Paul And Inez’s guidebook
Fishing, swimming and boating
Banks Lake is a 27-mile (43 km) long reservoir in central Washington and the fishing season never closes.
Part of the Columbia Basin Project, Banks Lake occupies the northern portion of the Grand Coulee, a formerly dry coulee near the Columbia River, formed by the Missoula Floods during the Pleistocene epoch. Grand Coulee Dam, built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation on the Columbia River created Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, the reservoir on the river behind the dam. The surface of Lake Roosevelt is several hundred feet above the original Columbia River, making it easier to pump water 280 feet (85 m) up and out of the river's canyon into the adjacent Grand Coulee. Two low earth-fill dams, Dry Falls Dam and North Dam, keep the water in the Grand Coulee, thus creating the reservoir named Banks Lake. It is named after Frank A. Banks, the construction supervisor at Grand Coulee Dam.
At the north end of Banks Lake the city of Grand Coulee and the town of Electric City are located. Steamboat Rock State Park is in the north-central portion. The town of Coulee City is at the south end of the lake. From the south end, the water stored in Banks Lake is distributed over a large region for irrigation of the Columbia Basin Project.
Banks Lake South
Banks Lake is a 27-mile (43 km) long reservoir in central Washington and the fishing season never closes.
Part of the Columbia Basin Project, Banks Lake occupies the northern portion of the Grand Coulee, a formerly dry coulee near the Columbia River, formed by the Missoula Floods during the Pleistocene epoch. Grand Coulee Dam, built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation on the Columbia River created Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, the reservoir on the river behind the dam. The surface of Lake Roosevelt is several hundred feet above the original Columbia River, making it easier to pump water 280 feet (85 m) up and out of the river's canyon into the adjacent Grand Coulee. Two low earth-fill dams, Dry Falls Dam and North Dam, keep the water in the Grand Coulee, thus creating the reservoir named Banks Lake. It is named after Frank A. Banks, the construction supervisor at Grand Coulee Dam.
At the north end of Banks Lake the city of Grand Coulee and the town of Electric City are located. Steamboat Rock State Park is in the north-central portion. The town of Coulee City is at the south end of the lake. From the south end, the water stored in Banks Lake is distributed over a large region for irrigation of the Columbia Basin Project.
Park Lake is an uncrowded fishing spot in Grant County, Washington, near Coulee City. The area has over 100 square miles of water within its county limits, and while Park Lake is popular with locals, it's not well known among visitors. The lake is adjacent to Sun Lakes State Park and close to Dry Falls. To fish in Park Lake, you need a license.
The Lake
Park Lake has about 6 miles of shoreline and is 85 feet at its deepest point. The lake was formed in the same manner as the water sources in Sun Lakes State Park, by slow-moving glaciers passing through the area thousands of years ago. The state park has its own campground. Fishing is allowed year-round, though most anglers have better luck in the early fall, spring and summer. When the temperature drops, it may be harder to find fish, as they search out warmer water. The state park is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, as of February 2010.
Fishing Tips
Park Lake is a freshwater lake, which means you won't find salmon and other saltwater fish in the area. Tiger trout and brown trout are common catches, ranging in size from about 12 inches to 17 inches. When fishing, use live bait for the best results, such as crawdads, minnows and night crawlers. The most common complaints about the fishing relate to the weather, especially the strong winds and hot temperatures in the summer. Try trolling for fish and dropping your line at an angle when shore fishing. Pull the line up as you slowly walk away, which keeps the line at an angle and may attract fish from other areas.
Park Lake
Park Lake is an uncrowded fishing spot in Grant County, Washington, near Coulee City. The area has over 100 square miles of water within its county limits, and while Park Lake is popular with locals, it's not well known among visitors. The lake is adjacent to Sun Lakes State Park and close to Dry Falls. To fish in Park Lake, you need a license.
