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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Lake Tapps #
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (174 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm).