Banks Lake

In Eastern Washington, there is a sizable artificial reservoir called Banks Lake that stretches from Coulee City to Electric City. This distinctive lake is a component of the much bigger Columbia Basin Project, which supplies energy and irrigation to this area.

Another well-liked destination for recreation in Eastern Washington is Banks Lake. Steamboat Rock State Park, which lies close to the lake's north side, serves as the hub for activities. The park is called after an 800-foot-high rock monolith that is difficult to miss. This imposing plateau covers more than 600 acres.

To get a great perspective of the water, hikers can ascend Steamboat Rock through a challenging but well-traveled trail. More than 50,000 feet of freshwater beachfront can be found in the state park. There are seven boat launches available at this Banks Lake entry, distributed among three locations.

Visitors to Banks Lake can take in the distinctive scenery, which is dominated by moss-draped cypress and encircled by water lilies, while fishing, canoeing, or simply watching the sunset from the pier. Banks Lake is best experienced from the water, and each season has a different mood that it imparts to the lake. Look at each tree closely. As they emerge from the water, dragonfly nymphs shed their larval skeletons on the cypress bark. On a misty morning, spider webs shimmer with dew drops.

Location: Grant / Douglas counties, Washington