Grand Coulee Dam Area Visitors’ Guide 2013-2014
A Supplement to The Star Newspaper
The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to…
Come to the Coulee April
Calendar of Events
• •
Ridge Riders Riding Clinic Triple Fish Challenge Fishing Derby • NW Bass Fishing Tournament
May • • • • •
Colorama Festival & Pro-West Rodeo That Dam Run Sunbanks Blues Festival NW Bass Fishing Tournament WSBF/FLW Jamboree Tournament
June • • • • • • • •
Weekly Saturday Market Laser Light Show nightly Veterans Motorcycle Rally Stateline Outboard Boat Races Koulee Kids Days NBC Camps Basketball Clinic Coulee Cruizers Hot Rod Show Ridge Riders Bull Riding & Ranch Rodeo
July • • •
Weekly Saturday Market Laser Light Show nightly Festival of America: Fireworks, Live Bands, Arts/Crafts & Food
See
the laser light show and
take a tour of the world famous Grand Coulee Dam. Attend one of the area festivals. Enjoy world class fishing on Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt or Lake Rufus Woods. Go
July (continued)
• Ridge Riders Junior Rodeo • Jack & Jill Fishing Tournament
August
• Weekly Saturday Market • Laser Light Show nightly • Coulee Playland Open Tournament
September
• • • Northrup Canyon or to the • top of stunning Steamboat for a hike through scenic
Rock. Take a bicycling trip along the Columbia River. Enjoy boating, swimming and water skiing on all of the open water in the region. Or simply take in the gorgeous sunsets on the magnificent Coulee Walls. There’s something for everyone in the Coulee.
Weekly Saturday Market Laser Light Show nightly Sunbanks Blues Festival Grand Columbian Triathlon
October
• Coulee Fall Festival • WSBF/FLW Dream Team Bass Fishing Tournament
November
• Holiday Bazaars • Frostbite Bass Fishing Tournament
December
• Christmas Bazaars • Vintners & Brewers Tasting & Auction
Visit www.grandcouleedam.org or call 509.633.3074 for more information
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Members 2013 Body by Dam PO Box 255 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-4875
4-Bears Storage PO Box 490 Electric City, WA 509-633-2773
Brandy’s
319 Midway Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-7288
BIE Inc.
1634 W Broadway Moses Lake, WA 509-765-5800
Coulee Medical Center
Grand Coulee Dam Seniors PO Box 636 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-2327
PO Box 628 Electric City, WA 509-633-8020
Coulee Pioneer Museum
Grand Coulee Dam Software PO Box 139 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-0124
Hometown Pizza
PO Box 472 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3393
Coulee Playland
Grand Coulee Eagles #2577
Investment Services Northwest
411 Fortuyn Rd Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-6361
PO Box 203 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-2773 PO Box 457 Electric City, WA 509-633-2671
Coulee Massage Therapy
Button It
411 Fortuyn Rd Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-7307
CJ’s Mini Storage
303 Columbia Ave Coulee Dam, WA 509-631-1023
PO Box 95 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-2078
PO Box 673 Electric City, WA 509-631-1222
Columbia Basin Development League PO Box 745 Cashmere, WA 509-782-9442
Columbia River Inn 10 Lincoln St Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-2100
Coulee Cruizers PO Box 665 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0836
Coulee Dam Casino PO Box 125 Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-0766
CDFCU
PO Box 216 Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-0830
Town of Coulee Dam 300 Lincoln Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-0320
Coulee Graphics PO Box 197 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-1965
Coulee Hardware
PO Box U Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-1090
Coulee House Inn & Suites 110 Roosevelt Way Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-1101
Delight
DWK Fowler Construction 58045 Spokane NE Grand Coulee, WA 99133 509-633-2485
Eagle Catering 38800 Peterson Rd N Almira, WA 509-639-2336
Electric City PO Box 130 Electric City, WA 509-633-1510
Flo’s Café
23653 Boulder Ave NE Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3216
PO Box E Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0162
Jack’s 4 Corners
Grand Coulee Physical Therapy
Jess Ford of Grand Coulee
PO Box 777 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-0649
PO Box 680 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3260
Grand Coulee Veterinary Services PO Box 138 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0711
Grant County EDC
6594 Patton Blvd NE Moses Lake, WA 98837 509-764-6579
Grant County PUD PO Box 878 Ephrata, WA 509-754-6633
PO Box 69 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0410
PO Box 171 Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-1419
Fuller & Sons Auto Sales & Rentals
H & H Grocery
Funzee’s Nothin’ But Fun PO Box 557 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3094
PO Box 35 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0150
Grand Coulee Lions Club
Foisy & Kennedy Gene Gross, M.D.
