 | | Ephrata, Washington | |
| | Bird Watching | | |
| | Billy Clapp Lake | | The lake is 4,000 total acres. It is both a reservoir and a game reserve. The lake is encircled by basalt cliffs of varying height. Most of the shoreline is too steep and rocky to support any wetland or riparian vegetation. The uplands are a mix of poor-quality, gravelly soils and basalt outcroppings. The lake is just one of several Wildlife Areas in the Columbia Basin which is one of the most important waterfowl breeding grounds in Washington. Millions of other birds also use the waters and marshes for resting and feeding on their annual migrations along the Pacific Flyway. Coyotes are the most abundant predatory mammal. Jackrabbits, marmots, ground squirrels, muskrats, and a wide variety of mice and shrews occur. Mule deer occur in fringe areas where suitable habitat exists. Resident prairie falcons, red-tailed and Swainson's hawks, golden eagles, wintering bald eagles, colonies of burrowing owls, and the occasional snowy owl or gyrfalcon are also present. |
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| | Columbia National Wildlife Refuge | | The refuge waters include 145 acres of ponds, 841 acres of lakes, and 17.8 miles of streams. Available species include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish. The refuge is a wintering area for an average population of over 100,000 ducks (mostly mallards) and Canada geese. |
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| | Potholes Reservoir | | Recreation in the area is full of variety. All types of water sports are allowed. Some of these include water skiing, boating, swimming, kayaking, and tubing. Picnicking on the shores of the reservoir is very popular as well. Most of the areas are covered to provide shelter from intense sun or the occasional rain shower. ATV trails line the outside area into the state park as well. |
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| | Potholes State Park | | The park is a 640-acre camping park with 6,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Potholes Reservoir (also known as O'Sullivan Reservoir). Potholes Reservoir is often confused with the Pothole Lakes themselves, which are a 30- to 45-minute drive from the park. The terrain is desert with freshwater marshes. Potholes State Park is situated on the reservoir created by construction of O'Sullivan Dam rather than the nearby "potholes geologic formations" for which it is named. Thousands are attracted to the Potholes desert area each year to enjoy fishing, hunting, bird watching, water sports and the sunshine. |
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| | Steamboat Rock State Park | | This park 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. |
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| | Sun Lakes State Park | | The park is a 4,027-acre camping park with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls. Dry Falls is one of the great geological wonders of North America. Carved by ice-age floods that long ago disappeared, the former waterfall is now a stark cliff, 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide. The waterfall was ten times the size of Niagara Falls. Visitors are able to enjoy a variety of different activities at the park as well. Golf courses are well kept for the enjoyment of guests. Water Activities include boating, water skiing, and fishing. Wildlife viewing and bird watching prove to be very exciting in this are as well. |
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