Waitts Lake Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Waitts Lake

Waitts Lake sits in the forested rolling terrain of Stevens County, Washington, at 1,950 feet elevation — four miles west of Valley and ten miles south of Chewelah on Highway 395 in the state’s northeast corner. At 469 acres, it is an oval, spring-fed lake of comfortable proportions, set in the ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer landscape of the Colville National Forest foothills. Three private resort operations — Silver Beach Resort, Winona Beach Resort, and Waitts Lake Resort — serve a loyal following of fishing families, summer campers, and cabin visitors from the Spokane corridor, each maintaining its own boat launch, dock facilities, and campground. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a separate public access point and annually stocks brown and rainbow trout alongside the lake’s natural populations of largemouth bass and yellow perch. The fishing season opens in late April and runs through February 28, covering nearly the full calendar year.

On the water

The lake’s oval shape and consistent depth make it unusually well-suited to sailing alongside fishing and motorised boating — consistent afternoon wind patterns and open water have established it as a recognised sailing destination in Stevens County. The three resort launches and the WDFW public ramp collectively distribute access around the perimeter with unusual generosity for a lake of this size. Fishing targets stocked brown and rainbow trout — including trophy-size fish planted by WDFW in spring — alongside largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Swimming is available at resort beach areas on a day-pass or registration basis at each resort. A Washington fishing licence is required for anglers 15 and older; check current WDFW regulations at wdfw.wa.gov. Follow Clean, Drain, Dry invasive species protocols at all boat launches.

What to do near Waitts Lake

The Colville National Forest surrounding the lake maintains hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including access to the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge and some of the finest elk habitat in Washington. Chewelah, ten miles north, is an understated small town with 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort offering year-round outdoor recreation — downhill skiing, mountain biking, and hiking on Mount Chewelah alongside an active independent food and arts scene on Main Street. The Grand Coulee Dam complex on the Columbia River, 30 miles west, represents one of the defining engineering achievements of the 20th century, with the Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt systems extending the recreation options considerably.

When to go and where to stay

Late April through June delivers the finest combination of freshly stocked trout, comfortable spring temperatures, and the quieter atmosphere of the pre-summer season. Stocked browns and rainbows are most accessible in the weeks immediately following the spring plant, when cool water keeps fish in the shallows. July and August bring the warmest swimming conditions and the busiest resort season; weekday visits offer considerably more space on the water. Fall through October is excellent for bass as largemouth become more aggressive in cooling temperatures. The 49 Degrees North ski season makes winter visits viable for families, and ice fishing is possible when conditions allow. Silver Beach, Winona Beach, and Waitts Lake Resort each offer camping and cabin rentals with dock access; additional vacation rental properties are available in the Valley and Chewelah area. Browse Lake.com for cabin and vacation home listings near Waitts Lake in Stevens County, Washington.