I have always enjoyed exploring different dams in the many states that I have traveled to. Mossyrock Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam and is the tallest dam in Washington state. It is 606 feet high and opened in 1968. Its purpose is to produce renewable hydroelectric energy to supply energy to several homes in the Tacoma area. Mossyrock Dam impounds Cowlitz River which created Riffe Lake. I was able to stop at the overlook and spend some time walking around the top of the dam. There are some really pretty views of Riffe Lake from this location.
There are two parks in the area around the lake that provide outdoor recreation. Both Taidnapam and Mossyrock Park have day-use facilities, camping, fishing and boat launches. read more