Wildlife

It seems as if our world gets more stressful with each passing day. Columbia NWR offers a chance to unplug and reconnect with the world around us. With dozens of lakes, numerous trails, and abundant wildlife, visitors have a variety of activities available. The dramatic landscape is sure to spark an interest in the geologic forces that shaped the refuge, while the constant migration of birds makes the refuge a special place to view wildlife. Regardless of your interests, Columbia has something to offer, like these sand hill cranes taking flight.  

Born of fire and ice and flood over millions of years, preserved through the war and conflict of half a century, now protected forever.  Hanford Reach provides motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities on the nation's only remaining non-tidal, free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River. Jetboat or kayak tours are excellent ways to see the river, experience its history, and catch a glimpse of deer, pelicans, coyotes, bald and golden eagles, egrets, various herons, and waterfowl of all descriptions. 

Located southwest of Royal City in Grant County, accessed from Lower Crab Creek Road off of State Highway 243, the Unit lies within the valley of Lower Crab Creek along the steep north side of the Saddle Mountains. The unit consists of shrubsteppe, wetlands, and riparian areas along the creek, and the seep ponds and uplands on the bench north of the creek provide a diverse habitat for many species of wildlife. 

The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (also known as the "PTCT") gives hikers, cyclists and equestrians an unconventional way to explore a variety of environments, flora and wildlife while getting a taste of Washington’s scenic diversity. Explore the forested Cascade Mountains to the arid shrub-steppe of eastern Washington. Sitting on the historic Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad corridor, nicknamed the "Milwaukee Road," this 251-mile trail runs in sections from Cedar Falls near North Bend east to the Idaho border. Click Here to search for other WA State Parks in Grant County. 

The park features 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir on the Columbia River.  Click here for days trips along the Columbia River or check out park features including: Boat Launch, Contact Station, Parking, Picnic Table(s), Restroom, Shelter, Showers, Trailhead with Boating, Waterskiing.

Grant County is home to six of the 140 state parks, along with historic sites, trails, marine parks and properties for you to explore. Browse through WA State Parks or customize your search with the filters. You're sure to find your next great adventure here!