VISITORS’ GUIDE • GRAND COULEE DAM AREA • 2016 - 2017
What about hiking?
• Steamboat Rock State Park — One of the most popular attractions along Banks Lake, this park is a Adventurous hikers should try Steamboat Rock.Head 900-acre camp for swimming, hiking and boating. toward the saddle of the monolith,which can be seen It has a sandy beach and sheltered swim area (no lifeguards), plus a bath house, a concession stand, from the park roadway.There are steep spots,but they a grassy picnic area with playground equipment, are not difficult for most hikers. The panoramic view and a truly unique view of Banks Lake and Steam- from the top is wonderful. There are approximately 640 acres at the summit. boat Rock. It offers over 100 campsites with full hookups.Water, Hikers may also venture into Northrup Canyon where electricity, sewer, tables and stoves are located at they will find 3,120 acres of forested ravines tucked each site, and 26 standard sites with table, stove, away between coulee walls. The area harbors the and tent pad, plus 12 boat-in campsites located on only natural forest in Grant County and is a nesting the north end of Steamboat Rock. The restrooms ground for the bald eagle and a peaceful home for other wildlife. To hike the area, have hot showers.At Jones Bay contact the rangers at Steamboat and Osborn Bay are 80 primiRock State Park. tive sites with table, stove, and A few cautions: Do not wander too a vault toilet, but no running near the edge of the rock. Basalt water. is not stable rock upon which to Steamboat Rock State Park is depend for sound footing when part of the state’s reservation approaching the edges. Stand camping system. Reservations a respectable distance from the for camping can be made edge. Be aware also that this is rattlesnake country. While they are online at parks.wa.gov or by generally not lethal,they should be calling 888-226-7688. The avoided.You will find them around popular campground fills up most of the local trails during sumfast and early reservations mer months.While not particularly are recommended.The park is aggressive, they have been known open for camping year round. to bite. If bitten, seek medical help. Please Note: A permit is Finally, if you plan to hike an hour required for boat launchor more, carry water to quench ing and trailer dumping at your thirst and prevent leg cramps. the park. A boat launching annual pass may be obtained at the park office or from the Washington State Parks Commission in Olympia, Washington. Yes, the public may golf at Banks Banks Lake Golf Course Lake Golf and Country Club, located approximately 1.5 miles west of Electric City and about five miles from Grand Coulee Dam on SR-155. The 18-hole course is carved out of the natural slope of the coulee landscape and provides golfers a chance Boat launching ramps can be found at Steamboat to hike through the quiet countryside while playing Rock State Park, 11 miles south of Grand Coulee on an unusually wide-open course. Golfing equipment can be rented at the clubhouse SR-155,and at Coulee Playland Resort in Electric City. There are two other launching sites found about from 7 a.m. to dark, early spring to late fall. Food and midway along the lake. One is at Barker Canyon on drinks are also sold at the clubhouse. Superb golfing is also available nearby at the Sun the west side of the lake, and the other is on the Lakes Golf Course, south of Coulee City. small peninsula that juts out toward Steamboat Rock from the east side of the lake, just off SR-155. While boating is great fun on Banks Lake, navigators are cautioned that the lake can become rough Tucked away in the coulee is the Grand Coulee Dam very quickly. Keep an eye on the weather, and airport. Operated by the port district, this landing carry the necessary safety equipment—flotation field for small aircraft is located alongside the lake devices for each passenger, a bell or whistle and a and accessed by car from the golf course road. fire extinguisher.
Is there golfing in the coulee?
Where can I launch my boat?
There’s an airport, too?
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