The 2026 schedule also accommodates requests from the public for earlier access to Swift Reservoir in May
ARIEL — Visitors to Lewis River recreation sites can expect a new schedule for the 2026 season to meet visitor needs and help protect a priority species in Washington.
Beginning 2026, the Beaver Bay Park and Campground will be open May 22 through September 30. Swift Forest Camp will open for day use beginning May 10, with camping available May 22 through November 22.
Pacific Power recently located a Great Blue Heron rookery close to the Beaver Bay Campground that has been expanding each year. The schedule change will accommodate the herons’ nesting period in April and May.
“Environmental stewardship and wildlife habitat preservation is a priority for PacifiCorp,” said Kendel McMaster, hydro lands manager for Pacific Power. “Minimizing disturbances during nesting season results in better breeding and survival outcomes for Great Blue Herons.”
The 2026 schedule also accommodates requests from the public for earlier access to Swift Reservoir in May. Starting in 2026, visitors will be able to take advantage of springtime day use water recreation opportunities across all three Lewis River Reservoirs during the Memorial Day weekend.
With these revised recreation operating schedules, PacifiCorp will help minimize disturbance to the heron rookery at Beaver Bay Park and Campground and extend day use boat launch access at Swift Forest Camp, allowing the public to enjoy access to Swift reservoir earlier in the season when water levels are favorable.
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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