The Lake
Park Lake has about 6 miles of shoreline and is 85 feet at its deepest point. The lake was formed in the same manner as the water sources in Sun Lakes State Park, by slow-moving glaciers passing through the area thousands of years ago. The state park has its own campground. Fishing is allowed year-round, though most anglers have better luck in the early fall, spring and summer. When the temperature drops, it may be harder to find fish, as they search out warmer water. The state park is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk, as of February 2010.
Fishing Tips
Park Lake is a freshwater lake, which means you won't find salmon and other saltwater fish in the area. Tiger trout and brown trout are common catches, ranging in size from about 12 inches to 17 inches. When fishing, use live bait for the best results, such as crawdads, minnows and night crawlers. The most common complaints about the fishing relate to the weather, especially the strong winds and hot temperatures in the summer. Try trolling for fish and dropping your line at an angle when shore fishing. Pull the line up as you slowly walk away, which keeps the line at an angle and may attract fish from other areas.
Billy Clapp Lake is located approximately 22 miles southeast of the Town of Coulee City. This lake (actually a reservoir) offers good fishing for a variety of species including bass, Walleye, panfish, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee. Species composition in Billy Clapp Lake is influenced heavily by outmigrating fish from connected Banks Lake. Kokanee fishing at Billy Clapp Lake varies year-to-year, but when it is good, Kokanee exceeding 20 inches can be caught routinely during late-winter through early-spring.
Two-pole fishing is allowed
Shoreline access: Good
The only shoreline fishing access is at the boat launch and park.
Billy Clapp Lake Trail
Billy Clapp Lake is located approximately 22 miles southeast of the Town of Coulee City. This lake (actually a reservoir) offers good fishing for a variety of species including bass, Walleye, panfish, Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee. Species composition in Billy Clapp Lake is influenced heavily by outmigrating fish from connected Banks Lake. Kokanee fishing at Billy Clapp Lake varies year-to-year, but when it is good, Kokanee exceeding 20 inches can be caught routinely during late-winter through early-spring.
Two-pole fishing is allowed
Shoreline access: Good
The only shoreline fishing access is at the boat launch and park.
Hikes
Walk atop a basalt butte created during the Great Missoula Floods an eon ago. Stand at the edge of a sheer cliff and peer down into Banks Lake. All that and enough elevation gain to get your heart rate up. What's not to love?
Steamboat Rock is a 600 acre basalt butte that rises 800 feet out of Banks Lake. The butte was carved out of the surrounding rock during the Great Missoula Floods. From atop the rock, take in the 360 degree views, appreciate the immensity of the floods and what has been left behind for us to enjoy.
Steamboat Rock is conveniently located in Steamboat Rock State Park about 15 minutes north of Coulee City, WA. Discover Pass is required to enter the park.
There are multiple ways to access the main trail up the rock. Two trail heads are located off both camping loops. These trails converge at a small clearing. Looking at the rock, you will see an arrow spray painted on the rock face - follow that arrow. This part can be a bit tricky. You'll be walking up scree. Footing is uneven and can shift when weight is placed on the scree. Go slow and be careful.
After passing through a notch and gaining the first terrace, keep following the braided trail up the steady incline. There are occasional game trails that branch off to the right. If you want to explore the lower terraces, you can take these trails. If not, keep going up until you come to a T in the trail. At the T: You can go left or right at this point. I recommend going right. The trail to the right is easy to find and follow, it leads along the rim, takes you across the center to giant broken rocks in the middle of a grassy field, and ultimately leads you back to the T in the trail. Plus, going right will lead to the larger portion of the rock with the most to see.
Once on top, you will forget that you are on top of a giant rock in a lake: the sloping hills, swaying grasses and clumps of fragrant sage make you feel like you might be in a high desert meadow. I've seen deer track and scat up there, as well as coyote scat, so keep an eye out for 4 legged wildlife. You will certainly see ravens, falcons and other birds.
Going left at the T: the trail is harder to follow and covers less distance. You wont get the panoramic views like you would on the other half of the rock, but if you are in the mood to explore, go for it!
