Fun in the Sun, year-round , for all ages
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Just 7 miles south of I90 on SR 243, the Wanapum Dam Overlook is a scenic viewing area perched above the Wanapum Reservoir with views of the dam and surrounding mountains. Improvements included ADA upgrades, an improved viewing platform with binoculars, interpretive signage panels, picnic tables, gates, and a restroom facility. Just a short drive south, the Grand County PUD office is also the site of the Wanapum Dam Visitor Center at 14352 Highway 243 near Beverly. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from May 1 to Sept. 30.
desert aire visitor center
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Stop in at the center located off SR 243 at the main entrance of this rural village to find out more about the communities of Desert Aire and Mattawa, as well as all of the fun things to enjoy within a 40 miles radius. Open regularly at 1 Desert Aire Drive SW between Memorial Day and Labor Day with reduced hours the remainder of the year. Email , text or call for more information 509.932.7975. Click Here to follow on Facebook.
Priest Rapids Recreation Area
Wanapum dam Lookout/visitor Center
Priest Rapids Recreation Area
Entrance through Desert Aire, built and maintained by the Grant County Public Utility District. Launch your boat at the marina for watersports or fishing, pitch your tent or trailer in the campground (14 basic sites), or use the 3.1 mile long trail for a walk or bike ride. Fire rings, potable water, picnic tables, designated swimming area, day use area with picnic shelters and grills. Click Here for information.
Desert Aire Regional Airport
Desert Aire Regional Airport
Priest Rapids Recreation Area
Desert Aire Airport District boundary is Washington SR 243 to the east, Grant County Public Utility District land to the west and south, and State Road 26 to the north as shown on the picture to the left. Operated as a corporate municipality, on land leased from the Desert Aire Owners Association. Open to the public, the airport welcome both business and personal guests, is used for medical helicopters and regional fire fighting units that dip in the near by Columbia River when needed.
Mattawa
Desert Aire Regional Airport
Royal City
Mattawa was first platted in 1909 with land owned by Mr. E. Campbell and Eva L. Campbell from Spokane. The grid system and streets which were designated have remained unchanged. With no substantial development of the town until 1955.the Priest Rapid City Development Company, Inc. purchased the site and adjoining lands, and drilled one well approximately 765 feet deep for a water system to start a water system. The name "Mattawa" an Indian word meaning "Where is it?", was chosen as the town was not visible from the highway. The Town of Mattawa was incorporated in 1958 and the name was changed in 2009 to the City of Mattawa by ordinance. Up to the present, many improvements have been made in the facilities, streets, street lighting system, water system, and fire protection. Irrigation projects and the ongoing construction of the regional dams have had a large impact on the area and the development into a farming region. Click Here for information
Royal City
Desert Aire Regional Airport
Royal City
A relaxed farming community in the heart of the Columbia Basin, located on State Route 26 between Frenchman Hills to the North and the Saddle Mountains to the South and only 17 miles from the Columbia River from the East.
Royal city is a small community reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell setting where the combination of neighborly, caring citizens, year-round pleasant weather and a great school district makes this a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. The location makes it ideal for sportsman and vacationers to enjoy some of the best recreation spots in Grant County. The Potholes Reservoir is the largest earthen filled dam open to the community for water sports, boating, some of the best fishing and a whole lot of family fun! Click Here for more information.