Horseshoe Lake Park
Woodland, Washington · on Horseshoe Lake · Horseshoe Lake Park
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Yes, see below
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Horseshoe Lake Park
Horseshoe Lake Park is a 6.5-acre city park in Woodland, Washington, built on the shore of Horseshoe Lake, an 83-acre former Lewis River oxbow that was diked off from the river in 1940 during highway construction. The City of Woodland officially lists swimming as a permitted activity, making the oxbow an in-town swimming hole alongside fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, though there is no lifeguard on duty.
The park sits on the north bank of Horseshoe Lake, a horseshoe-shaped body of water formed when a dike cut off an oxbow bend of the Lewis River near where Interstate 5 (then Highway 99) now crosses. The lake is designated 'no wake', giving it calm, flat water described by paddling sources as sheltered and beginner-friendly with no significant current.
Swimming at Horseshoe Lake Park
Swimming is an officially recognized activity at a designated swim area monitored by the city (tested near a buoy referred to as 'buoy 2'), but there is no lifeguard on duty. The lake is calm and warm-season swimmers share the water with anglers, kayakers, and canoeists; waymarking and first-hand accounts describe it as a popular local swimming spot in summer.
How to get to this swimming hole
Parking: Parking is available at the park, including a parking lot at the boat ramp facility; the park address is Park Rd, Woodland, WA 98674.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. Drive-up city park; the designated swim area is a short walk (well under 5 minutes) from the parking lot at the boat ramp. A walking path loops the park but is not required to reach the water.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Calm, no-wake, modest-depth lake with warm summer water is generally forgiving for kids, but there is no lifeguard on duty and the city periodically flags algae-bloom risk in late summer (check current water-quality test results before swimming), so adult supervision is recommended.
Parking
Free
Free parking lot at the concrete boat-ramp facility on the lake's north shore; no day-use fee. The Woodland City Council has discussed (but as of the sources found, not adopted) a proposal to add parking fees and lifeguards, so this could change.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms and porta-potties are on site at the park (per the official city park page); a community waymarking listing notes restroom hours are restricted rather than 24/7.
Water clarity
Varies with season and flow
Paddlers describe the water quality as 'generally good' with calm, protected, no-wake conditions, but note late-summer algae growth is possible; the city's own water-quality testing program (E. coli, phosphorus, chlorophyll) at the swim area exists specifically because of this seasonal algae risk. No first-hand visibility or clarity reports specific to this lake were found.
Hours
6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily (per community waymarking listing; not stated on the official city page)
On the water
Restrictions: No-wake lake with a 5 mph speed limit; small gas motors are permitted despite the wake restriction. Concrete boat ramp on the north shore accommodates all of the above.
Described by paddling sources as calm, sheltered, beginner-friendly flat water with no significant current, popular for casual kayaking/SUP alongside swimmers and anglers.
Rentals nearby
Single kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats, rented directly at Horseshoe Lake Park
Horseshoe Lake Park, off I-5 exit 21, Woodland, WA · 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, by reservation
Paddleboards, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and youth kayaks (up to 110 lbs)
Prices: $40 for up to 2 hrs / $15 each additional hour (paddleboard or single kayak); $80 for up to 2 hrs / $30 each additional hour (tandem kayak); $30 for up to 2 hrs / $10 each additional hour (youth kayak); 2-hour minimum rental
Has a dedicated Horseshoe Lake location at 544 Goerig Street, Woodland, WA (right at the lake); also operates from 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA (~5.7 mi away, on the Lake River) · 2026 season: weekends only 10 AM-6 PM (last rental 4 PM) starting April 26; daily (closed Mondays) 10 AM-6 PM June 12 through Labor Day
Backstory
Horseshoe Lake was formed in 1940 when a dike/levee (built alongside what became Interstate 5, then Highway 99) cut off an oxbow bend of the Lewis River. The park has historically hosted Woodland's annual Planter's Days festival (parade, amusement rides, frog jump) and an annual Fishing Derby; a monument to a local figure known as 'Indian Zack' once stood at a park fountain.
Horseshoe Lake Park: FAQ
Does Horseshoe Lake Park charge a fee?
No entrance fee.
Is Horseshoe Lake Park kid friendly?
Calm, no-wake, modest-depth lake with warm summer water is generally forgiving for kids, but there is no lifeguard on duty and the city periodically flags algae-bloom risk in late summer (check current water-quality test results before swimming), so adult supervision is recommended.
Do I need to hike to reach Horseshoe Lake Park?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Horseshoe Lake Park?
Free parking lot at the concrete boat-ramp facility on the lake's north shore; no day-use fee. The Woodland City Council has discussed (but as of the sources found, not adopted) a proposal to add parking fees and lifeguards, so this could change.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Horseshoe Lake Park?
Described by paddling sources as calm, sheltered, beginner-friendly flat water with no significant current, popular for casual kayaking/SUP alongside swimmers and anglers.
When is the best time to visit Horseshoe Lake Park?
Summer (roughly May-September), when the city increases water quality testing due to warmer temperatures and higher public use, and when sources describe the lake as most popular for swimming.
What are the rules at Horseshoe Lake Park?
Swimming is permitted but there is no lifeguard on duty; the lake is designated 'no wake', restricting motorized boat speed/wake.
What water body is Horseshoe Lake Park on?
Horseshoe Lake Park is on Horseshoe Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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