L.Snook NPS

Boating on Lake Roosevelt NRA.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area has 22 public boat launches and offers a wide variety of boating experiences for every type of watercraft from canoes to sailboats. Seasonal fluctuations regularly affect lake levels and access to boat launch facilities. Click here for current lake elevation or call the Bureau of Reclamation at (800) 824-4916. Minimum boat launch elevations at Lake Roosevelt are listed below. It can be dangerous to boat without an accurate navigational chart. You can purchase them at the District Offices, Visitor Information Centers, or by calling (509) 738-6266 ext 115.

Boat Launch Fees

Boating Regulations

Maps - map of boat launches and campgrounds

Houseboat Rentals 

Shoreline Camping

Boy Scout Canoe Trips

Buy Charts and Maps at the park's bookstore.

L.Snook NPS

Evans boat launch.

MINIMUM BOAT LAUNCH ELEVATIONS

NPS Photo

Canoeing on Lake Roosevelt.

BOY SCOUT 50 MILE CANOE TRIP FAQ's  (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What canoe routes and camping areas would you suggest for a party of 10 to get in 50 miles of canoeing in 4 days? Also, do you know a place we could park our canoe trailer/van (put in) and extra car at the(take out).
   
   A good route in the north end of the lake is to canoe from Bradbury Beach to Fort Spokane. Both have parking lots and toilets. You have to carry your own water to Bradbury.
   
   In the south end you could go from Hunters campground to Keller Ferry. It is a much harder route because of the higher volume of boat use in the southern part of the lake.
   
   Purchase a launch permit at the boat launch if you plan on using it to put in your canoes. They are good for 7 consecutive days.
   
   
2. Is there any risk of cars/equipment being damaged while we are on the lake.
   
   There is always risk to cars and equipment no matter where you go. If you file a float plan with us, (highly recommended), include good descriptions of your vehicles, a contact person not on the lake with you, and your expected date of arrival. Our Visitor & Resource Protection Rangers patrol everyday, but this is a big lake with 1 1/2 million visitors a year.
   
   
3. What are the potential impacts of the low water levels this summer? This could change our planning.
   
   The lower the water, the faster the current. Make sure your participants are wearing their life vest at all times on the water. The water is cold, and moving. Hypothermia is one of the biggest dangers here, even in summer.
   
   
4. Are there any other things we should be aware of for the trip?
   
   It is Federal law that you must carry approved coast guard approved Marine Sanitation Devices with you when you are primitive camping at Lake Roosevelt. Ammo cans with a bag are not approved. Being a reservoir, digging a hole does not work since lake fluctuations and erosion expose vast amounts of lakebed every year.
   
   Pack in and pack out EVERYTHING with you; trash, toilets, food waste.
   
   Beach fires are not allowed on land managed by the Park Service. Check regulations of the Colville or Spokane Reservations if you plan on camping on their land. You must have your permits from them before camping on their land.
   
   If you are going to file a float plan for the northern route please bring it or send it to our Kettle Falls District Office, 1368 S Kettle Park Rd., Kettle Falls, WA 99141, attention North District LE Ranger. Float plans for the southern route should go to the Spring Canyon District Office at 1008 Crest Dr., Coulee Dam, WA 99116, attention South District LE Ranger.