Note to hikers: If you have trouble with heights this might be a hard trail for you. There are no rails and the trail can take you very close to the edge at times. You can always walk off trail to feel safer, but 800 feet down is still 800 feet down.
Steamboat Rock Trailhead
Walk atop a basalt butte created during the Great Missoula Floods an eon ago. Stand at the edge of a sheer cliff and peer down into Banks Lake. All that and enough elevation gain to get your heart rate up. What's not to love?
Steamboat Rock is a 600 acre basalt butte that rises 800 feet out of Banks Lake. The butte was carved out of the surrounding rock during the Great Missoula Floods. From atop the rock, take in the 360 degree views, appreciate the immensity of the floods and what has been left behind for us to enjoy.
Steamboat Rock is conveniently located in Steamboat Rock State Park about 15 minutes north of Coulee City, WA. Discover Pass is required to enter the park.
There are multiple ways to access the main trail up the rock. Two trail heads are located off both camping loops. These trails converge at a small clearing. Looking at the rock, you will see an arrow spray painted on the rock face - follow that arrow. This part can be a bit tricky. You'll be walking up scree. Footing is uneven and can shift when weight is placed on the scree. Go slow and be careful.
After passing through a notch and gaining the first terrace, keep following the braided trail up the steady incline. There are occasional game trails that branch off to the right. If you want to explore the lower terraces, you can take these trails. If not, keep going up until you come to a T in the trail. At the T: You can go left or right at this point. I recommend going right. The trail to the right is easy to find and follow, it leads along the rim, takes you across the center to giant broken rocks in the middle of a grassy field, and ultimately leads you back to the T in the trail. Plus, going right will lead to the larger portion of the rock with the most to see.
Once on top, you will forget that you are on top of a giant rock in a lake: the sloping hills, swaying grasses and clumps of fragrant sage make you feel like you might be in a high desert meadow. I've seen deer track and scat up there, as well as coyote scat, so keep an eye out for 4 legged wildlife. You will certainly see ravens, falcons and other birds.
Going left at the T: the trail is harder to follow and covers less distance. You wont get the panoramic views like you would on the other half of the rock, but if you are in the mood to explore, go for it!
Note to hikers: If you have trouble with heights this might be a hard trail for you. There are no rails and the trail can take you very close to the edge at times. You can always walk off trail to feel safer, but 800 feet down is still 800 feet down.
This canyon near Banks Lake and Steamboat Rock State Park offers interesting human history, geology, and natural history. It also offers beautiful rubber necking as you look up at the surrounding cliffs. Consequently, whether you come for the academics or the aesthetics, you should leave well pleased. The area can be quite an oven in the middle of summer. However in spring and late autumn, when the high country is snow-covered, you’ll find the six-mile roundtrip trek to Northrup Lake or the three-mile roundtrip journey up the Old Wagon Road a nice pair of snow-free outings to enjoy.
Attractions: Northrup Canyon is across the highway from Steamboat Rock State Park (about 20 miles northeast of Coulee City) and provides a quiet walk to escape the commotion around Banks Lake and Steamboat State Park . The rock walls of the canyon are colorful, the forest and plant communities are diverse, and the area is home to a large number of bird species.The area has been designated as one of Grant County’s birding trails.
Activity: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, fishing (at Northrup Lake). Motorized use of the area is prohibited.
Nearest Town: Grand Coulee
Skill Level: 2
Fitness Level: 2
Distance: About six-miles (roundtrip) to Northrup Lake.
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Northrup Canyon
This canyon near Banks Lake and Steamboat Rock State Park offers interesting human history, geology, and natural history. It also offers beautiful rubber necking as you look up at the surrounding cliffs. Consequently, whether you come for the academics or the aesthetics, you should leave well pleased. The area can be quite an oven in the middle of summer. However in spring and late autumn, when the high country is snow-covered, you’ll find the six-mile roundtrip trek to Northrup Lake or the three-mile roundtrip journey up the Old Wagon Road a nice pair of snow-free outings to enjoy.
