Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Picnicking, Wenberg State Park's Got It And More

Wenberg State Park drops in tiers from its entrance to a boat launch, small swimming beach and a shaded picnic area on the shores of Lake Goodwin.

Sixty-five standard campsites and 10 with utility hookups are nestled in the trees at the upper level. Perched above the beach and overlooking a lawned point, a concession stand offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus firewood, fishing tackle and bait.

From the 545-acre lake the park appears as a natural amphitheater of thick forest. The beach is a stage for recreational activities.

During the fishing season, April 21 to October 31, early mornings and late evenings belong to fishermen. By 8 a.m. several boats and rubber rafts sit on the water with lines over the side.

Fishing at Wenberg/Lake Goodwin is "pretty good," according to a local with one eye on three lines dangling in the water and the other on a youngster who's chasing a squirrel. "We seem to catch something every time we come. Last week my kid got a large rainbow."

Others say the 1991 season has been slow, but fish are being caught if you know where to find them. A limit of five has been posted for bass - two of which may be over 15 inches. Only bass less than 12 inches or more than 15 may be kept.

Mornings and evenings are also prime time for quiet walks through the forest of Douglas fir, hemlock, western red cedar, alder and maple. Take the half-mile trail through the 46-acre park and you may see deer, raccoon, mountain beaver, otter or mink. If you're a bird watcher, chances are better of spotting a variety of song birds, ducks, cormorants, and sea gulls.

An estimated 200,000 people use Wenberg each year. On summer weekends the shoreline is filled with sunbathers and swimmers. On the lake, motorboats vie for space with water and jet skiers.

With the only public boat access to Lake Goodwin, Wenberg's launch is heavily used and during the peak season the lake is patrolled by the Snohomish County Sheriff's marine unit. Since boating regulations are established by the county and can vary with each body of water, park personnel advise learning the local rules prior to arrival.

Lake Goodwin vessel speed limits are 35 mph during the day and eight mph in darkness.

Water-skiers must stay at least 100 yards from swimmers, and are required to wear flotation gear. Swimmers are prohibited from using floating devises and snorkels.

During the summer season, the limit for tent and trailer campsites is 10 consecutive nights. Rentals are on first-come, first-serve basis, with summer prices set at $8 per night for standards and $12 for hookups with power and water.

Use of the kitchen shelter and gazebo, which has a maximum capacity of 150, requires reservations and damage deposits. When not reserved, it's available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Because of heavy usage between Memorial Day and Labor Day, park personnel advise reserving dates in January and February.

Wenberg State Park opens at 6:30 a.m. through October 15, and 8through March 31. It closes at dusk all year. The concession is closed during winter, is open weekends in early spring and late summer, and operates seven days a week during peak season. In winter the park is used primarily as camping getaway.

Other facilities include restrooms and children's playground equipment. Although steep in places, all roads are paved, and most areas are wheelchair accessible. Got a great idea for a local getaway? Give us a call at 745-7800 or write to us at Seattle Times Snohomish County Bureau, 1211 164th St. S.W., Suite 101, Lynnwood, WA 98037.

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If you go: From Interstate 5 take Exit 206 and travel west on 172nd Street N.W. for 2.4 miles, then turn right on Lakewood Road. Continue west 2.7 miles to Lake Goodwin Road, turn south 1.4 miles to the park.