Fivemile Lake
History
Military Road runs along the eastern shore of the lake, next to the park. This road, built in the 1850s, once linked Fort Steilacoom with Fort Bellingham. The road's construction was authorized in 1857 to defend against Native American hostilities and the threat of foreign naval attacks. The road would help move supplies and troops between the forts, and would encourage further settlement of the area. Construction began in 1858, and the road was completed by 1860. The road connects Fivemile Lake to Star Lake and Angle Lake.
Description
Fivemile Lake is popular for fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and also has bluegill and largemouth bass. Due to high nutrient concentrations, Fivemile lake is moderately eutrophic.
Fivemile Lake Park is run by King County. Its amenities include fields, trails, and a dock. A new playground opened in 2016.
On April 5, 2023, one kayaker was killed and another was hospitalized after their boats capsized. The fire chief stressed the importance of life jackets, as neither kayaker was wearing one.
References
- ^ "Author to share history of Military Road at Federal Way event". Federal Way Mirror. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Stein, Alan. "Federal Way — Thumbnail History". HistoryLink.
- ^ "Fivemile Lake". Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ "Fivemile Lake". King County. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ McDonald, Cathy. "Five Mile Lake County Park trails". Seattle Times. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ "FIVE MILE LAKE PLAYGROUND NOW OPEN!". King County Parks. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Whitaker, Denise. "Fire chief stresses importance of life jackets after drownings at Fivemile Lake". KOMO News. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Knowles, Hannah. "1 man dead, 1 in critical condition after water rescue at Fivemile Lake in Auburn". KEPR. Retrieved December 24, 2023.