Attractions: Northrup Canyon is across the highway from Steamboat Rock State Park (about 20 miles northeast of Coulee City) and provides a quiet walk to escape the commotion around Banks Lake and Steamboat State Park . The rock walls of the canyon are colorful, the forest and plant communities are diverse, and the area is home to a large number of bird species.The area has been designated as one of Grant County’s birding trails.
Activity: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, fishing (at Northrup Lake). Motorized use of the area is prohibited.
Nearest Town: Grand Coulee
Skill Level: 2
Fitness Level: 2
Distance: About six-miles (roundtrip) to Northrup Lake.
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Dry Falls State Park is a stunning stop on any Central Washington road trip. The viewpoint off Highway 17 at the Visitor Center is a good quick stop to see the evidence of the mighty ice age floods that swept through this area. But drive down to the main road through the park, just a couple miles south, and you'll be able to get inside this incredible vista, and see up close what the land looks like now.
There are 15 arid miles to be wandered in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. You might be on roads or trails, but any of them deliver fantastic views of geologic features and bring you closer to the desert plants and animals. Keep in mind that while there's plenty to see, the area is not well signed and there are lots of game trails, so be sure to have a good map and sense of where you're going.
Take the Caribou Trail to an overlook of Deep Lake, about as far back in the park as you can go. Then it's possible to hike 2.25 miles along the Deep Lake Trail, which, while easy to follow, can be rather exciting at times -- the route goes high along cliff edges, and a misstep can mean a bad fall. Be careful here.
For a slightly safer hike, try the Umatilla Rock Trail, a 5-mile loop that circumnavigates Umatilla Rock. Or you can embark on the Park Lake Trail, a walk along a paved, gated road.
Dry Falls Lake
Dry Falls State Park is a stunning stop on any Central Washington road trip. The viewpoint off Highway 17 at the Visitor Center is a good quick stop to see the evidence of the mighty ice age floods that swept through this area. But drive down to the main road through the park, just a couple miles south, and you'll be able to get inside this incredible vista, and see up close what the land looks like now.
There are 15 arid miles to be wandered in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. You might be on roads or trails, but any of them deliver fantastic views of geologic features and bring you closer to the desert plants and animals. Keep in mind that while there's plenty to see, the area is not well signed and there are lots of game trails, so be sure to have a good map and sense of where you're going.
Take the Caribou Trail to an overlook of Deep Lake, about as far back in the park as you can go. Then it's possible to hike 2.25 miles along the Deep Lake Trail, which, while easy to follow, can be rather exciting at times -- the route goes high along cliff edges, and a misstep can mean a bad fall. Be careful here.
For a slightly safer hike, try the Umatilla Rock Trail, a 5-mile loop that circumnavigates Umatilla Rock. Or you can embark on the Park Lake Trail, a walk along a paved, gated road.
Sightseeing
Be sure you have enough time to visit Lenore Lake Caves. Despite the relatively short mileage listed here, it's possible to spend the better part of a day exploring the caves and the coulee country surrounding Lenore Lake. With 12,000 years of history, this landscape has plenty to discover. But the trail described below can serve as a nice leg stretcher for anyone driving by, staying in nearby Dry Falls State Park, or fishing one of the many large lakes here.
The caves themselves are shallow, created during the Great Missoula flood as water pulled chunks of basalt from the walls of the coulee. After the waters retreated and the caves had been created, early native people used these areas as shelters. The area is still used by Native Americans as a sacred area and a gathering ground. Hikers share this area as well, and can explore this geologically fascinating place, whether it’s just for a leg-stretch or an all day visit.
From the parking lot, head up a staircase carved into the rock, complete with handrail! The trail becomes more trail-like at the top of the staircase, where you are faced with a decision. Head left (north) or right (south)? The most developed and well-maintained trails are to your right.
The trail to the left seems welcoming, but quickly becomes overgrown and hard, even potentially dangerous to follow. So if you’re looking for a more traditional hike, or if you’ve got little ones, stick to the right.
