American Lake

American Lake
American Lake seen from the north park
American Lake
American Lake
LocationLakewood, Pierce County, Washington
Coordinates47°07′48″N 122°34′01″W / 47.130°N 122.567°W / 47.130; -122.567
Typelake
Primary inflowsGroundwater, Murray Creek
Primary outflowsSequalitchew Creek
Catchment area25 sq mi (65 km2)
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area1,091.3 acres (441.6 ha)
Average depth53 ft (16 m)
Max. depth90 ft (27 m)
Surface elevation238 ft (73 m)

American Lake is a lake located in Lakewood, Washington at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is the largest natural lake in Pierce County. There are two public parks on the large lake: American Lake North Park, and Harry Todd Park. Both have lakeside beaches for swimming, or picnicking. The first also features a boat launching area; the latter has tennis courts. There is a fishing dock located at Harry Todd Park. Fishing is a popular activity at American Lake, with cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, rock bass, smallmouth bass, Sockeye salmon (kokanee) and yellow perch the most sought-after game fish. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly monitors the health of the fishery and stocks favored species regularly.