At the Lake
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Swimming Areas
There are three main swimming/access areas on Eagle Lake – two on the dam by the lake shelter and boat dock, and one at Otter Point, a small clearing in the woods on Forest Lane that hosts a picnic table and some chairs. No boats are stored there, but you can easily walk, paddle from the dam, or drive to Otter Point.
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Lake Shelter
The Lake Shelter at one end of the dam with picnic tables, barbecue grill and fireplace, is a wonderful spot for a
cookout. The deck by the shelter also has picnic tables and some Adirondack-style chairs, and a small sandy beach for wading or heading out for a swim. If you’re hosting more than ten people at the lake or are planning a small private lakeside gathering, please reserve the Lake Shelter and adjacent areas. Contact the ELCA Secretary to request the facility. Include the
intended date and time and approximately the number of guests you are hosting. The ELCA Secretary will send you all the event guidelines, instructions for facility use, notify the community about your event and post your reservation on the community calendar. The dock area remains open for use by Eagle Lake residents during special events and they may access the lake, swim and enjoy the water while your event is going on. A children’s play structure is located just below the dam. Many children like to play there and in the sandy beach
area near the shelter as well. In both areas, adults should accompany children at all times.
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Boat Dock & Equipment
All boats stored near the boat dock are owned by individual community members, but two are available for any community member’s use. Please treat all boats with care and return them to locked storage clean and in good
condition. The code for the community boat locks is distributed regularly to all owners. An adult must be in the
immediate vicinity of the dam if anyone under 18 uses a boat on the lake. Whether you are swimming at the boat dock or launching your boat, please be respectful of the space so that everyone can enjoy the area. The boat shed is used for paddles, life jackets, and floatation devices only. This gear belongs to individual members and is available for your use with the understanding that you will take care of it and always put it away properly. Limited space means that other personal items, including fishing gear, cannot be accommodated in the
shed. Remember: Washington law requires every occupant of a boat less than 16 feet long – and canoes and kayaks
of any length – to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket. Buoyant cushions do not satisfy this requirement. An assortment of flotation devices and life jackets are available in the gear locker near the boat dock, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the PFDs are in good condition, are worn, and fit properly. Boats left on the undeveloped sections of the dam and on the boat racks are personal property. Members of our community and their guests should not use them. No motorized vehicles are permitted on Eagle Lake, unless a special exception has been granted by the Board for maintenance such as removing fallen trees from the lake.
Fishing
The Association stocks our 17-acre lake with young trout each spring. Fishing in Eagle Lake is limited to a maximum of 2 fish per day or 50 fish per year per site. Catch and release is encouraged, but not mandatory. (They do make a marvelous breakfast, if you get up early enough!) Please do not fish, bait hooks, or leave fishing gear within 20 feet of the deck or beach near the Lake Shelter – this is the main wading and swimming area. Good fishing is available from a boat or along the dam, including from the boat dock. Please don’t leave fish remains on the dock, the beach, or around the lake.
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Noise
With houses in close proximity, noise carries easily—especially along the lake. Please be respectful of the fact
that silence is one of the virtues that attracts many people to Eagle Lake.
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Pets
Several of us have dogs, and they are often with us on hikes or swimming with us in the lake. In order for everyone to enjoy their time at the lake or on the trails, please keep your dogs leashed. Most importantly, YOU MUST CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS. To help with this while you and your pets are in the common areas of the property, there are disposable bags available at the boat dock, at the beach parking area, and on the playfield. As our houses are often close to one another, please do not allow barking dogs to disturb your neighbors.
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Visitors
Eagle Lake is private property. Beginning at our entry gate, visitors who aren’t guests of Association members may not tour the property unless accompanied by a realtor or ELCA member. To ensure privacy and minimize our legal liability, please introduce yourself to people you encounter at Eagle Lake who you don’t know. If they are not members, guests of a member, or owners of property in Blue Heron or Outward Bound, courteously advise them they are not allowed to tour the property unless escorted by a member or realtor. As a community member, you are responsible for your guests. Guests who are staying in your home are welcome to use the lake, trails and facilities. Please accompany your day use guests while they are enjoying our common areas.
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