PO Box 312 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0600
Historical Images
PO Box 506 Electric City, WA 509-633-2687
Happy Trails Alternative Healing PO Box 277 Elmer City, WA 509-633-0142
PO Box 718 Grand Coulee, WA 425-327-4207
PO Box 902 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0110
Ken’s Distributing
PO Box 543 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0155
King’s Court RV Park PO Box 837 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3655
KISSed Quilts PO Box 717 Grand Coulee, WA 509-386-5715
La Presa Restaurant
515 E Grand Coulee Ave Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3173
Loepp Furniture PO Box 8 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0430
Loyal Order of the Moose PO Box 25 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0555
Lynn’s Storage PO Box 431 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0246
Gerard Building Company
Heaven-Sent Computer Services
Brooke Meinzer
Grand Coulee Center Lodge
James Heuvel
Susan Miller
PO Box 328 Electric City, WA 509-633-1664
PO Box 72 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-2860
PO Box 638 Electric City, WA 509-631-4311
PO Box 66 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3622
National Park Service
State Farm Insurance
1008 Crest Dr Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-9441
PO Box A Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0280
NCNB
Strate Funeral Home
PO Box G Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-1700
Needles and Hooks 1 Coulee Blvd W Electric City, WA 509-631-4220
Okanogan Country Tourism PO Box 626 Omak, WA 509-826-5107
Margi Overman 23685 Boulder Ave Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-1946
Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille PO Box 617 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-8283
Ridge Riders PO Box 174 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-0018
Grand Coulee Dam Rotary Club PO Box 367 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-0799
Shaw’s Fruit & Produce 3533A Hwy 155 Coulee Dam, WA 509-633-0133
Siam Palace
45980 Geostar Dr Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-2921
Skydeck Motel
PO Box 325 Electric City, WA 99123 509-633-0290
Star Publishing PO Box 150 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-1350
PO Box 66 Grand Coulee, WA 509633-1111
Sunbanks Lake Resort PO Box 117 Electric City, WA 509-633-3786
Sunrise Disposal, Inc PO Box 1267 Okanogan, WA 509-422-4530
Taylor Enterprises
PO Box 44 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-1531
Trail West Motel PO Box 581 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-3155
Tropical Pig PO Box 158 Electric City, WA 509-631-3007
Bob Valen
PO Box 86 Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-8209
Wheeler Broadcasting PO Box K Grand Coulee, WA 509-633-2020
Whitley Fuel PO Box 907 Okanogan, WA 509-422-3120
Key Bank
4 NW Division Wilbur, WA 509-647-5533
Silver Creek Systems
34500 Sherman Draw Wilbur, WA 509-647-5337
PO Box 600 Grand Coulee, WA 509-631-6006 PO Box 373 Electric City, WA 509-633-2364
Stronger Together 3
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Table of Contents
Basic Questions..................................................................... 6 Grand Coulee Dam Facts.................................................10 Where Can I Camp.............................................................17 Are the Fish Biting?............................................................20 Monthly Fishing Guide.....................................................21 Hunting the Coulee.................................................... 22-23 Lake Roosevelt Facts.........................................................24 Parks or Viewpoints...........................................................28
“Coulee” Facts............................................................... 29-30 Colville/Native People............................................... 36-37 Chelan............................................................................. 38-40 Laser Show Facts.................................................................48 Welcome to Wilbur............................................................41 Welcome to Okanogan County.............................. 42-43 Ad Index.......................................................................... 49-50
Banks Lake...................Pages 6, 13,15,18, 19, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Laser Lights at Grand Coulee Dam..........................Pages 4,50
Camping/Accomodations.... Pages 4,11,12,13,15,20, 21, 24,
Lake Roosevelt.................................Pages 5,14,18,19,21,24, 25
27, 48
Map of Area........................................................... Pages 29, 30, 31
Casinos............................................................................. Pages 5, 36
Municipal Parks ................................................Page 4,5, 6, 27, 41
Crown Point Vista..........................................................Pages 4,26
Museums . .....................................................................Pages 34,43
Fishing ...............................................Pages 5,7, 13, 18, 19, 20 41
National Park Service...........................................Pages 15,22,23
Index
Fruit Stand..........................................................................Pages 3, 5
Native Americans - History...................................Pages 31 - 35
Grand Coulee Dam..........................Pages 1,4,8,9,10, 14,26,47
Schedule of Events.....................................................Pages 16, 17
Golfing/Bowling............................................... Pages 6, 11,38,39
Steamboat Rock State Park........................Pages 5,6,18, 27,28
Hiking.................................................................Pages 5,6,26,28,41
Spring Canyon Campground/Park..................Pgs. 5,6,15,22,23
Hunting, Wildlife..................................... Page 5, 13,20,21,23 26
Swimming................................................................... Pgs. 5,23,28,39
Need more Visitors' Guides? Want to advertise in print or online?
in Coulee Dam next to the Casino
Contact us at 888-633-1350 or email star@grandcoulee.com
About the Cover Grand Coulee Dam holds back Lake Roosevelt, from which water is pumped up 280 feet into a feeder canal that fill Banks Lake in the background, with Steamboat Rock rising in the middle of it.
4
Store Hours 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Saturday & Sunday
We have the car for you!
FULLER & SONS
Fresh Donuts and Maple Bars Sandwiches Lattes
“Best” baked or fried chicken in the whole “Dam” area
(509) 633-0600
Featuring USDA Choice Meats Premium Angus Beef Garden Fresh Produce and complete line of groceries.
122 Midway, Grand Coulee fullerandsonsauto.com
“Welcome to Our Town”
Auto Sales Car Rentals
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
A tour bus stops on top of the dam at a time when excess water flows over the top. Compare this photo, noting the size of the bridge arches, with images of the whole dam to get a sense of its size.
Electric City’s BBQ Cafe Featuring
3533A Hwy 155, Coulee Dam
• Ribs • Sandwiches • Salads • Soups •24-Flavor Soft-Serve Shakes •Smoothies • Bubble Tea Baked Potato & Chili Dine In or Take Out • Catering Available 7 Days A Week 10:30 - Closing
Call 631-3007 For Take Outs
tropicalpig.com • Check Us Out On Facebook
R&A
6.5 Miles North of Coulee Dam
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily • Open May thru November
(509) 633-0133 • www.shawsfruit.com
Economy Rates
CAFE
BEST FOOD, BEST PRICES BEST SERVICE … BEST BET!
Open 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon. thru Sat.
“The best dam food in town!”
514 Birch St. Coulee Dam. Next to the Coulee House, across from the casino. (509) 633-2233 (CAFE)
108 Spokane Way, Grand Coulee Completely Remodeled Rooms
• Heated Pool to 88º • Air Conditioning • Cable TV • Phones • Kitchenettes • Ref./Micro/Coffeepots in room Non-Smoking • Free Internet Access
(866) 633-8157 • (509) 633-3155 www.trailwestmotel.com 5
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Basic Questions: What town am I in?
There are four towns adjacent to the Grand Coulee Dam. The city of Grand Coulee is above the dam. Electric City is two miles west of Grand Coulee. These two municipalities are located in Grant County. To the north, the town of Coulee Dam is directly below the dam. Coulee Dam — divided by the river — lies within three counties: Okanogan County on the east side of the river, and Douglas County and a tiny portion of Grant County on the west side of the river. The town of Elmer City, less than two miles north of Coulee Dam, also is in Okanogan County. The Colville IndianReservationbeginsinthemiddleoftheColumbia River Bridge in Coulee Dam and extends north to Omak. The east side of Coulee Dam and the town of Elmer City are within the boundaries of the reservation.
