Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
by the runoff water from the Grand Coulee's Banks Lake. The 165-foot-tall falls
pour over a basalt cliff and into Billy Clapp Lake.
Ten miles south of Sun Lakes State Park, you'll find
Lake Lenore Caves.
These caves were created by the same floodwaters that carved Dry Falls. In this
case, the waters tore off chunks of basalt as they flowed past the cliffs above
today's Lake Lenore. The caves were later used by wandering bands of prehis-
toric Indians. There are seven caves accessible along an established trail.
Continuing south will bring you to
Soap Lake,
an alkaline lake named for
the soapsuds that gather on its shores. For centuries the lake has attracted peo-
ple who believe the waters have medicinal properties. Once a busy health spa,
Soap Lake today is a quiet little town. However, it does have a couple of good
lodges where you can soak in the lake's waters. A public town beach also pro-
vides access to the lake.
About 25 miles south of Soap Lake lies
Moses Lake,
which is popular with
water-skiers. South of Moses Lake lies the
Potholes Reservoir
and
Columbia
National Wildlife Refuge.
This area is a stark contrast of desert and water, with
lots of basalt outcroppings adding drama to the landscape. To explore this
region, drive south from Moses Lake on Wash. 17, west on Wash. 262, south on
K2 SE Road (which becomes Morgan Lake Rd.), and west on Wash. 26.
WHERE TO STAY
IN COULEE DAM
Columbia River Inn
Located right across the street from Grand Coulee
Dam Visitor Center, this remodeled motel is convenient for viewing the laser
light show (just cross the street to the park). Guest rooms have attractive pine
furnishings and small balconies with partial dam views, and some have their
own whirlpool tubs.
10 Lincoln St., Coulee Dam, WA 99116.
&
800/633-6421
or 509/633-2100. www.columbiariverinn.com.
34 units. $75-$85 double; $95-$190 suite. AE, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Outdoor pool; Jacuzzi; coin-op
laundry. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, coffeemaker.
Four Winds Guest House
Located in the picture-perfect company town
that was built to house engineers and laborers working on the dam, this inn is
in a former engineers dorm where Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt once held a meet-
ing during his visit to the dam site. The guest rooms are simply furnished in a
traditional style that evokes the 1930s, when the dam was built.
301 Lincoln St., Coulee Dam, WA 99116.
&
800/786-3146
or 509/633-3146. Fax 509/633-2454. www.four
windsbandb.com. 10 units, 1 with private bathroom. $68 double with shared bathroom; $90 double with pri-
vate bathroom. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DISC, MC, V. Children over age 8 welcome. In room:
No phone.
