Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area
Silver Creek, Washington · on Mayfield Lake · Ike Kinswa
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $10/day
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area
Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area is a designated freshwater swimming hole operated by Washington State Parks on the north shore of Mayfield Lake near Silver Creek/Mossyrock, Washington. The 454-acre lakeside park offers a day-use area with a sandy beach and swim area alongside camping, boating, and fishing facilities, making Mayfield Lake an inviting lake to swim in.
The park sits on the northern shore of Mayfield Lake (formed by the 1963 Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz/Tilton River system) in Lewis County, within a landscape the park describes as a rolling patchwork of farmland and forest, with creeks, fields, and seasonal wildflowers surrounding the 454-acre property.
Swimming at Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area
Swimming takes place directly off the lake's sandy beach in the park's day-use area on Mayfield Lake, a reservoir used for boating, water skiing, paddling and fishing as well as swimming; conditions are calm reservoir water suited to families and casual lake swimming rather than a whitewater or current-driven experience.
How to get to this swimming hole
The park is located at 873 State Route 122, Silver Creek, WA 98585, near Mossyrock, off State Route 122 along the north shore of Mayfield Lake.
The hike in
The park has 1.5 miles of internal hiking/biking trails, but the designated swim beach is directly adjacent to the day-use parking area, so no hike is needed to reach the water.
Short walk from the day-use lot to the beach; distance in minutes not specified on official sources.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Official park page confirms a dedicated sandy beach/swim area on Mayfield Lake with calm reservoir water, but no lifeguards are mentioned anywhere on the park's amenities list, and the swim area shares the lake with a boat launch (which itself has a noted ~10-inch drop hazard at the ramp base) and general boating/waterskiing traffic, so supervision is warranted.
Parking
Paid, Washington Discover Pass required ($10/day or $45/annual)
Day-use parking (including accessible parking) is provided at the park; a Discover Pass is required for day use, and a separate $7/day fee applies if launching a watercraft. Exact lot capacity is not published.
Restrooms
Yes
Restrooms and showers are listed among the park's day-use amenities; exact building location relative to the beach is not specified on the official page.
Hours
8:00 a.m. to dusk, year-round
On the water
Park's official page lists the lake as suited to boating, fishing, water skiing, paddling and swimming, and provides a concrete watercraft launch ramp ($7/day launch fee). The launch ramp has a safety notice: a material washout at the base of the ramp creates an abrupt ~10-inch drop, so caution is advised when launching/retrieving craft. No explicit no-wake, electric-only, or horsepower restriction was found in official sources.
Backstory
The park was created after completion of the Mayfield Dam in 1963 flooded the valley to form Mayfield Lake; originally named Mayfield Lake State Park, it was renamed in 1971 to honor Ike Kinswa, a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe who received a 165-acre land patent from President Benjamin Harrison during early settlement of the nearby Harmony community.
Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area: FAQ
Does Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area charge a fee?
Washington State Discover Pass required for day use ($10/day or $45/annual); separate $7/day fee for watercraft launch; RV dump station $5/use.
Is Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area kid friendly?
Official park page confirms a dedicated sandy beach/swim area on Mayfield Lake with calm reservoir water, but no lifeguards are mentioned anywhere on the park's amenities list, and the swim area shares the lake with a boat launch (which itself has a noted ~10-inch drop hazard at the ramp base) and general boating/waterskiing traffic, so supervision is warranted.
Do I need to hike to reach Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area?
Day-use parking (including accessible parking) is provided at the park; a Discover Pass is required for day use, and a separate $7/day fee applies if launching a watercraft. Exact lot capacity is not published.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area?
Park's official page lists the lake as suited to boating, fishing, water skiing, paddling and swimming, and provides a concrete watercraft launch ramp ($7/day launch fee). The launch ramp has a safety notice: a material washout at the base of the ramp creates an abrupt ~10-inch drop, so caution is advised when launching/retrieving craft. No explicit no-wake, electric-only, or horsepower restriction was found in official sources.
When is the best time to visit Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area?
summer
What are the rules at Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area?
Park hours are 8 a.m. to dusk year-round. Dogs allowed on leash. Fires permitted only in designated fire pits/grills (subject to burn-ban level).
What water body is Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area on?
Ike Kinswa State Park Swim Area is on Mayfield Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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