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Any season of the year is the right time to visit Grant County, Washington’s great escape! Golden sunshine bathes the land in its warm glow for 300 days each year, making Grant County the ideal fun-in-the-sun vacation destination for year-round travelers.
Our unique landscape is a geologic wonderland created by prehistoric lava flows and ice age floods. The area can be viewed from the comfort of your car, and many visitor centers and museums help explain and interpret the unbelievable geologic formations. From the Dry Falls Interpretive Center visitors can view the 400-foot high, 3.5-mile wide former waterfall, the largest on earth.
Grand Coulee Dam
Is the largest concrete dam in the world. The dam, located on the Columbia River, offers self-guided tours and a free laser light show each evening during the summer months.
Grant County’s 139 lakes and numerous beaches offer fun water recreation. The possibilities for camping, fishing and boat racing are inexhaustible. Potholes Reservoir provides outstanding fishing opportunities, and the therapeutic mud and mineral-rich waters of Soap Lake attract visitors seeking a spa experience.
The Drumheller Channels are one of eight National Natural Landmarks. This site is in the northern part of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts large numbers of Canada geese. The refuge averages over 100,000 ducks during their winter seasons. Mallards are the species most often seen, but redheads and cinnamon teal also nest at the refuge. More than 200 other species of birds, including songbirds, hawks, owls, great blue heron, sandhill cranes and tundra swans also call the refuge home.
Visitors with an interest in agriculture will enjoy the wide variety of crops grown in Grant County. Grant County farmers produce winter and spring wheat, potatoes and hay, along with corn, asparagus, spearmint and peppermint.
In Grant County, the welcome sign is always out. If you are coming for a day, a week or even a month, the unique splendor of sunny Grant County and the warm friendly folks that live here are sure to make you feel right at home!
Established in February of 1909, Grant County is named after President Ulysses S. Grant. Our main industry during the territorial days of the 1850s was stock raising. But by the 1880s, agricultural production had begun to take over. Numerous towns were planted and people streamed into the county. Fertile soil and abundant sources of surface and ground water promoted the development of fruit orchards.
Railroads fueled rapid growth and development within the county in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By 1930, the depression and severe droughts had reduced Grant County's population by more than a third.
In 1933,
the U.S. Congress authorized the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project. Stimulated by irrigated agriculture, more than twenty-five food processing plants were established and the local population tripled.
By 1950, the Columbia Basin Project was the nation's largest single reclamation project. Construction of the irrigation system included about 2,300 miles of canals and laterals and 3,200 miles of drains and wasteways.
The irrigation system currently serves more than 550,000 acres and about 6,000 farms. During World War II, Moses Lake became the home of Larsen A ir Force Base, a training facility for American bomber pilots. In 1965, the base was decommissioned and the property became the Port of Moses Lake, the home of Grant County International Airport. The facility serves as a flight-training center for Japan Air Lines and both domestic and other foreign airlines use the field for training pilots and flight crews.
As a result of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helen’s, Grant County experienced an awesome geological phenomenon in the form of ash. Up to six inches of ash was introduced to the area leaving a lasting mark in our history.
Geological History
It took major forces of nature to produce such a scenic area. Fire, ice, floods, and volcanoes all played major roles in shaping Grant County. Beginning 100,000 years ago a great glacial ice dam created Glacial Lake Missoula. Tremendous volumes of water eroded the dam as the lake drained. Evidence indicates that glaciers advanced and blocked the area as many as 85 times in the last 16,000 years. The turbulence of the floods waters eroded the surface soils and basalt underneath, leaving behind the Grand Coulee, Dry Falls and the Drumheller Channels. Dry Falls is the site of a waterfall that was 3.5 miles wide and 400 ft. high. The Drumheller Channels are one of eight National Natural Landmarks.
Soap Lake
- A Mineral Lake in the Heart of Washington State
Web: www.soaplakewa.com
Email: soapy@soaplakewa.com
Nestled beneath majestic basalt cliffs and rim rock slopes at the southern end of the lower Grand Coulee in Eastern Washington is a tiny inland sea noted for its mineral rich water and creamy black mud.
Cave B Estate Winery
348 Silica Road N.W.
Quincy, WA 98848
Phone: 509-785-3500
Email: info@caveb.com
Web: http://www.caveb.com
Cave B is an ultra premium estate winery beautifully situated on the cliffs above the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington. From vineyard land carefully selected for grape growing, only the best fruit is hand selected for Cave B’s limited production wines. Further quality checks proceed during winemaking, with only the best finished wines becoming Cave B wines. This premium wine is further elevated by the superlative surroundings, making any visit to Cave B a special occasion.
Wines Produced: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Semillon, Chardonnay
"Washington's Great Escape"
We're pleased with your interest in our area. Location of one of the state's largest natural fresh water lakes, plus numerous parks and campgrounds, we're an outdoor recreational oasis! In addition to the natural beauty of the Columbia Basin, Moses Lake has many convenient, quality visitor attractions and facilities. A variety of lodging options are available with prices to fit any pocketbook. We enjoy a variety of family events, concerts and other activities. Have a safe and pleasant stay, and if you should need assistance before or during your visit, feel free to contact the friendly staff at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce located at 324 S. Pioneer Way, phone (509) 765-7888 or toll free 1-800-992-6234. While in the immediate area, you can access our Visitor Information Radio Station at AM 530 on your radio. Broadcasts are provided 24 hours a day with current community event and attraction information. Have a great time and enjoy the area!
Birdwatching
With the abundance of water and habitat, the Moses Lake area is home to a diverse and abundant bird population. Water fowl populations reach peaks of over 100,000 birds during the fall season. The nearby Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, located just south of Moses Lake, has had over 200 different species observed. Our lakes, marshes and sloughs are home to various water fowl. Hawks, owls, ravens and cliff swallows can be observed in the cliff areas. Local wetlands provide shelter to herons, American avocent and other shore birds. Pheasants, quail and magpies are found in the upland areas. Birding is also very popular in the Potholes Reservoir area which is located about 4 miles south of Moses Lake.
Fishing
With over 247,000 surfaces acres of water on or near Moses Lake, fishing is a favorite activity. Please refer to the state fishing regulations for specific requirements. Many local lakes (including Moses Lake) are open for year-round fishing. Local waters offer walleye, trout, bass, perch, crappie, catfish, and more.
Sand Dunes/ORV Park
Enjoy the fun and excitement of "conquering" a sand dune and more! The Grant County ORV area (one of the largest in the region) is located just four miles outside Moses Lake city limits in the sand dunes. Drive south on Division Street or take exit 174 off of I-90 and follow signs south. Rustic (no developed facilities) camping is permitted. The sand dunes area is located on the southern tip of Moses Lake with rolling sand dunes and great fishing and waterskiing opportunities available. Click here for a copy of the Grant County Sheriff's departments' rules and regulations.
Potholes Reservoir
- Overview
Potholes Reservoir (23,000 acres): Expect good fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass and walleye in this year-round water. Yellow perch, crappie and bluegill populations have declined in recent years so anglers may find smaller and fewer fish to harvest. The best time for these species is mid-summer through fall. The main reservoir and Lind Coulee arm are also popular for fishing through the ice. Remember the new combined crappie and bluegill daily catch limit of 25 fish. A large private resort, a state park, and several developed public access areas provide all the necessary amenities. Disabled accessibility at Island site and Lind Coulee - Level 3. WCT, lgs. / At Williams Lake site - Level 2. WCT, lgs, steep launch.
