| Steamboat Rock State is a 3,522-acre camping park with 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline at the north end of Banks Lake. Dominating the landscape is a columnar, basaltic rock with a surface area of 600 acres. Two campground areas and a large day-use area are on sweeping green lawns, protected from winds by tall dramatic poplars. The surrounding areas are carpeted with wildflowers, adding to the gray-green brush of the Scablands. A sandy swimming area and boat launches make the area a favorite for visitors who enjoy water-play and want respite from the hot, summer sun. Activities include mountain biking, rock climbing, volleyball, and wildlife viewing. During the winter, the park offers opportunities for Nordic skiing. Northrup Creek water access is open 24 hours a day. Crown Point remains open until after the laser-light show at Grand Coulee Dam concludes in the evening. Castle Rock Natural Area Preserve is on the butte nearby. Crown Point Vista near Grand Coulee overlooks the Grand Coulee Dam, the cities of Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee, and the Columbia River. The park has seven boat ramps at three locations on Banks Lake and 320 feet of dock for boat handling only. A marine pump out is available. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available. Steamboat Rock is a long-established area landmark, first used by nomadic Native American tribes and then by early settlers. The military currently uses the area for aircraft flying training missions. The basalt butte rises 800 feet above Banks Lake. It was once an island in the Columbia River bed. When the Columbia returned to its natural course, after centuries of being dammed by ice, the massive rock remained. There is also a well-engineered road, built in the late 1800s, that winds through and up the south side of Northrop canyon. Once used by stage coaches and freight wagons, it was named after one of the original homesteaders. |
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