The lake is part of the Colville River drainage basin in the southern Selkirk Mountains.

It is a popular destination for fishing, with a dozen species to catch,[2] as well as watersports.

[4] Deer Lake covers 1,146 acres[2] in a mountainous area of southeastern Stevens County.

Highway 395 runs approximately two miles to the west, with access to the lake provided by Deer Lake Road.

[5] There is public access to the lake in the southwest corner at the outlet, at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife facility.