Multi-Unit State Park on Idaho’s Scenic Mountain Reservoir — State Park Spanning the 86-Mile Shoreline of 28,000-Acre Lake Cascade, Multiple Recreation Units Including Campgrounds, Marinas, and Day-Use Areas, Fishing for Rainbow Trout Perch and Coho Salmon, Boating and Water Sports on One of Idaho’s Largest Reservoirs, Sandy Swimming Beaches on the Mountain Lake, Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails With Views of the West Mountains and Long Valley, Cross-Country Skiing and Ice Fishing in Winter, Near Cascade and Donnelly Valley County Central Idaho
Lake Cascade State Park is a multi-unit state park spanning the 86-mile shoreline of 28,000-acre Lake Cascade in Valley County, central Idaho, managed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The park features multiple recreation units including developed campgrounds, boat ramps, marinas, and day-use areas along the reservoir’s extensive shoreline, fishing for rainbow trout, perch, and coho salmon, boating and water sports on one of Idaho’s largest and most scenic reservoirs, sandy swimming beaches on the mountain lake, hiking and mountain biking trails with views of the West Mountains and Long Valley, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter when the lake freezes, wildlife viewing including osprey, bald eagles, and deer, and a four-season mountain recreation destination at 4,800 feet elevation.
The sheer size of the park system is impressive — with multiple units spread along 86 miles of shoreline, visitors can always find a quiet spot even during peak summer weekends. Each unit has its own character and facilities, from full-service campgrounds to primitive waterfront sites.
The Long Valley setting provides stunning mountain scenery — the West Mountains rise directly from the lake’s western shore, creating a dramatic backdrop that rivals the more famous but far more crowded resort lakes in central Idaho.
Things to Do
- Fishing — trout, perch, coho
- Boating — 28,000-acre lake
- Camping — multiple units
- Swimming — sandy beaches
- Ice fishing — winter
- Wildlife — eagles, osprey
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Cascade/Donnelly, Valley County, ID |
| Lake | 28,000 acres, 86-mi shoreline |
| Elevation | 4,800 ft |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, perch, coho |
| Camping | Multiple units, full to primitive |
| Managed By | Idaho Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 44.5167° N, 116.0500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Lake Cascade Idaho?
Lake Cascade is a 28,000-acre reservoir with 86 miles of shoreline at 4,800 feet elevation in Valley County, central Idaho. Lake Cascade State Park spans multiple units along the shore offering campgrounds, marinas, swimming beaches, fishing for rainbow trout and coho salmon, and winter ice fishing. Near Cascade and Donnelly in Long Valley. Managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation.
Winter transforms the park into an ice fishing paradise. When the lake freezes solid, anglers drill holes and set up shelters across the vast frozen surface, targeting perch and trout through the ice. The 4,800-foot elevation ensures consistent ice through the winter months, making Lake Cascade one of Idaho’s most reliable ice fishing destinations.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Ponderosa State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Eagle Island State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Idaho state parks online at getoutside.idaho.gov.
