Black Lake has a rich history that spans thousands of years, initially inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Upper Chehalis and Nisqually Tribes. These early communities thrived on fishing, hunting, and gathering, utilizing the lake and surrounding areas for sustenance. The portage route connecting Black Lake to Puget Sound fostered strong ties between the Black River people and neighboring tribes. In the mid-nineteenth century, European settlers began arriving, with figures like William O. Thompson, who became one of the first homesteaders in the area. Thompson described Black Lake’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, highlighting its appeal to newcomers. As the region developed, timber harvesting became a significant economic driver around the turn of the century. Logging camps sprang up, and two major lumber mills operated near the lake, with logging peaking in the late 1800s. However, intense logging and a series of wildfires led to a decline in the industry by the 1940s, prompting the State of Washington to acquire the land, which is now part of Capitol State Forest. The history of Black Lake is not only about its natural resources but also the vibrant communities that formed around it, shaped by the experiences of both Indigenous peoples and settlers over the years.