About Us
Maggie Lake was and is a beautiful little spring fed lake nestled in the glaciated hills on the Olympic Peninsula. The Articles of Incorporation for Maggie Lake Maintenance Company were signed in August 1960. At that time the first of three additions was prepared and sold as recreational property. The property that is currently the Maggie Lake community was surrounded by the Cady Christmas tree farm. That being the case the surrounding hillsides were covered with small Christmas trees and a few mature “seed” trees. In late spring the native rhododendrons put on quite a show with the Olympics visible from many locations around the lake.
In those early days the roads surrounding Maggie Lake and Dry Pond were gravel logging roads and there was no power. There was a well head with a hand pump located at the park by the lake. By the mid-60’s power was brought to the community, but the water system was not established until 1979.
Originally the main season of use for the community was summer time, typically from mid-April through Mid-September. Since most members camped in tents at that time and the roads were dirt, other times of year were more difficult.
Over time the community members developed the playground with essentially the same equipment as is there to this day (2023). The original swim dock was one long, multi-section dock that extended from what is now the bottom of the cement stairs out into the lake. You can still see the typical lake water line by noting the tree and brush line. In the early days that was the level the lake maintained most of the year.
The property at the Hood Canal is much the same today as it was in the 1960’s, however with many more neighbors around the canal these days. There was a boat ramp that broke down over time and with a major flood of the Tahuya River. A new boat ramp was poured and continues to provide boating access to the canal. Members often enjoy gathering shellfish at the canal. Other water activities on the Hood Canal include fishing and water skiing.
When the three Maggie Lake additions were designed, there were just over 400 lots. Many of our members now own more than one lot. In 2023 there are 287 members. That number fluctuates a bit each year as members buy additional lots or sell their properties. A Board of Trustees, elected by the membership during annual meetings, oversees the maintenance of the community properties.
Mason County now owns and maintains the roads in the Maggie Lake community. The chip sealed roads are much easier to drive on compared to the original gravel roads. The county also plows the roads after snow in the winter months.
With the advent of not only electricity, but the installation of the water system, the community around the lake changed over time. What was originally a strictly recreational community has now become a community in which approximately a third of the members are year-round residents. Many Maggie Lake properties are now owned by the descendants of original owners. That speaks to the positive feelings for those who visit or live in the community.
The members of the Maggie Lake community continue to enjoy the lake and Hood Canal, especially on warm summer days. This blue-green gem of a lake has a special place in the hearts of many who have visited it over the years.
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