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Bonnie
in Whitman and Spokane Counties (access point is in Whitman County) is a beautiful tranquil and good size spiny lake, with a county
owned island that you can camp on called Bonnie Island. The only
place around this lake that you are allowed to camp on is Bonnie
Island.
Land access is limited
to this Island and shore line of the lake directly east and west of
the Island. Lake shore access length is about the same length as the
Island.
In addition I
have been informed local land owners allow one to use the trail on
the north end of the lake to travel to and view the water fall
unless otherwise posted. There is no way to verify the accuracy of
this info so enter at your own risk.
Nice thing about Bonnie Lake is that
not everyone will give it a chance due to having to access it via a
small creek and most likely you will be alone on this lake. Be safe
and go with a partner. Also stay away from the canyon walls as
there are occasional rock slides. There are some fun features such
as caves and a natural land bridge. You will have to paddle up
(north) the small stream for about 3/4 mile in the bottom of a
canyon through grazing-land. It is a
good lake to sail on due to the winds funneling down the canyon and
the scenery is spectacular. There is a ton of wildlife along the
creek and around on and in the lake. Watch out for rattle snakes.
Very popular fishing and wildlife photography lake. You can access
this lake via a small 16' motorize fishing boat but is much easier
to access via the stream on a kayak or canoe. The stream gets very
shallow in late summer. Other Features:
1. As you
progress up the creek as you head toward the lake on left you will
see a natural land bridge (some call it an arch, but not
really classified as such). The bridge is well hidden but if you
look carefully you will see it. This bridge system is on private
land so no hiking is allowed to it. 2. Near the north end of the
lake is a beautiful water fall over 100 feet high (picture
and video coming soon), To get to this water fall go north up the
lake as you near the end of the lake stay to the right side and
there will be an inlet that you can navigate for about another .25
miles. When it becomes too shallow to paddle move to the right
side (east) of the creek and park your crafts out of the water on
the bank. You'll find a trail that leads to the water fall. Travel
about .75 miles to the waterfall. The land this trail is on is
private but the land owners allow access as long as we respect their
land and do not litter, unless otherwise posted. There is no way to
verify the accuracy of this info so enter at your own risk. Directions: FROM CHENEY, WA - Head south out of Cheney
on Cheney-Plaza Rd. for about 15 miles. When Cheney-Plaza Road
Splits off to the East, Take the west road, Rock Lake Rd. Take a
left onto Belsby Rd (a dirt Road, but not a private road) and
continue till the road drops down into the canyon. LAUNCH INFO - Park right west
of the
bridge and off the road as far as you can, there is a primitive
public boat launch on the S.E. side of the bridge (see pic. below).
More info and pictures and a very detailed report on this lake
click here. FROM SPOKANE WA. Travel West on I90 and take HWY 195
South to Rosalia, WA. Take the first Rosalia Exit. Travel through
the city of Rosalia and turn west onto Malden Rd. Turn right onto
Hole in the Ground Rd. follow this road until it drops into a canyon
to the launch site.
Maps: To view a map click on
www.mapquest.com and type in Bonnie Lake, WA. and select #1 to
get correct lake. Info: SEE launch info above
http://www.spokaneoutdoors.com/bonnie.htm
UP
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You have to access the lake via this narrow creek /
channel - go North!
Water Fall pic and video coming soon! |
