Wenas Lake — Attraction in Naches

I live above the lake and I dont fish. No cost access. Lake is usually full by spring, which is the best time to just visit or kayak. As it gets hotter, water weeds and algae blooms in the lake and bluegreen algae is often seen on the bank by the dam. As an irrigation supply it is usually very low by August and cockleburs are in the weeds growing in the mud. A good place to swim only in late spring/ early summer but is usually peaceful anytime. Not much shade available along the road. In June it is a very good place to go for June berries and lots of wild currants are there in July. Although camas is available, the area has a high incidence of death camas so beware. Mountain lions frequent the area across the lake (dont let your kids wander alone) and watch out for rattlesnakes anywhere. Lots of cheat grass so check your dogs over very carefully when you get home. Not usually a lot of ticks but there are some. In late summer and autumn someone always gets their vehicle stuck in the mud when venturing too close to the water. Good place for birding during the migration seasons. Birders will also like the areas at the end of N Wenas Rd (middle and left forks). Good horse camping at the rec area...

I'm grateful Wenas Irrigation District board members allow walk in access to this private property. Vandalism and littering caused them to again prohibit vehicle traffic. I do trash cleanups here and was disappointed to see Yakima County's most prominent bird lister choose to not pickup a white paper bag by his feet when one of my trash barrels was just a couple feet from him. Please treat...

There is two ways to enter. The first is a bit rough and the road goes all along one side of the lake. Little spots to pull to the side and fish off the bank. The 2nd enterence is maintained and is the landing. It is over grown as seen in the picture here but the...