Interpretive and Visitor Centers • Lewis & Clark • North Head Lighthouse • Mt. St. Helens • Sacajawea • Dry Falls
In the heart of the Grand Coulee lies one of the natural wonders of North America — the Dry Falls cataract. This 3.5-mile-wide chasm of basalt, with a drop of 400 feet, was left high and dry thousands of years ago as the last of several Ice Age floods swept through the Grand Coulee. This is one of the most extraordinary landscapes to be found along the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail.
Begin your journey with a visit to the historic Vista House Overlook, which offers panoramic views of Dry Falls. Watch for wildlife, the plunge pools surrounding this dormant Ice Age waterfall are now home to a series of tranquil groundwater-fed lakes, an oasis for wildlife and wildlife viewing.
Next door you will find the Dry Falls Visitor Center, home to a wide range of indoor exhibits highlighting the Ice Age and early human history of the region. The center also features a comprehensive bookstore — a must stop for those looking to learn more about the Ice Age floods story.
After visiting the center, explore the Dry Falls landscape by car, on foot or by boat. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking more than 15 miles of trails, participating in interpretive programs, camping, boating, golfing and wildlife viewing.
Driving Directions
GPS location: 47.610, -119.360
From eastbound I-90:
Take exit 151 to State Route 283. Go through Ephrata, and continue on to Soap Lake. Turn north onto State Route 17, and continue 19 miles to the visitor center, which is two miles northeast of the main park entrance.
From U.S. Highway 2:
Take State Route 17 south two miles, just four miles west of Coulee City.
34875 Park Lake Road NE
Coulee City. WA
Hours of Operation
The center is open daily from March 1 to Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vista House Overlook is open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk
Admission
The Discover Pass is required for parking.
Admission into the center is free, with donations accepted.
Nearby Attractions
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park:
Lake Lenore Caves State Park, located 10 miles south on State Route 17.
Steamboat Rock State Park, located 21 miles north on State Route 155.
The Ice Age floods in Washington
To learn more about the Ice Age floods in Washington, visit the State Parks web page or the Ice Age Floods Institute website.