Buy Your WA Fishing License Ahead
Washington state requires a valid fishing license to fish; buy it online before arrival to avoid fines.
Creekside Fishing & Swimming Adventure – Explore Cedar Tree Graveyard & Scenic Campgrounds!
You arrive at the creek just as the morning pulls itself out of the pines — the surface glassy, the cedar trunks staring like a congregation of old sentinels. The air smells of damp needles and river stone; a distant riffle dares you to come closer. This is Big Lake Adventure, a short, unrushed immersion that feels like a secret handed down between locals: a day of swimming, casting for trout, wandering a cedar tree graveyard, and, if your timing is right, watching salmon thread their way upstream in October. Book your slot with local hosts and the experience unfolds essentially the way the place intends — slow, honest, and governed by the water.
Washington state requires a valid fishing license to fish; buy it online before arrival to avoid fines.
Sturdy, water-ready shoes help on slick creek rocks and during short scrambles to casting spots.
In October, keep distance from spawning beds and keep noise low to avoid stressing fish.
Mornings and evenings are cool; keep electronics dry and wear layers you can shed after a swim.
Salmon (seen in October), Bald eagles
Visitors are asked to avoid spawning beds, pack out all trash, and follow state fishing regulations to protect salmon runs and aquatic habitat.
Spring brings fresh greens and strong stream flows; fishing can be productive but expect brisk water and cooler swims.
Warm afternoons are perfect for swimming and casting from the shore; arrive early to secure a good picnic spot.
October’s salmon run is the highlight — bring binoculars and dress in layers for chilly mornings by the creek.
Winter is quiet and raw; access may be limited by weather, but the landscape takes on a spare, dramatic quality.
Shoot low along the bank for reflections; bring a 70–200mm lens for wildlife and salmon action; use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and bring spare batteries—cold mornings drain them fast.
Legally required for fishing on-site — purchase online before arrival.
Protects feet on slick rocks and when entering/exiting the creek.
Mornings can be chilly; a shell keeps you comfortable and dry.
Keeps electronics and valuables safe during swims or sudden rain.