What time does the laser light show begin?
The laser show is held nightly at Grand Coulee Dam as follows for 2013: May 25 to July 31 at 10:00 p.m. Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m. The show is about 35 minutes in length. There is no admission fee.Call 509-633-9265 for more information.
Where can I view this show?
• Best location — the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center (VC) at the dam and from the park below the VC. These areas are covered by an outdoor sound system. • The town of Coulee Dam has constructed a new park along Roosevelt Drive starting at the east end of the Columbia River bridge. The park has a terraced, grassy area for viewing the Laser Light Show. • Other view spots: from Douglas Park in Coulee Dam, from Crown Point atop the granite cliffs and above Lake Rufus Woods — access from SR174 toward Bridgeport. • The USBR broadcasts the audio portion of the Laser Light Show nightly at 90.1 FM.
6
How do I take a tour of Grand Coulee Dam?
At the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Visitor Center on SR155 just north of Coulee Dam, tours are offered. The VC offers movies about the dam, informational displays, and guides can answer questions. You can get the latest information there, or call 509-633-9265.
Where are public restrooms? • VC and park below. • North Dam Park, SR155, west of Grand Coulee. • Grand Coulee City Hall, SR155, Grand Coulee. • Grand Coulee City Park, SR174. • Etheta Anderson Memorial Library, Grand Coulee. • Mason City Memorial Park, Coulee Dam, across street from shopping center. • Spring Canyon, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, SR174 east. • Steamboat Rock State Park, SR155 eight miles south of Electric City. • Coulee Playland, SR155, Electric City. • Coulee Dam Town Hall, 300 Lincoln, Coulee Dam
Where can I find overnight accomodations? • AREA MOTELS: Coulee Dam — The Columbia River Inn, 10 Lincoln Avenue, 509-633-2100, 800633-6421. Grand Coulee - The Grand Coulee Center Lodge, 404 Spokane Way,509-633-2860,866-633-2860; TrailWest, 108 Spokane Way, 509-633-3155, 866-633-8157. Electric City - Sunbanks Lake Resort, 57662 SR155 N, 509-633-3786, 888-822-7195.; SkyDeck Motel, 509-633-0290. Outer Area - The Willows Motel, Wilbur 509-6472100. • AREA CAMPGROUNDS - Steamboat Rock State Park on Banks Lake,11 miles south of Electric City on SR155, 509-633-1304; Spring Canyon on Lake Roosevelt, 1.4 miles east of Grand Coulee on SR174, 509-633-9188; Coulee Playland Resort on Banks Lake in Electric City, 509-633-2671; Grand Coulee RV Park, SR174 toward Bridgeport, 509-633-0750; Lakeview Terrace Mobile Park,2.4 miles east of Grand Coulee on SR174,509-6332169;King’s Court,SR174 toward Wilbur,509-633-3655.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Where can I eat? Family Style
Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille, 113 Midway Ave., Grand Coulee R&A Cafe, 514 Birch St., Coulee Dam Sunbanks, on Banks Lake
Fast Foods
TeePee Drive In, 211 Midway, Grand Coulee Jack's 4 Corners, Grand Coulee Hometown Pizza, Grand Coulee Electric City Bar & Grill, Electric City Banks Lake Pub, Electric City MJ's Bistro, Electric City Tropical Pig, Electric City
Specialty
La Presa, Hwy. 174, Grand Coulee Siam Palace, Main St., Grand Coulee
Where can I launch a boat?
Public docks are located at: Coulee Playland, Spring Canyon and Steamboat Rock State Park. Two other launching sites are about midway along Banks Lake. One is at Barker Canyon on the west side of the lake;the other is at the Northrup rest area on the small peninsula that juts out toward Steamboat Rock from the east side of the lake, just off the 155 state route. A launch ramp is in place at Crescent Bay on Lake Roosevelt.
Where can I buy postcards, gifts, souvenirs?
Many area retailers carry postcards, as do motels, restaurants and area concessionaires. • In Coulee Dam: Colville Tribal Museum Harvest Foods & Variety Coulee Dam Casino • In Grand Coulee: Chamber of Commerce • Steamboat Rock State Park, Funzee's, The Variety Store SR155, eight miles south of Jack's Four-Corners Electric City in the Grand Coulee. • In Electric City: • Spring Canyon, SR174 east toward Coulee Playland Resort Spokane. H&H Grocery • Grand Coulee Dam’s Visitor Center Sunbanks Lake Resort Park, below dam; and Roosevelt • Outer Area: Memorial Park, look for the A picnic below the dam. Shaw's Fruit & Produce bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt off Trading Post, Nespelem SR155 near the top of the dam. Rawson's, Okanogan • Municipal parks are located at: North Dam Park, Grant County Historical Museum, Ephrata SR155, Grand Coulee (covered eating area); Grand Coulee City Park, SR174 east toward Spokane; Douglas Park, SR155, Coulee Dam; Cole Park, just off SR155 on Columbia Avenue (do not cross Columbia River Bridge); Mason City Memorial Park, across street from Coulee Dam shopping center; National Park Service headquarters, Crest Drive, Coulee Dam. • Colville Confederated Tribes Casino 516 Birch, Coulee Dam; • Banks Lake Golf and Country Club, public golf, SR155 west of Electric City, 7 a.m. - dark; Banks Lake in the Grand Coulee, Lake Roosevelt • Hiking trails at Candy Point, Northrup Canyon, behind Grand Coulee Dam, and Lake Rufus Woods Steamboat Rock, down river below Grand Coulee below Grand Coulee Dam. All three are year-round Dam;Bunchgrass Prairie Nature Trail at Spring Canyon; fisheries.Fishing is also permitted on the Colville a historic walk through old Coulee Dam; Indian Reservation on McGinnis Lake and Buffalo • Houseboat, skiing and fishing boat rentals on Lake Lake. Roosevelt; FISHING REGULATIONS KEEP CHANGING. • Boating on Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt and Rufus PLEASE REFER TO THE CURRENT STATE Woods Lake; Small boat, party boat and peddle boats AND TRIBAL FISHING REGULATIONS rentals at Coulee Playland, Electric City; • Swimming at Steamboat Rock State Park and Coulee FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Where can I have a picnic?
