Dry Falls State Park
Welcome to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Stand on the precipice of a 400-foot cliff that once roared with a waterfall four times the size of Niagara, and explore 3,774 acres of striking desert oasis.
Located in the heart of central Washington’s rugged Channeled Scablands, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a geological masterpiece and a premier recreational destination. Encompassing 3,774 acres of striking desert landscape, the park owes its dramatic topography to catastrophic Ice Age floods that tore through the region thousands of years ago. Today, the centerpiece is the awe-inspiring Dry Falls—a scalloped, horseshoe-shaped cliff measuring 3.5 miles wide and 400 feet high. While the mighty waterfall has long since vanished, the deep plunge pools left behind have formed a chain of sparkling “Sun Lakes” that provide an oasis for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Why Visit Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park?
Few places in the United States offer such a profound visual representation of ancient geological forces. Visitors are immediately humbled when standing at the edge of the Dry Falls overlook, gazing down into the massive chasm where the Columbia River once plunged during the Missoula Floods. Beyond its educational and geological significance, the park is a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation. The deep blue lakes nestled between stark basalt cliffs create a striking contrast, offering everything from peaceful stand-up paddleboarding to challenging desert hikes.
Pro Tip: The Dry Falls Visitor Center is a Must-See
Do not skip the Dry Falls Visitor Center perched on the cliff overlooking the inactive falls. Through interactive exhibits and panoramic viewing windows, the center provides the crucial context needed to understand the unimaginable scale of the Ice Age floods that carved this landscape. It is the perfect starting point before hiking down into the coulee.
Top Activities and Attractions
The varied terrain of Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park caters to both water lovers and land explorers.
Geological Exploration and the Umatilla Rock Trail
For hikers, the signature experience is the Umatilla Rock Trail. This loop trail takes you down onto the floor of the ancient plunge pool, weaving through massive basalt columns, sagebrush, and striking rock formations. Hiking amidst the towering 400-foot walls of Dry Falls provides a breathtaking perspective on the sheer volume of water that once roared overhead. Keep an eye out for diverse desert wildlife, including marmots, hawks, and the occasional rattlesnake.
Boating and Water Sports
The ‘Sun Lakes’ portion of the park refers to a chain of lakes—including Park Lake and Deep Lake—that fill the ancient coulee. Two boat launches provide access to Park Lake. Activities vary by season and specific lake; while kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular year-round for their peaceful intimacy with the cliffs, activities like water-skiing and wakeboarding are permitted on Park Lake with specific seasonal restrictions.
World-Class Lake Fishing
Anglers flock to the park’s lakes, which are heavily stocked by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The cold, clear waters are prime habitat for rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass. Deep Lake, accessible via a short hike or carry-in boat, is particularly renowned for its excellent trout fishing.
Golfing in the Desert
For a unique recreational twist, the park is home to the Vic Meyer Golf Course, a nine-hole course operated by the Sun Lakes Resort concessionaire. Playing a round of golf surrounded by ancient basalt cliffs is an experience singular to this state park. Miniature golf is also available for families.
Camping and Accommodations
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls is heavily equipped for overnight visitors, though reservations are highly recommended during the peak summer months.
- Standard and RV Sites: The park features 96 standard tent campsites and 41 full-hookup RV sites (water, power, and sewer). Some sites can accommodate rigs up to 65 feet long.
- Group Camping: A designated group camp area is available for tent camping, accommodating up to 75 people.
- Sun Lakes Resort: Located within the park boundaries, this private concessionaire offers cabin rentals, a convenience store, boat rentals, and additional amenities for those seeking a less primitive stay.
Essential Park Information
- Address: 34875 Park Lake Road NE, Coulee City, WA 99115
- Park Hours: 6:30 a.m. to dusk (Summer: Apr 1 – Sep 30) / 8:00 a.m. to dusk (Winter: Oct 1 – Mar 31)
- Entry Fee: A Washington State Discover Pass is required. $10 for a one-day pass or $30 for an annual pass.
- Phone: (509) 632-5583 (Main Park) / (509) 632-5214 (Visitor Center)
- Pet Policy: Leashed pets are welcome in the park, including campgrounds and on trails, but are not permitted in park buildings.
FAQ
Is there any water flowing over Dry Falls today?
No. Dry Falls is a geological remnant of the Ice Age floods. While the lakes below are fed by groundwater and irrigation runoff, the massive waterfall that formed the cliff has been dry for over 10,000 years.
Do I need a Discover Pass if I am just visiting the Dry Falls Visitor Center?
Yes. The Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to all state parks and state recreation lands, including the parking lot for the Dry Falls Visitor Center and overlook.
Can I rent a kayak or boat at the park?
Yes. Sun Lakes Resort, a private concessionaire located within the park, typically offers rowboat, canoe, and kayak rentals during the peak summer season.
Are campfires allowed?
Campfires are generally allowed in designated fire rings within the campgrounds. However, central Washington is prone to high fire danger in the summer, and strict burn bans are frequently enacted. Always check current burn ban status before lighting a fire.
