Ike Kinswa State Park

Ike Kinswa State Park is a Washington state park that encompasses a total area of 454 acres of land and 46,000 feet of shoreline that is mostly along the Tilton River including the point where the Cowlitz and Tilton rivers once merged. Access to the park is relatively simple as long as you find your way to Lewis County in Washington and more specifically by getting to the northern side of Mayfield Lake just off Highway 12, approximately four miles northwest of Mossyrock, a city in Lewis County. 

Initially, the park's original name was Mayfield Lake State Park which came about after the construction of the Mayfield Dam in 1963. In 1971, the park’s name was changed to Ike Kinswa State Park to honor a Native American called Ike Kinswa. Ike Kinswa was honored for both his distinction as a person and as a leader of the Cowlitz Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the land.

Besides the cultural and historical significance of the park, there are several other recreational activities that visitors to the park can enjoy. Some of these activities include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, water-skiing, biking, and windsurfing. The amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include 62 standard campsites, picnic areas, 41 utility campsites, showers, game courts, play area, bike trails, boat launches, swimming beach, dock, and hiking trails.

Dogs are also allowed into Ike Kinswa State Park, but like in other Washington state parks, some rules will need to be observed. First, all dogs must always be under physical restraint either through a leash that should not be longer than eight feet long, or kept in a secure enclosure. Secondly, dogs and other pets are not allowed in park buildings and in designated swimming areas. Third, the dog owner is expected to clean up after their pooch. It is, thus, a good idea to carry poop bags.