Lake Tapps

Reservoir Reservoir in Washington used for recreation and irrigation

Lake Tapps, a managed reservoir near Tacoma, provides boating, wake sports and shoreline communities; anglers target bass and trout from public launches.

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Canal construction southeast of Lake Tapps, September 26, 1910 (SPWS 18).jpg
Construction of outlet canal from Lake Tapps to powerhouse, July 18, 1910 (SPWS 578).jpg
Control structure 3660.jpg

Lake Tapps is a man-made reservoir in Pierce County, Washington State, used for recreation and with extensive residential shoreline. It functions as a local focal point for boating, fishing and watersports for communities in the nearby area.

The lake is used extensively for seasonal recreation and has multiple public access points and parks that provide boat launches and picnic areas. The shoreline includes dense lakeside housing and private docks that give the lake a residential character.

The body of water was created and is managed as a reservoir rather than a natural lake; its use and shoreline development have changed over the 20th and 21st centuries as housing and recreational demand increased. Management of water levels and access is handled through local bodies and utility arrangements.

Lake Tapps sits in eastern Pierce County near the communities of Bonney Lake and Sumner, roughly southeast of the Seattle metropolitan area. The lake is surrounded by suburban and semi-rural land uses and is reached by local county roads.

  • Recreation and access: Public parks and launch sites provide access for boating, fishing and watersports; much of the shoreline is lined with private homes and docks.
Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps, Pierce County (near Bonney Lake), Washington, USA
47.2222, -122.1665
Open 24 hours
Free

How to Get to Lake Tapps #

About 30-45 minutes’ drive from Tacoma and 60-75 minutes from Seattle depending on traffic; access via WA‑167 to local exits and county roads into Bonney Lake and surrounding communities.

Tips for Visiting Lake Tapps #

  • The city side of Lake Tapps is lined with residential parks-visit a public boat launch if intending to put a craft in the water.
  • Weekday mornings are quieter; weekends attract local boaters.
  • If planning a longer excursion, check the local county parks for seasonal events and access restrictions.

Best Time to Visit Lake Tapps #

Summer is the busiest for recreational use; spring and autumn are quieter and still pleasant for exploration.

Summer
June-August · 15-28°C
Peak recreation season for boating, wake sports and lakeside activity.
Spring-Autumn
April-May, September-October · 8-20°C
Fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for walking the shoreline.

Weather & Climate near Lake Tapps #

Climate

Lake Tapps's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1175 mm/year), wettest in November.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
11° 25°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (174 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

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