Go boating, birding (and maybe fishing) at Fish Lake

Fish Lake, Site 10 from "Cascade Loop" of

Audubon Washington's Great Washington State Birding Trail

Location: Near Lake Wenatchee, 17 miles north of Leavenworth, Chelan County

Habitat: U.S. Forest Service 500-acre lake, cattail marsh and mixed coniferous-deciduous forest.

Best seasons for birding: Spring through fall.

Birds commonly seen: Spring-summer, a "baker's dozen" of ospreys fish the lake. Spring brings Wilson's phalaropes, red-breasted nuthatches, common yellowthroats. Sharp-shinned hawks dive on flocks of violet-green swallows, Brewer's blackbirds. Fall highlights are American coots, common loons, ring-necked ducks, Barrow's goldeneyes. Wildlife bonus: recent moose sightings.

Viewing tips: Bird by boat; and by foot in campground. Weekdays best.

Getting there: From Highway 2 at Milepost 84.7, turn north onto Highway 207. Drive 4.3 miles. Stay right at "Y" onto Chiwawa Loop Road. Drive 0.6 mile. Turn left at Forest Service Road 6107. Drive 0.9 mile. Park at Cove Resort. Boat rental available: 509-763-3130 or www.coveresortatfishlake.com.

Source: Audubon Washington, Great Washington State Birding Trail maps. See maps online (or order hard copies, $4.95 apiece), at wa.audubon.org.