Satellite: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Cresap Bay Recreation Area
Washington • Status Unknown
Current Boating Conditions
About This Ramp
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is a boat ramp located in , Cowlitz County, Washington. This ramp provides access to Merwin Reservoir, a public water body.
This public access ramp is managed by local authorities and is open for business.
Parking & Facilities
Trailer Parking: Trailer parking may be limited; call ahead for details
Vehicle Parking: General vehicle parking available
Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot near the launch area.
Ramp Specifications
Water Type: Public
Water Body: Merwin Reservoir
Visitor Information & Tips
- Hours: 24 hours daily (contact for seasonal changes)
- Fees: Free access
- Status: Open for business
- Best times to launch are early morning or weekdays when crowds are lighter
- Always check local fishing and boating regulations before heading out
- Bring safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits
Location & Getting There
Use the interactive map above to get directions to Cresap Bay Recreation Area. Most smartphones have built-in GPS navigation that will guide you directly to the ramp's location.
Why Choose Cresap Bay Recreation Area?
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is one of the premier boat launch facilities in Cowlitz County, offering convenient access to Washington's waters. Whether you're an experienced angler, recreational boater, or first-time launcher, this ramp provides the amenities and facilities you need for a successful day on the water.
Located on Merwin Reservoir, this ramp is perfect for freshwater fishing, enjoying calm waters, and targeting species that thrive in freshwater environments.The well-maintained launch facility ensures smooth boating experiences for vessels of all sizes.
Water Quality & Safety
Official EPA assessment for Merwin Lake — last reported 2018.
This water body is currently rated Not Supporting for fish consumption, with Pcbs in Fish Tissue identified as the cause. Check your state's current fish consumption guidance before eating fish caught here.
Source: EPA ATTAINS (Clean Water Act water quality assessments), as reported by the state. This reflects the most recent official assessment, not real-time testing — always check your state's current fish consumption advisories for specific serving guidance.
Species You Might Find Here
Common freshwater gamefish for this type of water — not a confirmed species survey for this specific location, since we don't have per-lake fish count data.
Gear for fishing Cresap Bay Recreation Area
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Launch Tips & Best Practices
Before You Launch
- Check your boat for any maintenance issues before arriving at the ramp
- Have your registration and fishing license readily available
- Ensure all safety equipment is on board, including life jackets for all passengers
- Fill up your fuel tank before heading to the ramp to ensure sufficient range
At the Ramp
- Remove your trailer from the launch lane promptly to keep traffic moving
- Have crew members ready to help with the launch and retrieve process
- Park in designated areas only - don't block other boaters
- Always back into the ramp slowly and check water depth before launching
Safety on the Water
- Wear your life jacket at all times while on the boat
- Check local fishing regulations and bag limits for your target species
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
- Monitor weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions deteriorate
Planning Your Visit to Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County offers diverse boating and fishing opportunities with Cresap Bay Recreation Area serving as a premier access point. The county's waters are home to a variety of fish species and provide excellent recreational opportunities year-round.
When planning your visit, consider the current season and target species. Spring and fall often provide ideal conditions for boating in Cowlitz County, with comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer months are great for evening trips when the water is calmer after the midday heat.
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is conveniently located with easy highway access, ample parking, and modern facilities to support your boating adventure. The ramp's well-maintained launch area accommodates both large and small vessels, making it accessible to everyone from experienced captains to weekend boaters.
Nearby Boat Ramps
Other launch points within driving distance.
At a Glance
Essential info about Cresap Bay Recreation Area
Quick Tips
- Arrive early for best parking
- Check weather before heading out
- Bring safety equipment
- Call ahead for seasonal hours
Before you launch
As an Amazon Associate, Boatzia earns from qualifying purchases.
Ramp data from USGS and Washington wildlife/DNR sources. Last synced 2026-07-28.
Fishing tips & boating guides
Expert advice on launching boats, fishing techniques, and making the most of your ramp visits.
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Awesome curated fishing content from some amazing YouTube angling creators.
Cresap Bay Recreation Area — frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to launch at Cresap Bay Recreation Area?▾
Cresap Bay Recreation Area has no launch fee on record — it is generally free to use. Fees can change, so confirm with the managing agency before your trip.
Where is Cresap Bay Recreation Area located?▾
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is a boat ramp in Cowlitz County, Washington, on Merwin Reservoir.
What are the hours at Cresap Bay Recreation Area?▾
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is typically accessible 24/7. Access hours can change seasonally, so verify before heading out.
What kind of fishing is available at Cresap Bay Recreation Area?▾
Cresap Bay Recreation Area provides access to freshwater fishing on Merwin Reservoir in Washington. Check Washington fishing regulations and required licenses before you fish.
Is Cresap Bay Recreation Area a public boat launch?▾
Yes. Cresap Bay Recreation Area is a public boat ramp — also called a boat launch, boat access, or boat landing — in Cowlitz County, Washington. It's open to the public and provides access to Merwin Reservoir.
Can you swim at Merwin Reservoir?▾
Cresap Bay Recreation Area is a boat launch, not a supervised swimming area. People do swim in Merwin Reservoir, but there are no lifeguards, and water conditions vary — always check local water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming, and never swim near an active boat ramp.