Proceed south. Along the length of this trail, you’ll pass seven caves of various sizes. These are not deep caves—for most of them a headlight would be unnecessary—but they are relatively large, and provide nice photo opportunities as well as the possibility to guess how they may once have been used. Have little ones make up stories about who once lived here.
The trail ends at a deep pit in the ground, where a trail leads to the largest cave, which beckons as a shaded place to rest and enjoy lunch before heading back the way you came.
WTA Pro Tip: There is lots of wildlife to enjoy here. Birds of prey soar and butterflies flit, while reptiles soak in the sun. Speaking of which, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes here. If you see one, don’t touch or poke it with sticks. Give it a wide berth to continue your hike, and keep an eye out for it on the way back.
Lenore Lake
Be sure you have enough time to visit Lenore Lake Caves. Despite the relatively short mileage listed here, it's possible to spend the better part of a day exploring the caves and the coulee country surrounding Lenore Lake. With 12,000 years of history, this landscape has plenty to discover. But the trail described below can serve as a nice leg stretcher for anyone driving by, staying in nearby Dry Falls State Park, or fishing one of the many large lakes here.
The caves themselves are shallow, created during the Great Missoula flood as water pulled chunks of basalt from the walls of the coulee. After the waters retreated and the caves had been created, early native people used these areas as shelters. The area is still used by Native Americans as a sacred area and a gathering ground. Hikers share this area as well, and can explore this geologically fascinating place, whether it’s just for a leg-stretch or an all day visit.
From the parking lot, head up a staircase carved into the rock, complete with handrail! The trail becomes more trail-like at the top of the staircase, where you are faced with a decision. Head left (north) or right (south)? The most developed and well-maintained trails are to your right.
The trail to the left seems welcoming, but quickly becomes overgrown and hard, even potentially dangerous to follow. So if you’re looking for a more traditional hike, or if you’ve got little ones, stick to the right.
Proceed south. Along the length of this trail, you’ll pass seven caves of various sizes. These are not deep caves—for most of them a headlight would be unnecessary—but they are relatively large, and provide nice photo opportunities as well as the possibility to guess how they may once have been used. Have little ones make up stories about who once lived here.
The trail ends at a deep pit in the ground, where a trail leads to the largest cave, which beckons as a shaded place to rest and enjoy lunch before heading back the way you came.
WTA Pro Tip: There is lots of wildlife to enjoy here. Birds of prey soar and butterflies flit, while reptiles soak in the sun. Speaking of which, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes here. If you see one, don’t touch or poke it with sticks. Give it a wide berth to continue your hike, and keep an eye out for it on the way back.
For all intents and purposes, Summer Falls is a man-made waterfall. Technically any water draining down Arbuckle Draw and Trail Lake Coulee would have flowed over the falls, but so little precipitation falls in this area it would have been for a matter of days, if not hours. With the construction of the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project a series of canals were built to divert water to various parts of the Columbia Plateau for irrigation. The primary canal emanating from Banks Lake was routed over the cliffs at the head of Trail Lake Coulee, forming Summer Falls. The full volume of the Canal was initially allowed to flow over the falls, but some time in the mid 1980s a hydroelectric station went online adjacent to the falls, diverting almost the entire flow away from the falls. When enough water is being pumped into Banks Lake, the falls should be flowing, but the only time when the full force of the original falls will be evident is if the generating station needs to go offline for maintenance. The site was formerly administered by the state, but due to budget constraints was turned over to the Bureau or Reclamation in 2003.
Summer Falls was named initially because it only flowed during the summer when the irrigation diversion system was actively being used. However the meaning of the name doesn't necessarily apply any longer.
Photo Tips
The falls are distant enough from the viewing area that a moderate zoom lens is necessary to get a good shot. The cliff face will partially shade the falls in the summer beginning at about 6pm. If the falls ever run at full flow, spray could be a problem.
