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Rock Lake is the deepest and largest of all scabland lakes left behind from the Missoula Floods, and holds that distinction for all of eastern Washington.[2][3] At its deepest, it is more than 360 feet (110 m) deep, although the official measurement is uncertain.[4][5] The lake is over 7 miles (11 km) long and averages 1 mile (1.6 km) in width, and is accessible via a solitary landing area located on the south end.[5] The rest of the shoreline is inaccessible to vehicles, other than a few private properties.
| Rock Lake | |
|---|---|
 View of Rock Lake from south end | |
  Rock Lake  Rock Lake | |
| Location | Whitman County, WA |
| Coordinates | 47°10′40″N 117°41′01″W |
| Type | Kolk lake |
| Primary inflows | Rock Creek |
| Primary outflows | Rock Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 7 mi (11 km)[1] |
| Max. width | 1 mi (1.6 km)[1] |
| Surface area | 2,190 acres (890 ha)[2] |
| Max. depth | 375 feet (114 m) |
| Surface elevation | 1,728 ft (527 m)[2] |
| Settlements | St. John |
Located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Cheney, Rock Lake is in a moderately remote location. Other towns in the area include Sprague, St. John, and Rosalia, although all are a number of miles away.
Rock Lake receives the majority of its water from Rock Creek, which further downstream is a tributary of the Palouse River, as well as Negro Creek. The lake is approximately 7 miles (11 km) long and 1-mile (1.6 km) wide, having a wildly varying depth with steep dropoffs plunging over 300 feet down.[6] About half a mile from the boat launch, the lake's characteristic geography can be seen: high basalt cliff walls on either side with rock pillars and spires protruding from the bottom. The steep basalt cliffs and stone pinnacles which can rupture a hull and a lack of shoreline, coupled with the wind tunnel effect from the region's notable Palouse winds, have led to many deaths on the lake.[6][7] In addition to the perils in the lake, its banks are also habitat for rattlesnakes in the spring and summer months.[7]
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The primary recreation activity on Rock Lake is fishing. Popular sport fishing species in the lake include: Crappie, Brown trout, Bluegill, and Rainbow trout.[2]
Running along the eastern shore of the lake is the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which is a converted rail trail.[7] This section of trail is now open, completing open access from Idaho to North Bend, Washington with the addition of the rail bridge over the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington.[8][9]
A dam was first considered[who?] at the mouth of Rock Lake in the lake 1930s, and base columns were installed.[10] The idea of a dam was abandoned at that point, because of the difficulty the topography would present.[citation needed]
Recently,[when?] interest in building a dam at this site has been renewed. Representatives of the Palouse-Rock Lake Conservation District are interested in having a dam built for the primary purpose of stabilizing water supply to right-holders below the dam by creating a consistent flow throughout the year.[10] The current plans for a dam would impound 110,000-120,000 acre feet of water.[10][11]
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