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Lake Roosevelt Facts
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VISITOR
This aerial view from the back side of Grand Coulee Dam over Lake Roosevelt at sunrise accentuates the fact that Grand Coulee Dam holds back a lot of water in the 150-mile-long lake. It holds 9,402,000 acre feet when full. The town of Coulee Dam lies just below the dam, where the Columbia River flows northward. Technically called Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, it is the 25th largest lake in the United States by volume.
When was Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake formed?
When construction of the Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1941, the waters of the mighty Columbia River began to backfill behind this enormous concrete structure. As a result, the waters of the once-untamed river swelled to create a 151-mile long reservoir, first called Columbia Reservoir. It was renamed Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake in honor of the 32nd President of the United States on April 17, 1945, five days after the death of Roosevelt.
What is the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area?
Lake Roosevelt is a federally-owned reservoir which is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation. However, recreation on the lake is managed cooperatively by three federal agencies and two Indian tribes.
The National Park Service (NPS) has recreation authority for that portion of the lake and adjacent shoreland comprising the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA). The Colville Confederated Tribes and the Spokane Tribe manage recreation along those areas of the lake and shoreline that fall within their reservation boundaries. The two other partners in the management agreement are Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
How many campgrounds are there in the LRNRA?
Thirty-five campgrounds are located along the 660 miles of shoreline around Lake Roosevelt. Five are maintained by the Colville Confederated Tribes, two by the Spokane Indian Tribe and 28 by the National Park Service. The facilities provide opporunities for camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and fishing.
Is there a fee for camping?
Camping sites along the lake vary from fee campgrounds with major facilities, picnic areas, swim beaches and interpretive programs, to primitive boat-in campgrounds.
VISITORS’ GUIDE • GRAND COULEE DAM AREA • 2020-2021
Does the NPS offer programs?
Maintaining the giant
Bureau of Reclamation employees tackle maintenance on the big “drum gates” atop the dam. The gates, here completely lowered, float in water reservoirs that are controlled by operators. When you see the water spill before the laser light show, these enormous gates have been lowered slightly.
Which campground is closest?
The closest NPS campground is located at Spring Canyon on SR-174; turn left approximately three miles east of the town of Grand Coulee.
There are 87 campsites including RV (dump station but no hookups), tent and group camping sites. Reservations are available online at www.recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777. A fee is charged.
What else is at Spring Canyon?
Spring Canyon has a beautiful sandy beach and adjacent shaded picnic area, including grills and playground equipment. There are restrooms plus boat launching. A fee is charged.
Where can I hike in the LRNRA?
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area consists mainly of Lake Roosevelt and has very little land base. As a result, there are few hiking trails within the park. There is a selfguided nature trail at Spring Canyon, which starts at the campground. There are also trails at Fort Spokane and Kettle Falls. When the lake level is low, you can walk many miles of interesting shoreline.
The National Park Service often offers ranger-conducted canoe trips on Crescent Lake, below the city of Grand Coulee.
All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, life vests) is provided. First come, first served.
Visitors often see beavers, deer, muskrats, great blue herons, Canada geese, turtles, frogs and nesting cliff swallows.
Other NPS-conducted activities at Spring Canyon include: • campfire programs at the amphitheater • hikes on the Bunchgrass Prairie Trail • night sky astronomy tours
Contact NPS before making plans. All programs are subject to change. Call 509-754-7843 or check campground bulletin boards.
Where are the other major NPS campgrounds?
Major campgrounds are located at Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay and Kettle Falls.
Keller Ferry is about 14 miles from Spring Canyon by boat, or 15 miles overland from the Highway 2 cut-off near Wilbur. This area includes a marina, store, and free ferry across the lake to the Colville Reservation.
Fort Spokane, built in 1880 and used by the U.S. Army until 1898, became an Indian agency, boarding school and tuberculosis hospital until the late 1920s. It’s about 50 miles up the lake from Spring Canyon at the confluence of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers.
To see Fort Spokane, take SR-174 to Highway 2 east, watch for road signs and turn north at Davenport on SR-25. Besides some of the original outposts, there is a visitor center and a trail. The Fort Spokane campground is the second largest in the recreation area. Picnic area, swim beach and boat launch are also available.
Kettle Falls at the north end of the lake is enjoyed for its beautiful setting and good boating. It has a houseboat rental operation.
St. Paul’s Mission includes the original site of Fort Colvile, once the second-largest center for fur trading in the Northwest, and a rustic log missionary church. Nearby are Sherman Pass and the Kettle River, where hiking and canoeing are popular.
Where can I get an Interagency Senior or Access Pass?
You can acquire either at the Fort Spokane Visitor Center during the summer months. The LRNRA headquarters office, 1008 Crest Drive in Coulee Dam, and the Kettle Falls Ranger Station have the passports available all year. Interagency Senior Pass be obtained by persons 62 years of age or older. The Interagency Access Pass admits people into many federal fee areas, including national parks, for free and reduced fees in campgrounds. It is available for people with disabilities. 21
VISITOR
Part of Banks Lake Golf Course, seen here from the air looking north, is owned and operated by Grant County Port District 7. It’s an 18-hole, par 73 course nestled into Banks Lake just south of Electric City off highway 155.
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C Espresso ~ Desserts ~ Beer Cafe opens at 11:00 until 8:00 P.M. afe opens at 11:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mon. thru Thurs. F riday 11:00 - 3:00 p.m. 302 Coulee Blvd. Electric City
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