While here in Randle, WA, Doug discovered 2 dams nearby. There is just something about the engineering of dams that fascinates him! So on our way out yesterday to visit Mt. Rainier, we had to take a little side trip. The first stop was Mossyrock Lake and dam. The dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Cowlitz River near Mossyrock. The reservoir created by the dam is called Riffe Lake and the primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric production while flood control is secondary. The dam is the tallest in Washington State and its hydroelectric station supplies 40% of Tacoma power’s electricity. Construction began in 1965 and was finished in 1968. The lake is popular for the standard sports of fishing, boating and swimming. Riffe Lake has 23.5 miles of shoreline.
The second stop was at Alder Dam. Guess this little deer likes dams too! Alder Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Nisqually River. When construction was completed in 1945, Alder Dam was among the tallest dams in the United States, although this title has already been surpassed. The impounded water behind the dam forms Alder Lake, stretching about 7 miles with 28 miles of shoreline, the lake is a popular recreation spot close to Mount Rainier National Park. The original dam was built in 1912 and rebuilt in 1945. Most of the energy produced at the dam is sent to the city of Tacoma. Highway 7 follows beside the lake for a few miles so that makes for a pleasant drive.
You have to admit that when the lakes are full and nestled in the mountains that they sure make for pretty scenery. So NOW can we head up to Mt. Rainier!?! Oh, boy!
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