Location & Directions
Coordinates: 47.50298, -119.29405
Elevation: 1427 feet
USGS Map: Coulee City 7 1/2"
Summer Falls is accessed from Highway 2 in Coulee City in central Eastern Washington. Crossing the Dry Falls Dam along Highway 2, turn right at the sign pointing to Coulee City (N 4th St). Drive 4 blocks and turn left on W. Walnut Street, following signs for Summer Falls, then turn right on McEntee Street, again watching for signs to Summer Falls. McEntee turns into Pinto Road, follow this for 8 miles to an unmarked dirt road on the left (2 1/2 miles after crossing the North Main Canal - if you start driving up a long hill, you've gone too far). A sign denoting the Falls and a gate are found just down the road but are hard to see from the main road. The falls are found 1 mile further down the dirt road at the park.
Summer Falls Day Use Area
For all intents and purposes, Summer Falls is a man-made waterfall. Technically any water draining down Arbuckle Draw and Trail Lake Coulee would have flowed over the falls, but so little precipitation falls in this area it would have been for a matter of days, if not hours. With the construction of the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project a series of canals were built to divert water to various parts of the Columbia Plateau for irrigation. The primary canal emanating from Banks Lake was routed over the cliffs at the head of Trail Lake Coulee, forming Summer Falls. The full volume of the Canal was initially allowed to flow over the falls, but some time in the mid 1980s a hydroelectric station went online adjacent to the falls, diverting almost the entire flow away from the falls. When enough water is being pumped into Banks Lake, the falls should be flowing, but the only time when the full force of the original falls will be evident is if the generating station needs to go offline for maintenance. The site was formerly administered by the state, but due to budget constraints was turned over to the Bureau or Reclamation in 2003.
Summer Falls was named initially because it only flowed during the summer when the irrigation diversion system was actively being used. However the meaning of the name doesn't necessarily apply any longer.
Photo Tips
The falls are distant enough from the viewing area that a moderate zoom lens is necessary to get a good shot. The cliff face will partially shade the falls in the summer beginning at about 6pm. If the falls ever run at full flow, spray could be a problem.
Location & Directions
Coordinates: 47.50298, -119.29405
Elevation: 1427 feet
USGS Map: Coulee City 7 1/2"
Summer Falls is accessed from Highway 2 in Coulee City in central Eastern Washington. Crossing the Dry Falls Dam along Highway 2, turn right at the sign pointing to Coulee City (N 4th St). Drive 4 blocks and turn left on W. Walnut Street, following signs for Summer Falls, then turn right on McEntee Street, again watching for signs to Summer Falls. McEntee turns into Pinto Road, follow this for 8 miles to an unmarked dirt road on the left (2 1/2 miles after crossing the North Main Canal - if you start driving up a long hill, you've gone too far). A sign denoting the Falls and a gate are found just down the road but are hard to see from the main road. The falls are found 1 mile further down the dirt road at the park.
This is a 50-minute guided tour free of charge and available only on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is limited. Groups should call (509) 633-9265 at least 15 days prior to their visit.
The tour begins at the tour building where you will board a van or bus to be taken to the Pump-Generating Plant. Highlights include a look at the large pumps used for transporting water from Lake Roosevelt to the Columbia Basin Project, concluding with a ride across the top of the dam. Accessible tours are available with advanced notice by calling (509) 633-9265.
All tour participants are required to pass through a metal detector prior to beginning the tour. Weapons, purses, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and packages are not permitted on the tour. Cameras, but not camera cases, are allowed on the tour. Onsite storage for personal belongings is not available. Be sure to lock your car.
Tour times are subject to change without notice. Please call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 for the latest information.
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Grand Coulee Dam
This is a 50-minute guided tour free of charge and available only on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is limited. Groups should call (509) 633-9265 at least 15 days prior to their visit.
The tour begins at the tour building where you will board a van or bus to be taken to the Pump-Generating Plant. Highlights include a look at the large pumps used for transporting water from Lake Roosevelt to the Columbia Basin Project, concluding with a ride across the top of the dam. Accessible tours are available with advanced notice by calling (509) 633-9265.