What else is there to do besides tour the dam?
Where can I fish?
7
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Cell phones and digital cameras in the crowd attempt to capture the splendor of fireworks off the top of Grand Coulee Dam, presented every year on the Fourth of July during the Festival of America in the park below the Visitor Center.
Playland on Banks Lake; and at Spring Canyon on Lake Roosevelt; • Canoeing with a National Park Service ranger on Crescent Bay Lake, below the city of Grand Coulee, summer evenings. Dates are subject to change. Call 509-633-9441 for info. Check with a ranger for times, which change as the summer progresses. Meet in the parking lot at Spring Canyon.All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, life vests) is provided; • Gehrke’s Windmills, North Dam Park, Grand Coulee; • Panoramic view of Grand Coulee Dam, at Crown Point. Take Highway 174 two miles west toward Bridgeport and watch for signs.Great spot for camera buffs. • Bowling at Riverview Lanes in Coulee Dam; • Public library, Federal Avenue, Grand Coulee; • Tennis courts at North Dam Park, Grand Coulee; behind the credit union in Coulee Dam; and at Lake Roosevelt High School. •Year-round fishing.
Where are the grocery stores/ mini marts? • Electric City — H&H Grocery, Coulee Playland and Sunbanks Resort. 8
• Grand Coulee — 4 Corner's where SR 174/155 meet; Spring Canyon on Grand Coulee Ave., The Variety Store, 414 Midway Ave. • Coulee Dam — Harvest Foods & Variety, Coulee Dam Shopping Center, Coulee View, 2 Okanogan Ave., • Elmer City - Shaw's Fruit & Produce, SR 155. • Outer Area — Trading Post, SR155, Nespelem;
Where are holding tanks dumped? At Coulee Playland, Electric City; Steamboat Rock State Park on Banks Lake; Spring Canyon on Lake Roosevelt; and at Coulee Dam's station on Stevens Street, one block off Columbia, near Mini Mart.
Where can I get propane? King’s Court RV Park,Grand Coulee RV Park and Coulee Playland, Electric City. Continued on page 15
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
An alley you can play in…
Specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels, Additions, Tile, Windows & Decks
Ralph’s storage
Nic Alexander LIC#COULECL920BW
(509) 760-9594
couleeconstruction.com
RV & Mini Storage at Spring Canyon Near Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt
Riverview Lanes
515 River Drive, Coulee Dam
Wed, noon - 9* Thurs. & Fri. 3 - 10* Sat. 3 - 10* *depends on business
(509) 6332225
Located 2 miles from Grand Coulee
12x35 - $82 10x14 - $57
(509) 633-2458
Grand Coulee RV PARK
Grand Grindz • Flavored Coffees • Iced Drinks •Espressos
Have it your way!
on the Midway Grand Coulee
(509) 633-3551
Call and Come Visit Us At
(509) 633-0750 • (866) 633-0750 www.grandcouleedam.com/gcrv
• Showers & Restrooms • Resident Laundry Facilities • Fiber-Optic Internet Hookups • Propane Competitive Rates • Groups & Reservations Welcome
44581 Stagecoach Lane, Grand Coulee springcanyonalpacas@gmail.com springcanyonalpacas.com
• BIG RIG FRIENDLY
Located on Bridgeport Highway 174E
Grand Coulee (Close to Dam & Lakes)
For farm tour call 509.633.2854 or 509.633.3061
“We're an institution in the Coulee” Opened in 1937
TeePee Drive-In
211 Midway Ave. Grand Coulee, WA 99133
9
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Visitors from a tour bus stop on Grand Coulee Dam to get photos from the top of the massive spillway and roiling river below. Some people find it hard to grasp the size of the dam, often thinking it’s smaller than it is. This group is in the middle of the mile-wide dam.
Grand Coulee Dam Facts: When was Grand Coulee Dam built and by whom? The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation began construction of Grand Coulee Dam in 1933 as the key structure in its multipurpose Columbia Basin Project. It has since become the linchpin in harnessing the second largest river in the United States. It took nine years to build Grand Coulee Dam, but even more years of battling and political maneuvering before construction started. While it was recognized early in the century that the Columbia Basin had rich farmland that needed only water to flourish, the method for providing that water caused much controversy. A Spokane group insisted upon a 13410
mile gravity flow canal from Lake Pend Oreille to the Basin, while a Wenatchee/central Washington group favored building a big dam on the Columbia at Grand Coulee. The battle raged for 13 years. At its conclusion, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized $60 million to get the dam project started. In the Grand Coulee, life changed dramatically and quickly once work on the dam began in 1933. Not only did the undertaking of this massive project change forever the shape of the river, but overnight it created towns where nothing but sagebrush, sand and rocks had previously existed. Thousands came to the Grand Coulee looking for work in the midst of the Depression. They worked around the clock to finish the dam by 1942.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Seventy-0ne Years Ago A pool or “tailrace” at the bottom of the spillway now absorbs the impact of the falling waters, without which the river water would find its own way, with destructive effects on the river channel. This trough measures 30 feet deep, 90 feet wide and 1650 feet long.
How many dams are on the Columbia River?
How big is Grand Coulee Dam?
Altogether, a total of 11 dams have been built on the river in the United States as it winds its way from the Canadian border toward the Pacific Ocean; Grand Coulee Dam is the keystone of the Columbia River system dams. Five other dams in the Big Bend region of the river also offer facilities for visitors — Chief Joseph Dam on Highway 17 in Bridgeport; Wells Dam south of Brewster on Highway 97; Rocky Reach Dam north of Wenatchee on Highway 97; Wanapum Dam six miles south of the I-90 crossing of the Columbia; and Priest Rapids Dam on Highway 243.
