Cultural Event: Family Fun

The 31st annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby is scheduled for April 27 and 28, 2024

Mineral Lake, home of the 10-pound trout. On a clear day, the views of Mount Rainier from the lake, along with the great fishing, make for an incredible outing. The Mineral Lake Lions Club and the American Legion Storm King Post 171, in cooperation with the community of Mineral, are hosting the 30th Annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby!

For many people, “Opening Day” brings fond memories to mind. Memories of camping, family gatherings, new friends made, old friendships renewed, and first fish caught. Opening day is a chance to share the excitement with the current and the next generation of sports fishers. The Mineral Lake Lions Club and American Legion Storm King Post 171 hope to share Mineral’s small-town spirit, the excitement of fishing, and the outdoors.

Local lodging includes campgrounds, vacation rentals, and a historic lodge. Click here for a list of accommodations in Mineral, WA.

Please note that there have been several changes to this year’s Derby. Please review the Public Notice, Derby Rules, Derby Details, and Event Schedule before entering the Derby, purchasing your Derby Tickets, and purchasing a Raffle Ticket.

To ensure compliance with State of Washington Aquatic Invasive Species Decontamination (WAC 220-220-220 7a-b), pre-registration will be required before launching on Mineral Lake to enter your catch in the Derby (dock or shore-caught fish do not require pre-registration; they do require the purchase of a Derby ticket if planning on entering the Derby). The Derby begins Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. The deadline to enter catch is Sunday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $10.00 each. All Derby participants must purchase their Derby tickets before their fishing line hits the water.

Fields & Fins: April 27th and 28th!

Introducing Fields and Fins, a new event designed to connect visitors to family farms, ranches, country stores, and experiences in the Upper Nisqually Valley. From pony rides and live musical performances at EZ Times Horse Rides to a farmers market and plant sale at Frey Family Farm, Fields & Fins offers opportunities to engage with local farmers and experience various activities.

Participating Sites

Morning:

• 12:01 AM (Saturday) to 11:00 AM (Sunday) at Mineral Lake: 🎣 Kick off your weekend by participating in Mineral Lake’s 31st Annual Fishing Derby. Enjoy angling, a beer garden, food trucks, a kids’ zone trout pond, music, and vendors throughout the weekend.
  • Noon (Sunday): Stay for the announcement of the Derby winner.

Morning (Saturday):

• 9:00 AM-6:00 PM: Start your day by visiting the Elbe Country Market for the petting zoo and shopping. Farmers from Chickentopia will be on-site, and there will be a wood carving demonstration at noon. The market is located at 54209 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330, directly across from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad depot.
• 10:00 AM at EZ Times: 🐐 Enjoy pony rides for kids and farm games. EZ Times is located at 18703 WA-706, Elbe, WA 98330.
  • 11:00 AM: 🐷 Attend a piglet meet and greet with Kuma Tako Ranch.
  • Noon: 🎶 Catch Becky Rowe Berge’s live performance during a free BBQ.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: 🌾 Take some time to relax and explore Frey Family Farm’s plant sale until 5:00 PM. Frey Family Farm is located at 28411 SR 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Please note that the plant sale is only available on April 27th.

Evening:

• 5:00 PM onwards: 🍕 Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at Basecamp Bar & Grill. Serving pizza, beer, burgers, salads, and more, this open-air restaurant offers fire pits, covered seating, and a small climbing wall. Find Basecamp Bar & Grill at 30027 WA-706, Ashford, WA 98304.

Area Lodging

Looking for lodging to complete your Fields & Fins experience? Explore a variety of options in the nearby communities:

• Mineral: Stay near the campground hosting opening day festivities, indulge in the charm of a historic bed and breakfast, or relax in cozy vacation rentals.
• Elbe: Experience a unique stay at the Hobo Inn, the largest collection of cabooses in Washington state, where each caboose is converted into a comfortable motel room.
• Ashford: With over 100 places to stay, Ashford offers a diverse range of lodging options including lodges, vacation rentals, treehouses, yurts, cabins, and inns. Find your perfect retreat and make the most of your Fields & Fins weekend!

Don’t let this opportunity be the “big one that got away”! Reel in the fun at Fields & Fins.