You’re driving through the dense, dripping evergreens of Clark County, Washington, and suddenly the road dips. You aren't just entering a park; you’re entering a caldera. Well, a volcanic maar, technically. Battle Ground Lake State Park is one of those places that feels like a glitch in the geography. It’s a perfectly circular lake sitting inside a collapsed volcanic crater, surrounded by 280 acres of lush forest that feels about a thousand miles away from the traffic on I-5.
Most people around Vancouver or Portland think of it as just a place to take the kids swimming in July. They’re missing the point.
What’s actually under the water at Battle Ground Lake State Park?
Geology is weird here. About 100,000 years ago, hot magma hit groundwater and basically blew a hole in the earth. This wasn't a Mount St. Helens-style mountain-top removal. It was a localized steam explosion. The result is a lake that is surprisingly deep—roughly 60 feet in some spots—and remarkably still. Because it’s tucked into that crater, the wind rarely hits the water surface with much force.
It stays glassy.
If you’re a fisherman, you already know this. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) stocks this crater with thousands of Rainbow trout every year. They also dump in "lunker" broodstock—massive fish that have finished their time at the hatchery. Catching a 10-pound trout in a tiny volcanic lake is a legitimate thrill. You'll see people on the dock with standard power bait, but the locals who actually catch the big ones are usually out in small rowboats or float tubes, dropping lines deep where the water stays cool.
The water isn't crystal clear. It has a greenish, tea-like tint. That’s not "dirty" water; it's just the natural tannins from the surrounding forest and the lack of a major inlet or outlet stream. It’s a closed system, mostly fed by seepage and rain.
The name is a bit of a letdown (if you want a war)
You’d think "Battle Ground" implies a massive, bloody conflict. It doesn't.
In 1855, there was a standoff. A group of Klickitat Indians left the Vancouver barracks, and a company of volunteers led by Captain William Strong went to bring them back. They met at the site of the present-day park. There was a lot of tension, some negotiation, and eventually, the Klickitat agreed to return peacefully. No shots were fired. No "battle" happened. When Strong returned without a victory, the settlers mocked him by calling the area "Strong’s Battle Ground." The name stuck, though the heroics were non-existent.
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The hiking trails aren’t just for hikers
Most visitors stay near the swimming area and the picnic tables. That’s a mistake. The trail system at Battle Ground Lake State Park is a 5-mile network that circles the rim and dives into the woods.
It’s muddy. Wear boots.
The Lower Lake Trail is the easy one—a flat loop around the water. But the Upper Rim Trail is where you get the actual "crater" experience. You’re looking down through the Douglas firs and Western red cedars at the water below. It’s also one of the few places in the immediate area that allows horses. You will see hoof prints. You will probably see horse manure. It’s part of the charm of a multi-use park.
For mountain bikers, it’s not exactly a destination for "shredding." The trails are rooty and often slick. If you want high-speed flow, go to Rocky Point. If you want a technical, slow-speed workout through ferns and moss, this works perfectly.
Camping in a volcano
Camping here is a strange mix of convenience and "real" woods. There are 25 standard campsites, 6 hookup sites for RVs, and 15 primitive walk-in sites.
If you want peace, book the walk-in sites.
The main loop can get loud. It’s a favorite for families with young kids, meaning you’ll hear screaming and bike tires on gravel until 10:00 PM. But the walk-in sites—specifically sites 35 through 40—feel much more secluded. You have to haul your gear about 100 to 200 yards from the parking lot, but the payoff is a much higher "forest-to-human" ratio.
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The cabins are another story. They’re basically wooden tents with a heater and a bed. They sell out months in advance for the winter because they’re one of the few ways to "camp" in Washington’s rainy season without waking up in a puddle.
Why the "swimming hole" reputation is complicated
In the peak of summer, the beach at Battle Ground Lake State Park is packed. It’s the closest thing the area has to a "local beach."
But here’s the reality: the water gets warm. Because it’s a small, stagnant body of water, it can occasionally host toxic algae blooms late in the season. Before you pack the kids and the floaties, you absolutely must check the Clark County Public Health beach advisories. They test the water regularly. If there’s a "Caution" or "Warning" sign posted, stay out of the water.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to these blooms. Don't let your lab drink the lake water in August without checking the stats first.
Practical tips for your visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
First, you need a Discover Pass. It’s $10 for a day or $30 for the year. There’s an automated pay station near the entrance, so don't try to sneak in. The rangers here are active and they will ticket you. Honestly, just buy the annual pass; it pays for itself in three visits to any Washington state park.
Second, the parking lot fills up by 11:00 AM on any Saturday that’s over 75 degrees. If you aren't there early, you’ll be circling the lot like a vulture or parking way out on the road and walking in.
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Third, bring a paddleboard or a kayak. There are no motors allowed on the lake. No buzzing jet skis. No gas fumes. Just the sound of paddles hitting the water and the occasional splash of a trout. It’s one of the best places in the county to learn how to SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) because the water is so flat.
Beyond the lake: The town of Battle Ground
If you’re making a day of it, don't just stay in the park. The actual city of Battle Ground is about three miles away and has evolved from a sleepy farming town into a bit of a craft hub.
- Barrel Mountain Brewing: Great for a post-hike burger. The "Luv You Long Time" IPA is a staple.
- Old Town Battle Ground: There’s a cluster of antique shops and a solid coffee roaster (Village Books & Coffee) if you need to warm up after a rainy hike.
- Eateries: If you want something quick, the Main Street strip has a surprising amount of variety, but the park itself is the best place for a picnic.
What most people get wrong about the "Winter Season"
Washingtonians tend to hide indoors from November to March. That’s the best time to visit this park.
The moss goes neon green. The mist hangs inside the crater rim, trapped by the geography. It feels like a scene from a prehistoric movie. Since the lake doesn't freeze often, the fishing continues, and the crowds disappear. You can walk the entire rim trail and not see another human being. It’s quiet in a way that’s hard to find so close to a metropolitan area.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Battle Ground Lake State Park, here is your immediate checklist:
- Check the Algae: Visit the Clark County Public Health website if it's between July and September.
- Verify Fishing Regs: If you’re over 15, you need a Washington freshwater fishing license. You can buy one online or at the local Ace Hardware in town.
- Pack for Mud: Even in July, the shaded parts of the rim trail stay damp. Don't wear your brand-new white sneakers.
- Arrive Early: Aim for 9:00 AM on weekends to snag a lakeside picnic table with a grill.
- Download the Map: Cell service is spotty once you drop down into the crater. Download an offline map of the trails on AllTrails or the State Park website before you arrive.
The park is located at 18002 NE 249th St, Battle Ground, WA 98604. It’s open year-round for day use from 8:00 AM to dusk. Whether you’re there to hunt for lunker trout or just to sit in a volcanic hole and clear your head, it’s a weirdly special piece of the Pacific Northwest that deserves more than a cursory glance from the car window.