In 1880, two alpine lakes on the east flank of the Cascade Range in Washington State – Little Kachess and Big Kachess – were accessible only by game trails and were used infrequently by people. The lakes (about 2 miles apart) were connected by a trout-filled stream. The area was rich in wildlife. Groves of trees many hundreds of years old were interspersed through the area. Human impacts were virtually non-existent; only a few people entered the area for recreational activities. Hunters and a few trappers were known to use the area on occasion. The Kachess area offered a true wilderness opportunity for those wishing to use it.

In the early 1900s, as part of its water program, the US Bureau of Reclamation designated the Kachess drainage as a potential impoundment, and a dam was soon constructed. The water in the newly created lake reached its first high level in the spring of 1912. The resulting lake, known as Lake Kachess, was approximately 11 miles long and became an attraction for a variety of recreational activities. For the next several decades, the road system used for building the dam and for logging was expanded, facilitating access to recreational opportunities. Evidence of use became obvious as people camped and played along both the lakeshore and several streams that emptied into the recently completed lake. The primeval conditions that once characterized Lake Kachess were no longer present, but the people who came looking for semiprimitive types of recreation were apparently happy with what they found.

By the 1940s, use at Lake Kachess had increased markedly, and several camping areas had been established by users. Fire–pits abounded in favored spots, trails led to prime fishing locations, and vegetation had been trampled in frequently used areas. In response to these impacts, USDA Forest Service, the agency responsible for managing the area adjacent to the lake, developed several sites that had been heavily used for recreation along the west side of the lake. Roads were improved and rustic tables and outhouses installed. Agency presence became more evident as fire prevention and directional signs and a list of Federal regulations regarding recreational use were posted. The area, now much more developed, appealed to people looking for some of the conveniences of modern living. Most were apparently happy with what they found.

In response to rapidly growing recreational use and the increasing impact on resources, the USDA Forest Service further modified the area in the early 1960s. Paved roads were developed within the campgrounds, a new camping area was constructed to accommodate the increasing number of travel trailers, and heavily used areas were closed to overnight camping. Parking barriers were also added to prevent cars from driving off established road systems. The 100-acre recreation complex included three separate camping areas with a total capacity for nearly 100 parties, and a mile-long nature trail. Most resemblance to a primitive area had disappeared by this time. Campers had the convenience of paved roads, modern toilets, and running water. Campers seeking modern kinds of camping opportunities came in ever-increasing numbers and were apparently happy with what they found.

As use increased, the USDA Forest Service further developed the area. New campsites brought the total to nearly 200. More flush toilets, permanent fireplaces, and concrete and wood tables were built. The access road, extending some 5 miles from Interstate 90, was widened and paved. By the late 1970s, Lake Kachess represented a modern, highly developed, intensively used recreation complex, readily accessible to large numbers of people. On a typical summer weekend, hundreds of recreationists enjoyed a variety of pastimes.