All tour participants are required to pass through a metal detector prior to beginning the tour. Weapons, purses, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and packages are not permitted on the tour. Cameras, but not camera cases, are allowed on the tour. Onsite storage for personal belongings is not available. Be sure to lock your car.
Tour times are subject to change without notice. Please call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 for the latest information.
Visitor's center and lookout
The visitor center at Dry Falls tells the story of this amazing geological phenomenon. From lava flows to the Ice Age floods, and from the Native American legacy to the modern discovery of how Dry Falls was created, the Dry Falls story is revealed to tens of thousands of visitors each year. A gift shop in the visitor center has a wide selection of books, maps, guides, videos, postcards, film, and other merchandise about Dry Falls and the surrounding area. At the end of your visit you will want to spend time looking through the wall of windows over the precipice, as it is magnificent. Please note that a donation helps support the operation of the center. Throughout the park, roads and trails will take you to other fantastic views of geologic features and bring you closer to the desert plants and animals. Take time to make your own discoveries and create your own explanations for what you see. If you had been J Harlen Bretz, would you have come up with such an "outlandish" theory as huge Ice Age floods? The Grand Coulee, of which Dry Falls is a central feature, has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. As you drive or hike through the Grand Coulee, please do your part to help preserve this national treasure. Admission is by donation.
As you enter Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, you may feel like you're on another planet. The park is surrounded by one of Washington's most striking and historically significant landscapes.
Dry Falls is a geological wonder of North America. Carved by Ice Age floods more than 13,000 years ago, the former waterfall was once four times the size of Niagara Falls. Today, the 400-foot-high, 3.5-mile-wide cliff overlooks a big sky and a landscape of deep gorges and dark, reflective lakes. The park is a notable site along the National Ice Age Floods Geologic Trail.
Visitors – especially history and geology geeks – will appreciate the Dry Falls Visitor Center, where interpretive displays tell the story of the floods and their effects on Washington's landscape. Call (509) 632-5214 for seasonal hours and to arrange a tour.
The park also offers great recreation. Nothing beats the boat launch and social atmosphere of Park Lake, and shimmering Deep Lake presents a remote paddling and kayaking experience. The lure of Dry Falls Lake entices anglers to cast out for trout. Hiking trails wind through the scented, sage-dotted hills to table-top cliffs with panoramic views. The park even offers nine-hole and miniature golf for visitors who equate a desert vacation with a good game on the green.
PARK FEATURES
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a 3,774-acre camping park with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls between Soap Lake and Coulee City.
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Dry Falls Visitor Center
34875 Park Lake Rd NEThe visitor center at Dry Falls tells the story of this amazing geological phenomenon. From lava flows to the Ice Age floods, and from the Native American legacy to the modern discovery of how Dry Falls was created, the Dry Falls story is revealed to tens of thousands of visitors each year. A gift shop in the visitor center has a wide selection of books, maps, guides, videos, postcards, film, and other merchandise about Dry Falls and the surrounding area. At the end of your visit you will want to spend time looking through the wall of windows over the precipice, as it is magnificent. Please note that a donation helps support the operation of the center. Throughout the park, roads and trails will take you to other fantastic views of geologic features and bring you closer to the desert plants and animals. Take time to make your own discoveries and create your own explanations for what you see. If you had been J Harlen Bretz, would you have come up with such an "outlandish" theory as huge Ice Age floods? The Grand Coulee, of which Dry Falls is a central feature, has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. As you drive or hike through the Grand Coulee, please do your part to help preserve this national treasure. Admission is by donation.
As you enter Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, you may feel like you're on another planet. The park is surrounded by one of Washington's most striking and historically significant landscapes.
Dry Falls is a geological wonder of North America. Carved by Ice Age floods more than 13,000 years ago, the former waterfall was once four times the size of Niagara Falls. Today, the 400-foot-high, 3.5-mile-wide cliff overlooks a big sky and a landscape of deep gorges and dark, reflective lakes. The park is a notable site along the National Ice Age Floods Geologic Trail.
