The Grand Coulee Canyon stands as one of Washington State’s most impressive geological wonders. Stretching over 50 miles across the Columbia Plateau, this expansive desert-like canyon cuts through the region.
America’s oldest scenic route
Situated here, the area boasts remarkably striking basalt cliffs along with dried-up waterfalls formed by enormous glacial torrents. This locale attracts numerous visitors seeking various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and boating. Consequently, the Grand Coulee serves as an ideal spot for travelers, rock experts, and enthusiasts of natural splendor who wish to revel in the joy and allure of this historic gorge in the Pacific Northwest.
The term “coulee” refers to a deep ravine or canyon, which describes the setting of the Grand Coulee—a location that houses the Grand Coulee Dam, among the biggest concrete constructions globally. Notable attractions nearby encompass Steamboat Rock State Park and Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, as well as essential destinations such as Northrup Canyon and various adjacent natural lakes.
In Grant County, Coulee City is the nearest town to this geological feature in northeastern Washington, situated approximately 36 minutes away. The closest significant urban center to Grand Coulee Dam is Spokane, which lies about 85 miles southeast of the canyon along U.S. Route 2.
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Exploring Grand Coulee Dam and Surrounding State Parks
Grand Coulee may perhaps not be
America’s deepest canyon
However, it is among Washington’s attractions. To simplify exploration within this expansive region, the canyon is divided into two main sections: the Upper and Lower Coulee areas. In the Upper Coulee section, you’ll find stunning bodies of water like Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt, along with numerous smaller ones. This part of the coulee also houses landmarks including the Grand Coulee Dam and Coulee City. Transitioning further down leads visitors towards the Lower Coulee territory via Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
The Grand Coulee Dam and the adjacent lakes provide excellent opportunities for activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. If you’re looking for an exclusive overnight experience, houseboating is provided on Lake Roosevelt. This region stands out due to its picturesque landscapes and less crowded environment throughout the year, making it ideal for capturing stunning scenery photographs. Visitors can enjoy picnics and guided educational walks around the dam site. Additionally, the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center offers various complimentary exhibitions detailing the historical background of the structure.
In the Upper Coulee region, you can explore Steamboat Rock State Park and Northrup Canyon, which provide additional recreational opportunities. At Steamboat Rock, you’ll discover numerous cliff-side hiking paths, breathtaking lake vistas, and a campsite. Located inside this state park, Northrup Canyon houses Grant County’s sole woodland—a habitat supporting over 200 bald eagles, owls, and various birds such as wild grouse. The canyon features multiple trails that offer stunning views of Banks Lake.
Exploring Lower Coulee Canyon And Surrounding Areas
Lower Coulee is equally as impressive as its counterpart. At Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, you will find an impressive dry waterfall which was once five times wider and twice as tall as the Niagara Falls. The landscape in this part of the canyon offers more than 15 miles of hiking trails, a campground, and an educational center with fascinating information about the area’s natural history. The Lower Coulee area is home to several small lakes, with Soap Lake marking the end of the amazing Grand Coulee Canyon area. All of the aforementioned lakes are perfect for water activities and fishing.
Additional essential activities close to Grand Coulee Canyon involve visiting Crown Point State Park located north of the dam. Here, you can admire an impressive vista of both the dam and Lake Roosevelt. Continuing further north into the Colville Reservation area will lead you to picturesque waterfalls. Within the town of Coulee Dam, two additional hiking paths await your exploration: the one-mile Candy Point Trail and the six-mile Down River Trail along the beautiful Columbia River, offering splendid views as well.
secretive hot springs retreat by the Columbia River Gorge
awaits.
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