Grand Coulee Dam dwarfs the Great Pyramids of Egypt and generates more power than a million locomotives. An engineering wonder, it is also the country’s largest hydroelectric project. Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the world, containing almost 12 million cubic yards of concrete. It towers 550 feet above bedrock (as high as the Washington Monument) and is 500 feet wide at the base. There is enough concrete in the dam to build two standard six-foot wide sidewalks around the world at the equator. 11
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
What is the dam’s main purpose? Actually, Grand Coulee Dam has three important functions: irrigation, power production and flood control.Although electricity was not foreseen as a primary function when the dam was built, today the production of electrical energy is one of Grand Coulee Dam’s most important jobs.
How is the electricity produced? Electricity is generated by unseen torrents of water
rushing through the turbines within the dam’s hydro-electric plants. There are three powerhouses at Grand Coulee Dam with a total rated capacity of 6,809 megawatts, making this dam the largest hydro-electric producer in the United States.
How many acres does Grand Coulee Dam help irrigate? Water supplied by Grand Coulee Dam irrigates more than 600,000 acres of rich farmland in the Columbia Basin annually. Water from Lake Roosevelt (behind the dam) is lifted 280 feet up a hillside to flow into the Banks Lake reservoir, where it starts a journey that eventually covers an area more than twice the size of the state of Delaware. Each of the six conventional pumps in Grand Coulee’s PumpGenerator Plant is powered by a 65,000-horsepower motor and will pump 1,600 cubic feet of water per second, or 781,128 gallons per minute. In addition, six pump-generators, each having a 67,500-horsepower rating, can pump 1,948 cubic feet of water per second. One of these 12 units can fill the water needs of a city the size of Chicago.
Siam Palace
An explosion of flavor!
Chinese, Thai & American Family Dining
509.633.2839
37 West Coulee Blvd., Electric City, WA e-mail - birdsbodyshop@qwestoffice.net
Foisy & Kennedy
(509) 633-2921
213 Main St., Grand Coulee
Foisy & Kennedy, Inc.
Realty, Inc.
Merle Kennedy, Broker
Dine in or Take Out Banquet Room Available
Insurance
Listings available on our website: www.foisykennedy.com
Jerry Kennedy, CIC
309 Midway Ave., Grand Coulee
(509) 633-0410 • (877) 613-4192 Laurie Hilton, agent Patti Tufts, agent Lindi Haag, agent
12
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
BENTZ TACKLE “Jig-N-Spin” Lures Jig with Spinning Bobbers Baitfish Shaped Jig Heads w/Prism Wings 3-D Eyes
H Old Fashioned
Ice Cream Parlor Menu ing
featur
Dreyer’s Hard Ice Cream
H Take & Bake Pizza H Gourmet Hot Dogs H Organic Coffee H Soup & Sandwiches & Much More
on Highway 155 by the Skydeck Motel in Electric City
COULEE PLAYLAND
509.631.2275
HOMETOWN PIZZA Dine In Take Out
Daily Specials
Spaghetti - Sandwiches - Cold Beer & Wine
on the Bridgeport Highway Near 4 Corners Grand Coulee
509.633.3393
Electric City
Ever wonder why so many people drive Ford Cars & Trucks? Food • Pull Tabs • Daily Specials FREE POOL & DARTS
Come in for a test drive on the Ford of your choice.
BAR & GRILL Hrs: 1 p.m. - 2 a.m. Daily Visa, MC Accepted • ATM on Premises
4 Corners
Where SR 174/155 meet Food Market Mechanical Get Ur Done Oil Change Car Wash
Grand Coulee
633-2472
JESS FORD on the Midway, Grand Coulee (509) 633-0110 • www.jessford.com
Coulee View Food & Fuel 2 Okanogan Ave. Coulee Dam
633-2951
Spring Canyon 2 mi. west of Spring Canyon
311 Grand Coulee Ave. Grand Coulee
633-3073
Three Convenient Locations To Serve You! 13
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Your Senses… • Authentic Mexican Food • Margaritas • Daquiries • Beer & Wine
• Daily Specials • Banquet Room • Catering • Take-Out Orders Open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
515 E. Grand Coulee Ave., Grand Coulee ORDERS TO GO - Call 509-633-3173 Also - 13308 W. Sunset Highway, Airway Heights • (509) 244-7001
14
We Now Offer FREE WIRELESS INTERNET!
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Is medical care available in the area ?
Coulee Medical Center is open six days a week with the emergency room open 24 hours a day. It is located in Grand Coulee. Take SR174 toward Bridgeport, watch for road signs. The center is on the right quickly as you head toward Bridgeport.
Where can I buy hunting & fishing licenses? • Coulee Playland
Where can I wash clothes?
• King’s Court RV Park, SR174 to Wilbur, in Grand Coulee.
WE ALSO CATER!
WIRELESS INTERNET
(877) 245-0096
www.columbiariverinn.com info@columbiariverinn.com • Two Diamond AAA Rated Motel • Located next to Grand Coulee Dam & it's Laser Light Show (www.grandcouleedam.com)
• In Room: Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee Maker, Fiber Optic Internet connection • Iron & Board • Outdoor Pool/Hot Tub
• Fitness Center with Sauna • Business Center/ Conference Room • Corporate and Government Rates
• FEMA Hotel/Motel Master List Lodging
Bar & Grille
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
“We Hand Cut & Trim Our Own Steaks” Try the local favorite chicken and pork-fried steaks & chicken-fried chicken
BANQUET ROOM & LOUNGE
Every Friday Night - Prime Rib Every Sunday - Breakfast Buffet
(509) 633-8283
10 Lincoln St., Coulee Dam, WA 99116 Fax: (509) 633-2100
113 Midway Avenue, Grand Coulee pepperjacks.webs.com/ 15
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
How does Grand Coulee Dam help in flood control?
Each spring the water level of Lake Roosevelt, behind Grand Coulee Dam, is lowered to make space for massive amounts of water that will flow down the Columbia River in late spring and summer as rising temperatures melt snow in the Rocky Mountains.The water is “captured” in the lake to prevent flooding downstream and to provide a steady flow of water for the whole year.
How big is Lake Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam?