Visitors – especially history and geology geeks – will appreciate the Dry Falls Visitor Center, where interpretive displays tell the story of the floods and their effects on Washington's landscape. Call (509) 632-5214 for seasonal hours and to arrange a tour.
The park also offers great recreation. Nothing beats the boat launch and social atmosphere of Park Lake, and shimmering Deep Lake presents a remote paddling and kayaking experience. The lure of Dry Falls Lake entices anglers to cast out for trout. Hiking trails wind through the scented, sage-dotted hills to table-top cliffs with panoramic views. The park even offers nine-hole and miniature golf for visitors who equate a desert vacation with a good game on the green.
PARK FEATURES
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a 3,774-acre camping park with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls between Soap Lake and Coulee City.
The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center was built in the late 1970s as part of the dam’s Third Power Plant expansion. It was designed by architect Marcel Breuer to resemble a generator rotor. An evening laser light show was added in 1989. The center was retrofitted in 2004 for seismic, life-safety, and accessibility standards. The original laser equipment was replaced in 2013 and a new laser light show, One River, Many Voices, premiered in 2014.
In 2006, new exhibits and displays were installed. The exhibits interpret Grand Coulee's role as one of the main irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River. They also address the effects the dam has had on various groups of people, including Native Americans and early settlers. The new exhibits were designed, manufactured, and installed by Formations, Inc., of Portland, Oregon.
The visitor center is fully accessible and features hands-on exhibits, an auditorium, and restrooms.
Daily: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. daily.
This 50-minute guided tour is free of charge and available only on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is limited. Groups should call (509) 633-9265 at least 15 days prior to their visit.
The tour begins at the tour building where you will board a van or bus to be taken to the Pump-Generating Plant. Highlights include a look at the large pumps used for transporting water from Lake Roosevelt to the Columbia Basin Project, concluding with a ride across the top of the dam. Accessible tours are available with advanced notice by calling (509) 633-9265.
All tour participants are required to pass through a metal detector prior to beginning the tour. Weapons, purses, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and packages are not permitted on the tour. Cameras, but not camera cases, are allowed on the tour. Onsite storage for personal belongings is not available. Be sure to lock your car.
Tour times are subject to change without notice. Please call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 for the latest information.
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Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center
Washington 155The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center was built in the late 1970s as part of the dam’s Third Power Plant expansion. It was designed by architect Marcel Breuer to resemble a generator rotor. An evening laser light show was added in 1989. The center was retrofitted in 2004 for seismic, life-safety, and accessibility standards. The original laser equipment was replaced in 2013 and a new laser light show, One River, Many Voices, premiered in 2014.
In 2006, new exhibits and displays were installed. The exhibits interpret Grand Coulee's role as one of the main irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River. They also address the effects the dam has had on various groups of people, including Native Americans and early settlers. The new exhibits were designed, manufactured, and installed by Formations, Inc., of Portland, Oregon.
The visitor center is fully accessible and features hands-on exhibits, an auditorium, and restrooms.
Daily: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. daily.
This 50-minute guided tour is free of charge and available only on a first-come, first-serve basis. Seating is limited. Groups should call (509) 633-9265 at least 15 days prior to their visit.
The tour begins at the tour building where you will board a van or bus to be taken to the Pump-Generating Plant. Highlights include a look at the large pumps used for transporting water from Lake Roosevelt to the Columbia Basin Project, concluding with a ride across the top of the dam. Accessible tours are available with advanced notice by calling (509) 633-9265.
All tour participants are required to pass through a metal detector prior to beginning the tour. Weapons, purses, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and packages are not permitted on the tour. Cameras, but not camera cases, are allowed on the tour. Onsite storage for personal belongings is not available. Be sure to lock your car.
Tour times are subject to change without notice. Please call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 for the latest information.