Sutton Lake

Sutton Lake was named for Orrin W. Sutton, a pioneer who settled in this area and contributed to its development. Sutton Creek by the Forest Service boat launch on Hwy 101 flows to the ocean. Another non-navigable creek flows to Mercer Lake. Rath and Mitchell Creeks flow into the northern portion. This body of water is sometimes referred to as Twin Lakes since these two bodies of water are linked by a narrow neck. The southern portion has Highway 101 along its shore and there are several homes on both sides. It can be windy out on the open waters during summer afternoons. The northern lake also has homes yet it's quiet and several extended coves offer surprising wildlife. Sutton Creek was called tɬiiyax, and by extension the lakes were likely referred to by that name also, during the First People’s time. In legend there were 5 grizzly bear brothers that lived nearby, and they were a local menace that were killed off by the other First People so the grizzlies would stop eating travelers.