing.
With a military base on the south end of American Lake, there is a military park on the shores of the lake for use by the base personnel and their families. Also, private homes are abundant around the lake with their own private access to the lake or private community parks. American Lake is also home to the only full service seaplane base between Seattle and Mexico where seaplanes can land and take off.
American Lake North Park and Harry Todd Park are two public parks on the large American Lake. Both of these parks offer lakeside beaches for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Commencement Bay Rowing Club which offers rowing for competitors of all ages is located at Harry Todd Park.
With the convenience of urban living, the abundant natural beauty, and the excitement of lake living, American Lake is a great place to live and visit.
American Lake: Statistics
- Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed
- Area: 1,100 acres
- Shoreline length: 12 miles
- Normal elevation: 235 feet
- Mean depth: 53 feet
- Maximum depth: 90 feet
- Volume: 60,000 acre-feet
- Catchment area: 26 sq.miles
- Trophic state: mesotrophic
