 | This article includes a list ofgeneral references, butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations. Please help toimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(June 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Lake Samish | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Lake Samish  Lake Samish | |
| Location | Whatcom County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 48°40′N122°23′W / 48.667°N 122.383°W /48.667; -122.383 |
| Primary outflows | Friday Creek[1] |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 276 ft (84 m) |
Lake Samish (/ˈsæmɪʃ/SAM-ish[2]) is alake south ofBellingham, Washington, United States.
Visible to the west ofInterstate 5 when travelling betweenAlger and Bellingham, Lake Samish is heavily used for recreation in the summer months by local residents. The lake shoreline is heavily developed and homesites cover almost the entire shoreline. Lake Samish is bordered on the south by Blanchard Mountain and on the north by Chuckanut Pass. Public access is limited but aWhatcom County park with a rough boat launch is located along the northern shore. The state of Washington operates a modern boat launch on the east shore of the lake.
In pre-colonial days, members of theSamish tribe lived at sites on the lake. In 1873 the Northern Pacific Railway Company made a preliminary survey through the Lake Samish valley on the way to Bellingham Bay andHudson's Bay Company trappers had also probably been through the area before that but the first Europeans to settle at Lake Samish were Charlie Barns and William Harris, who staked claims to 160 acres each in March/April 1885, Barns on the east side and Harris on the west side of the lake.[3][full citation needed] In 1931, a new highway connectingSeattle toVancouver was constructed on the east side of the lake and designated part ofU.S. Route 99.[4][5] This road was later replaced byInterstate 5.
Notable residents includeHilary Swank, who grew up on a trailer park next to the lake.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
 | ThisWhatcom County, Washington state location article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
