Lake Cushman is a lake and reservoir on the north fork of the Skokomish River in Mason County, Washington. The lake originally was a long narrow broadening of the Skokomish River formed in a glacial trough and dammed by a terminal moraine from the Vashon Glaciation during the most recent ice age. The lake was expanded after construction of the Cushman Dam No. 1. The lake is maintained by this dam and provides electrical power to the Tacoma Power system. As a popular retreat for hiking, fishing, boating and kayaking, Lake Cushman's shoreline is dotted with resorts and rental cabins. The lake is notable for its beautiful crystal clear blue water and the huge round rocks surrounding it, as well as thick stands of hemlock, fir and cedar trees. Lake Cushman was named in honor of Orrington Cushman, who served as interpreter for Governor Isaac Stevens during the Treaty of Point Elliott negotiations with Puget Sound Natives in 1854. Geography Lake Cushman sits at above sea level and its maximum depth reaches up to . It is estimated to be around in length. The northern part of the lake (FS-24) is near the Staircase Entrance to Olympic National Park. The closest city is Hoodsport, located to the southeast via State Route 119. Surrounding the lake are Mount Ellinor, Mount Washington, Cub Peak, Mount Gladys, and Mount Rose. Access to Lake Cushman is limited during the winter months due to road closures and hazardous conditions. In an average winter, the lake water level drops by . History In 1889, the Antlers Hotel was built on Lake Cushman by a pair of East Coast businessmen on the property of Russell Homan. It attracted tourists from the Seattle area, who would arrive at Hoodsport by steamship and continue onward to Lake Cushman via stagecoach. The two-story hotel was destroyed in 1925 after it was inundated by rising lake waters following the construction of the Cushman Dam No. 1 by the City of Tacoma. After the property was flooded, many have attempted to search for the remains of the hotel under the lake. Recreation Hiking The Lake Cushman area offers access to multiple hiking trails: Big Creek Campground Trail #827 Big Creek Trailhead Big Creek Upper Loop #827.1 Copper Creek Trail #876 Copper Creep Trailhead Dry Creek East Trailhead Dry Creek Trail #872 Jefferson Pass Trailhead Mt. Ellinor Connector Trail #827.2 Mt. Ellinor Lower