Rock Lake (Washington)

Located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Cheney, Rock Lake is in a moderately remote location. Other towns in the area include Sprague, St. John, and Rosalia, although all are a number of miles away.

Rock Lake receives the majority of its water from Rock Creek, which further downstream is a tributary of the Palouse River, as well as Negro Creek. The lake is approximately 7 miles (11 km) long and 1-mile (1.6 km) wide, having a wildly varying depth with steep dropoffs plunging over 300 feet down. About half a mile from the boat launch, the lake's characteristic geography can be seen: high basalt cliff walls on either side with rock pillars and spires protruding from the bottom. The steep basalt cliffs and stone pinnacles which can rupture a hull and a lack of shoreline, coupled with the wind tunnel effect from the region's notable Palouse winds, have led to many deaths on the lake. In addition to the perils in the lake, its banks are also habitat for rattlesnakes in the spring and summer months.

Recreation

The primary recreation activity on Rock Lake is fishing. Popular sport fishing species in the lake include: Crappie, Brown trout, Bluegill, and Rainbow trout.

Running along the eastern shore of the lake is the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which is a converted rail trail. This section of trail is now open, completing open access from Idaho to North Bend, Washington with the addition of the rail bridge over the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington.