Lake Tapps Dikes Closed to Public Use

Dikes around Lake Tapps will continue to remain off-limits to the public and all previous, temporary permissions will be terminated, said in a press release.

Cascade's board of directors determined to uphold the standards defined by Lake Tapps' former owners, Puget Sound Energy. Dikes still open to the public include the one at the Reservoir-North Tapps Park and in Bonney Lake.

All lake dikes not associated with public parks or the Puget Sound Energy camp are closed to the general public, and those caught trespassing will be subject to enforcement from the Pierce County Sheriff, said the statement.

Cascade has already updated those with continuing dike access on the decision with a letter. However, if you feel you should have dike access and have not been notified, call Cascade at 425-453-0930. Those who witness trespassers on the dikes are advised to call 911.

The following is addiitonal dike information, from Cascade Water Alliance:

What are the 15 dikes at Lake Tapps Reservoir?      

Fifteen dikes were built by the power company in the early 1900s to create the Lake Tapps. Cascade is now responsible for the safe condition of all 15 of the dikes. The dikes are commonly known by the number that appears on a large sign at each dike.

Who can use Dikes 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14 and 15?

• Access to these nine dikes is controlled by Cascade and they are closed to the public. Unauthorized entry is considered trespassing.
•  Under a 1958 Easement, an owner of the property immediately adjacent to one of the nine dikes has limited rights to use the dikes. 
• Adjacent property owners have been sent letters to remind them of their easement rights.  If you have not received a letter, you do not have an easement right. 
• If you think you should have received a letter but have not, please contact Cascade Water Alliance   425.453.0930

An adjacent property owner:

• Has the right only to cross and recross the dike adjacent to the owner’s property to reach Lake Tapps to recreate in the water.
• Cannot stay, build on or store recreational equipment on the dikes to ensure protection of dike integrity.
• May be able to build in the water in front of the dikes with a Cascade-issued license. 

Cascade now owns the lake bed and allows only the same activities by adjacent property owners that were allowed under the 1954 Deed, such as:

• usual recreational activities including boat, swim, fish,
• moor floats or drive  stakes for mooring floats, boats, boathouses

• build docks on pilings only
• remove trees, bushes and growth
• dredge and dispose in a lawful manner

Owners must still contact the appropriate agencies (e.g. Bonney Lake, Pierce County, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and/or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and must meet and continue to comply with all applicable regulations.

Who Can Use Dikes 4A, 5, 6 and 7?

Access and use controlled by Pierce County through the Pierce County North Park at Lake Tapps. http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/recreate/LakeTapps.htm

Who can use Dikes 8, 9 and 10?

Access and use controlled by Puget Sound Energy through the Puget Sound Energy Camp at Lake Tapps.

Who can use Dike 13?

Cascade Water Alliance and the City of Bonney Lake are in the process of developing a partnership to allow additional park space while assuring the integrity of the dike.  However, in the interim, public access is only allowed from the adjacent Bonney Lake Allan Yorke Parke.