The dam’s blocking of the Columbia River has created Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, which extends 151 miles upstream to the Canadian border. The reservoir has a shoreline of 660 miles, a surface area of 82,000 acres, and a total storage capacity of 9,562,000 acre-feet of water.
How is Lake Roosevelt managed for public recreation?
How do I take a tour of Grand Coulee Dam?
This 50-minute guided tour is free of charge and available only on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour begins at the tour building where you will board a van to be taken to the PumpGenerating Plant. Highlights include a look at the large pumps used for transporting water from Lake Roosevelt to the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project concluding with a van ride across the top of the dam. Accessible tours are available with advanced notice by calling (509) 633-9265.
The Visitor Center at Grand Coulee Dam offers great interactive and fun displays, plus knowledgeable guides to help you learn about the dam and its role in our past and present.
Recreation on the lake is managed cooperatively by three federal agencies and two Indian tribes. The National Park Service has authority for the portion of the lake and adjacent shoreland comprising the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA). The Colville Confederated Tribes and the Spokane Tribe manage public recreation along the areas of
16
the lake and shoreline that fall within their reservation boundaries. Other partners cooperating in the lake’s management are the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Each year, more than a million visitors enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.
All tour participants are required to pass through a metal detector prior to beginning the tour. Weapons, purses, bags, backpacks, fanny packs, and packages are not permitted on the tour. Cameras, but not camera cases, are allowed on the tour. Onsite storage for personal belongings is not available. Be sure to lock your car.A federally armed security officer will escort all public tours.
Tour times: • April 1 - May 24: 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. • May 25 - September 2: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. • September 3 - October 31: 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Tour times are subject to chage without notice. Please call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 for the latest information.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Where can I camp? At a private campground
Coulee Playland Resort , SR155, 509-633-2671. King’s Court RV Park, SR174 (East), Grand Coulee, 509-633-3655, with laundry and more. Grand Coulee RV Park, SR174 toward Bridgeport. 509-633-0750.
At a State Park
• Steamboat Rock State Park — One of the most popular attractions along Banks Lake, this park is a 900-acre camping, swimming, hiking and boating mecca. One of more than 100 state parks, Steamboat Rock is among Washington’s best. It has a sandy beach and sheltered swim area (no lifeguards), plus a modern bath house and a concession stand. The wide grassy picnic area contains playground equipment and a truly unique view of Banks Lake and Steamboat Rock. For overnight camping, this state park offers 100 campsites with full hookups.Water, electricity, sewer, tables and stoves are on each site, and 26 standard sites with table, stove, and tent pad, plus 12 boat-in campsites located on the north end of Steamboat Rock. The restrooms have hot showers. The park also offers 80 primitive sites at Jones Bay and Osborn Bay Campgrounds,with tables and stoves and vault toilets, but no running water. Steamboat Rock State Park is part of the state’s reservation camping system. Reservations can be made year round by going online at www.parks.wa.gov or by calling 888-226-7688. The popular campground fills up fast and early reservations are recommended. The park is open for camping year round. Please Note: A permit is required at all state parks for boat launching, and trailer dumping. Permits may be obtained at the park office or from the Washington State Parks Commission in Olympia, Washington.
At one of the NPS Campgrounds
beaches and interpretive programs,to primitive boatin campgrounds. • Spring Canyon on SR174 is the closest NPS campground; turn left approximately three miles east of the town of Grand Coulee. There are 87 campsites including RV (dump station but no hookups), tent and group camping sites. Fee is charged.Reservations are available by going online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Other major NPS campgrounds are located at: Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay and Kettle Falls. • Keller Ferry is about 14 miles from Spring Canyon by boat, or 15 miles overland from the Highway 2 cut-off near Wilbur.This area includes a marina, store, and free ferry across the lake to the Colville reservation. • Fort Spokane, built in 1880 and used by the US Army until 1898, it became an Indian agency, boarding school and tuberculosis hospital until the late 1920s. It’s about 50 miles up the lake from Spring Canyon at the confluence of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers. To see Fort Spokane, take SR174 to Highway 2, east, watch for road signs and turn north at Miles-Creston road, just east of Creston. • The Fort Spokane campground is the second largest in the recreation area. Picnic area, historic trail, swim beach and boat launch are available, also. • Kettle Falls at the north end of the lake is enjoyed for its beautiful setting and good boating. It has a houseboat rental operation.
Indian Reservation Camping
There are several campsites on the Colville Indian Reservation open to non-members. Various permits and random camp fees (for boats along the lake) can be purchased for one day, three days, seven days and seasonal. If a ranger sells a permit in the field, there will be an additional fee. Look for reservation camping guidelines at area camping outlets, or call 509-634-3145.
There are 35 campgrounds located along the 660 miles of shoreline around Lake Roosevelt. Five of these are maintained by the Colville Confederated Tribes, two others by the Spokane Tribes and 28 by the National Park Service. These facilities are available for camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and fishing. NPS camping sites along the lake vary from fee campgrounds with major facilities, picnic areas, swim 17
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Visitor Center tour guides who were recipients of the OSAW award are from left, Bob Kelton, Chris Costello, Philip Frederick, Cydonie Fukami, and Ivan Snavely. — submitted photo
Visitor Center receives national award
The Visitor Center at Grand Coulee Dam not only is full of interactive, engaging exhibits, but people with great ideas, too. Proof of that came in the spring of 2013, when they received a national award for an innovative, educational and fun program for visitors. The Bureau of Reclamation’s Pacific Northwest Region,along with the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers and Chelan County Public Utility District, were honored April 23 at the 2013 National Hydropower Association annual conference in Washington, D.C. The agencies received the Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters Award (OSAW) for Public Education for their collaborative educational program called the “D3 Geocache Challenge,” a high-tech treasure hunt offered at Grand Coulee Dam, Chief Joseph Dam, and Rocky Reach Dam. Geocaching uses GPS (global positioning system) devices or a smartphone to receive clues to search for hidden items and learn about clean, renewable energy in a fun way. Upon completing the specific geocaches at Grand Coulee Dam, treasure hunters return to the Visitor Center to receive their prize, a piece of the overhead power lines that once carried electricity from the largest powerplant in the United States. To receive a distinguished D3 patch, visitors must also 18
complete additional geocaches at Chief Joseph Dam and Rocky Reach Dam. “This was truly a partnership project,” said Lynne Brougher, Grand Coulee Dam Public Affairs Officer. “Coordinating the program with the other dams was fun and it was a great opportunity for the participants to learn interesting facts about the dams and a great way to promote local tourism.It took a lot of teamwork. The staff members at the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center worked diligently to ensure the program succeeded by assisting visitors in their quest to complete the challenge.” Due to the success of the program in 2012, it is being expanded to 10 additional Northwest dams this summer through the Foundation for Water and Energy Education. The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. with extended hours during the summer season: • May 25 - July 31: 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. • August 1 - 31: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. • September 1 - 30: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Geocache locations are accessible from dawn to dusk. For more information about geocaching at Grand Coulee Dam, contact the Visitor Center at (509) 6339265.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Interactive exhibits at Visitor Center If you know anyone who likes video games, put them in front of this exhibit, in which you use a joy stick to pilot a figure right through the dam, learning about it as you fly. Many other exhibits are also designed to engage and educate at the Visitor Center at Grand Coulee Dam.
