Lewis County has no shortage of wild rivers and mountain lakes, but late August is when Mayfield Lake really shines. By this time of year, the water has warmed into the comfortable mid-60s, the afternoon breeze settles the surface to glass by early evening, and the surrounding forest is lush and deep green from a summer of sunshine. If you own a kayak — or you're willing to rent one — this is the place to be.
Where is Mayfield Lake and how do I get there?
Mayfield Lake is a 2,200-acre reservoir formed by the Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz River, about 40 minutes east of Centralia on Highway 12. The main public access point is Ike Kinswa State Park, located at 873 State Route 122 in Silver Creek, about three miles west of Mossyrock. From Centralia, take Highway 12 east toward Morton, turn south on Highway 122 at the signs for Mossyrock, and follow the lake shore to the park entrance. The drive is scenic from start to finish — the Cowlitz River runs alongside the highway for much of the way, and the foothills of the Cascade Range rise on either side.
What is the best paddle route on Mayfield Lake?
The classic paddle starts from the swim area at Ike Kinswa State Park. You can launch your kayak from the sandy beach or the designated boat launch (a Discover Pass is required for day use). Head north across the lake toward the mouth of the Cowlitz River arm. The water is flat and protected here — Class I flatwater, perfect for beginners and families.
As you paddle up the Cowlitz arm, the lake narrows and the hills close in. Mossy cliffs rise on both sides, draped in ferns and vine maple. The highway noise fades, and you're left with the sound of your paddle dipping into the water and the occasional call of an osprey circling overhead. You can paddle under the Highway 122 bridge for a different perspective — the echo of the bridge and the sudden cool shade are a welcome break on a warm afternoon.
For a longer outing, follow the Cowlitz arm all the way to where the river current begins to pick up, then turn around and drift back with the current. The round trip from the state park launch to the upper arm and back is about three to four miles and takes two to three hours at a leisurely pace.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Mayfield Lake is rich with bird life. Bald eagles and osprey are common sights — watch for them perched in the tall snags along the shoreline or circling overhead. Great blue herons stalk the marshy edges of the Tilton River arm. If you're lucky, you might spot an otter slipping off a log or a deer drinking from the lake's edge at dawn or dusk. The lake also has a healthy population of tiger muskie (the state record was caught here), but they stay deep in the warm months and you're unlikely to see them from a kayak.
When is the best time to go?
Late summer is the sweet spot. The water is at its warmest — mid-60s Fahrenheit — and the lake is generally calm in the morning and late afternoon. Midday can bring afternoon winds that kick up small waves on the main lake, so start early if you want glassy conditions. Evenings are spectacular: the sun sets behind the forested ridge to the west, and the lake turns silver and gold. The park is open from 6:30 AM to dusk, and the camping area stays open through October.
What about hiking at Ike Kinswa State Park?
If you want to stretch your legs after the paddle, Ike Kinswa has about 1.5 miles of hiking and biking trails through the forest along the lakeshore. The Lake Mayfield Trail South is an easy 4.1-mile out-and-back that hugs the shoreline and offers lake glimpses through the trees. It's a flat, family-friendly walk with minimal elevation gain and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The park also has a playground, horseshoe pits, and picnic shelters — making it an easy full-day destination for families.
What do I need to bring?
A few essentials for a Mayfield Lake paddle:
- Discover Pass — required for day use at Ike Kinswa State Park ($11.50 daily, $35 annual). Available at the park entrance.
- Life jacket — required by law for all kayakers and canoeists in Washington.
- Sunscreen and a hat — the sun reflects off the water and you'll feel it even on a mild day.
- Water and snacks — a lot more than you think you'll need. There are no services on the water.
- Dry bag — for your phone, keys, and any gear you want to keep dry.
- Fishing gear — if you're so inclined. Mayfield Lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the tiger muskie fishing is legendary (catch-and-release recommended for the big ones).
Can I camp at Ike Kinswa State Park?
Yes. Ike Kinswa has 80 standard campsites, many with water and electric hookups, plus a few primitive sites. The campground is open from mid-May through October, so late August is prime camping season. Sites run about $30-$40 per night plus the $11.50 day-use fee. The campground fills up on summer weekends, so reserve ahead through the Washington State Parks reservation system if you can.
Mayfield Lake has been a Lewis County favorite for generations. It doesn't have the fame of the mountain lakes, and that's exactly why it's worth paddling: quiet water, big sky, and the kind of afternoon that reminds you why you live here.
