News Release 12-078
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director
Media contact:
Julie Anderson, (509) 632-5214 Dry.Falls@parks.wa.gov
Hilary Schult, (360) 902-8604 Hilary.Schult@parks.wa.gov
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
Learn about the Channeled Scablands at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
OLYMPIA –
Aug. 10, 2012 –
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to two events highlighting the Channeled Scablands of eastern Washington at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park in Grant County.
A book signing and interpretive program featuring local expert and author John Soennichsen will take place on Aug. 18 within Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, 34875 Park Lake Road N.E. in Coulee City. Soennichsen will share his knowledge about the Channeled Scablands in eastern Washington and the geologic history of the area. The book signing runs from 1 to 3 p.m. at Dry Falls Visitor Center. The interpretive program will feature a multimedia presentation by Soennichsen at 9 p.m. in the Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park amphitheater. The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the event.
John Soennichsen is the author of “Bretz Floods” and the recently released, “Washington’s Channeled Scablands.” Local to the Spokane area, Soennichsen lives alongside the scabland channel just outside of Cheney. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Eastern Washington University. More information about his works may be found at www.johnsoennichsen.weebly.com.
Dry Falls Visitor Center is located two miles north of the Sun Lake-Dry Falls State Park entrance on Highway 17. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 to Oct. 31. Admission is free, with donations accepted. For more information about Dry Falls Visitor Center, visit www.parks.wa.gov/stewardship/dryfalls.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a 4,027-acre camping park with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls. Dry Falls is a geological wonder of North America. Carved by Ice Age floods, the former waterfall is now a stark cliff, 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide. In its heyday, the waterfall was four times the size of Niagara Falls. Today, it overlooks a desert oasis filled with lakes and abundant wildlife.
Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
-30-