19
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Are the fish biting? Is fishing good in the GCD area?
The three largest reservoirs in the state of Washington are within 10 miles of Grand Coulee Dam — Roosevelt, Banks and Rufus Woods all offer excellent year-round fishing. McGinnis and Buffalo lakes on the Colville Confederated Tribes‘ reservation can also be fished . Many changes have occurred to the warmwater fisheries on Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt.Increased smallmouth bass and walleye limits and reduced size restrictions should keep you out on the lake all day! Make sure you measure your fish and keep only what you can eat.
here to the state and tribal fishing regulations.Copies are available where fishing licenses are sold. Rainbow and kokanee are the stars of the lake, with walleye and smallmouth bass in supporting roles. In the summer months, trolling is the most popular way to fish the lake. During the cooler months, bank fishing is popular where fishermen can stand by a fire or sit in their rigs while waiting for the fish to strike. Still fishing is popular above Grand Coulee Dam during the winter and spring. A tribal license is required on the north side of the reservation on Colville Reservation and above the Third Powerhouse.
What kind of fishery is Banks Lake?
The sprawling Banks Lake reservoir covers 30,000 acres and is regarded as one of the finest fishing lakes in the state for bass, perch and walleye.In spring,sumCatch walleye on Banks and Lake Roosevelt. mer and fall, it provides plenty of room for fishermen, both along its shores and from boats. In winter, ice fishing is popular and, depending on the winter, can last as long as four months. Banks Lake has a growing reputation and is becoming increasingly attractive to bass organizations hosting There are over 14 species of game fish found in tournaments. For more information on these tournearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, Rufus Woods naments, stop by or call the Coulee Playland Resort Lake and Banks Lake. These include: largemouth 509-633-2671. and smallmouth bass, trout, kokanee, perch, crappie, whitefish, ling cod, sunfish and sturgeon.The sturgeon is by far the largest,and has been known to measure over 13 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds. For fishing information contact Coulee Playland Resort at 509-633-2671. Rufus Woods Lake - 52-mile reservoir stretching from Grand Coulee Dam to Chief Joseph Dam in Bridgeport, is an excellent fishery too. In the dam area, a boat launch is located near Elmer City on the Lower River Road. Heading north, turn left onto the Lower River Road just past Lake Roosevelt High This major waterway is a year-round fishery in School on SR155. Or ask one of the friendly folks in Washington state.Fishermen are reminded to adElmer City. Boating is prohibited between the SR155 bridge and Grand Coulee Dam. McGinnis Lake - Take SR155 north from Coulee Dam toward Nespelem.Approximately one mile past Elmer City (three miles from Coulee Dam) turn right on the Peter Dan Road. Drive about three miles, then watch for a sign which indicates a left turn toward McGinnis and Buffalo lakes. Three or four miles after this turnoff, the road comes to a “T.” Take the right turn and the lake is a quarter mile away. Buffalo Lake - Follow the same directions to McGinnis Lake,but turn left at the“T”instead of right.Buffalo Lake lies another three to four miles beyond, on a good dirt road. 20
What kind of fish are found locally?
Where are some Tribal lakes?
When can I fish Lake Roosevelt?
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Can you fish on the reservation?
March: During the month of March, the ice is about gone from Banks Lake and now the big walleye are caught.
Fishing is good not only from a boat on Lake Fishing is permitted on Roosevelt but also from the waters of Rufus Woods the shore. Crescent Bay Lake or within the Colville Lake, midway between Confederated Tribes "desGrand Coulee and the ignated fish area" with dam, offers spiny ray fisheither a tribal permit or ing from the bank. Boats state license. More desigwith motors are not pernated areas will be added mitted on the lake. later. For updates, you can call the state Department The fishing is also good of Fish and Wildlife at 509for walleye and trout in 754-4624. Non-members Big Horn Sheep are nearby to view. the Columbia River below of the Colville Tribes must Grand Coulee Dam. purchase a special permit for all other reservation waters. These can be pur- April: A continuation of March fishing patterns, with chased at certain local businesses such as Coulee a few additions. The lakes on the Colville Indian ResPlayland Resort in Electric City. ervation open to fishing. McGinnis and Buffalo lakes Please note, a state license is required when fish- provide excellent trout fishing.McGinnis Lake has only ing from the shoreline of Douglas County on Rufus eastern brook with some exceeding three pounds. Woods Lake. Also, anglers fishing the Spokane Arm Buffalo carries “brookies”, rainbow and kokanee. (Lake Roosevelt) must have a Spokane tribal permit when they fish from the reservation shore out to the Weekend bass tournaments are scheduled April through October on Banks Lake. Bass tournament midpoint of the Spokane Arm’s channel. Anglers wishing to fish the Sanpoil River arm of headquarters are usually at Coulee Playland Resort Lake Roosevelt would do well to check with tribal (between Grand Coulee and Electric City). authorities for permits. At this writing a dispute May: Many area fishermen head for Grand Coulee between the state and Colville Tribes on permits has Dam in May, where they fish directly upstream or not been resolved. downstream from the dam.
