Dry Falls State park is located in the northeastern part of Washington, 7 miles southwest of Coulee City. The name Dry Falls says it all that it is no longer carry any water but is the remain of what once was the largest known waterfall on earth. The waterfall was 3.5 miles wide with a drop of 400 feet. Just compare it with a Niagara Falls which is 1 mile wide with a drop of 165 feet. One can easily imagine the quantity of water it would have been carrying in the past.
History
The falls were created as a result of the catastrophic event that took place in the glacial ice age at least around 10, 000 years ago. There was a huge ice dam which was actually holding the waters of the Glacier Lake Missoula, covering the water in some 3000 square miles NW of Montana. As the lake rises and lifted it blew that ice dam, as a result enormous amount of water released which was also known as the Missoula flood. The water chose the path to its west towards the Spokane river valley flooding all of eastern Washington and Oregon. Believe it or not, the present day city of Portland was under 400 feet of water.
Directions
From Seattle:
- Follow eastbound I-90
- Take exit #151 to SR 283.
- Enter Ephrata, and continue on to Soap Lake.
- Turn north on Hwy. 17, and continue 17 miles to park.
Visitor Center
The park is open all year round. Dry Falls Interpretive Center has exhibits which tells the story about how this massive waterfall canyon were created as a result of the geological phenomenon.
If you are visiting Pacific Northwest, do visit Dry Fall State Park to see this massive geological wonders on earth.
Nearby Attractions:
Sun Lakes:
Sun lake-Dry Falls state park is covered in 4,027-acre area. It accommodate huge camping park with a 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline. During summer months it is advisable that you make reservations well in advance. Visitors can do picnic in this area. There are 90 unsheltered picnic tables.
This is an excellent site for boating. It provides 2 boat ramps and a 20 feet of dock. Water-skiing activities are restricted during certain times of the year. Visitors can purchase permits at State Parks Headquarters located in Olympia, also at regional offices, online, as well as at the park if staff is there.
Grand Coulee Dam
The Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia river in the Coulee city. It is the largest concrete structure in the United States. It produces up to 6.5 million kilowatts of power, and it also provide irrigation to over half a million acres of Columbia river basin farm land area. It has lots of wildlife and recreational areas.
The Laser Lights Show at the Grand Coulee is an awesome experience after a guided tour of the dam. The timings of the laser show in June- July is at 10 p.m while in August it starts at 9:30 pm and in September it begins at 8:30 p.m. The show runs for about 36 minutes.
The Laser Light Show narrates the story of the Grand Coulee Dam as well as of the Columbia Basin Project by using the figures and animations drawn by the laser lights on the face of the dam along with music.
Soap Lake:
The Soap Lake is a name of the city as well as lake. This lake is famous for its mineral content and healing properties. It has the highest diverse mineral content that any natural body of water can have. This Lake is a meromictic lake and is formed by the great Missoula Floods. It gets its name from its soapy appearance and feeling.
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