Monthly Fishing Guide
January: Ice fishing attracts its own special following in the coulee. Some years, Banks Lake has safe ice for four months; other years, for only two weeks, and at times, no ice at all. Ice may form as early as December and run through February, or be available only for a fortnight in January. A unique way to ice fish on this lake is at night using a gas lantern with the prey being whitefish. The best ice fishing spots on Banks Lake is the causeway area west of Electric City—for perch. Many anglers fish the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt for large rainbow by parking their vehicle next to the lake. (Caution: unattended poles warrant a $100 fine.) A two-rod endorsement may be purchased - check the fishing regulations. February: Walleye fishing now comes into its own, with boat fishermen launching their boats at the Elmer City ramp (below the dam; check on accessibility) and fishing either upstream to the Highway 155 bridge or downstream to Chief Joseph Dam, a distance of approximately 50 miles. Shore fishing continues along Lake Roosevelt for large rainbow and kokanee (silvers or landlocked sockeye salmon).
Rainbow and walleye are caught not only early in the evening but during the pre-dawn hours. A major bass tournament is held on Banks Lake over the Memorial Day weekend. June: In Banks Lake, the walleye are taking jigs and spinners, just about anything tipped with a nightcrawler. Lake Roosevelt is dotted with boats fishing for rainbow and silvers.Some fishermen use“hardware”(Pop Geer and Ford Fenders) while others use small spoons fished from either leaded line or with a downrigger 30 to 50 feet below the surface. July/August: Lake Roosevelt is usually warm enough by the end of July that the water is tolerable for swimming close to shore. During these warm months, however, fish will seek the cooler deep waters of the lake. Other spiny rays that offer fishing all summer long are perch and “slab” crappie in the small coves along Banks Lake. September/October:While the fishing is still exceptional in September, hunting season arrives.With the emphasis now on hunting, sportsmen taper off their fishing during October. 21
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
November/December: If the month of November has been cold, Banks Lake is beginning to freeze and ice fishing comes to mind. The small bays freeze first and offer fishing for yellow perch. By December, the lake is often ice-bound and holes are being cut in the ice. FISHING REGULATIONS KEEP CHANGING. PLEASE REFER TO THE CURRENT STATE AND TRIBAL FISHING REGULATIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Hunting the Coulee
What’s it like?
To the outdoorsman who likes to hunt, the Grand Coulee Dam area offers unparalleled hunting pleasure. No matter if the hunter is in pursuit of fur, feathers or horns, the coulee has much to offer to the sportsman. Beginning in September with the opening of dove season,through the middle of March when the rabbit season ends, the hunter will find a variety of animals, birds and waterfowl to test his or her skills. Weather extremes are also a factor. The dove season opener usually brings the warmest weather of the year. A goose hunter in December and January may experience sub-zero temperatures, while the March rabbit hunter will encounter weather comparable to late October and early November. The mourning doves arrive in July and by the first of September, the normal opening day, this migratory buzz-bomb is ready to test the mettle of the best wing shooter. They always fly fast. Then add a tail wind and they will appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. These birds can be found in stubble fields on both sides of the coulee walls and can also be found in sagebrush and scab land surrounding some stubble fields. With the end of dove season, usually around the middle of September, the hunter waits for the opening of the general hunting season in which upland birds, deer and waterfowl open on one glorious October Saturday. Mule deer can be found in sagebrush-covered flatland and draws surrounding the coulee as can a few whitetail close to timber.Special archery hunting seasons can also be found in the area. Opening day also sees the upland bird hunter, with his flushing and pointing dogs, hunting the brushy draws for quail, the rugged hills for chukkar and the stubble fields for Hungarian partridge or more commonly known as “huns”. At the same time, the waterfowl hunter, with his retriever, is scouring the small potholes and lakes for
22
Deer and elk hunting brings the sportsmen to the coulee.
ducks and the stubble fields for geese. As any bird and waterfowl sportsman knows, the birds soon become wary.Quail, chukkar,“hun”and the occasional Chinese pheasant flush as the 4x4 stops and it is only the skillful hunter who can put birds in the game bag during this period. The ducks cannot be found as they spend most of their days out of harm’s way on the waters of the big reservoirs. The goose hunter spends the days when he is not hunting, driving the miles of back roads in the coulee looking for feeding geese. Once the birds are spotted and found to be using a particular field,the hunters dig their pit long before daylight the following morning. (They have been careful to obtain permission from the landowner first.) The
KING’S COURT RV PARK
COIN-OP LAUNDRY Open to the Public
PROPANE, WIFI • FULL SERVICE SPACES CABLE TV, HOT SHOWERS • VACATION RENTALS
(509) 633-3655 (800) 759-2608 Hwy 174 Grand Coulee www.kingscourtrv.com
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Turkey hunting is becoming more popular each year in the area.
Once the pit is dug, they wait in hope that the geese will return to the same field as they did the morning before. By the middle of November, the deer season is usually over, except for a few special hunts and the only quarry to be bagged are the upland birds and waterfowl. By the end of December, the dedicated goose hunter becomes a solitary figure in the fields, as most seasons usually end the first of January. When the goose season ends in the middle of January, a few hunters will begin hunting the cottontail rabbit until the end of February. And then there is always fishing if a hunter gets tired and wants a change of pace during the day. Coulee country encompasses many acres of state and federal land that offer free hunting. Write to the Department of Natural Resources, Olympia, for information and maps of the area. Or visit one of the local businesses advertising hunting licenses.
Check Us Out Online grandcoulee.com
The Sky Deck Motel Electric City
ON BANKS LAKE
Hot Tub • Pool • Fish From Your Yard Cable TV, Phone, Air Conditioning, Lakeview Rooms, Family Units, Kitchens, Beach Front 10 MINUTES TO LIGHT SHOW, GOLFING, CASINO
(509) 633-0290 23
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Lake Roosevelt begins its 133-mile stretch north at the city of Grand Coulee. Even when the lake is lowered to make room for spring runoff, as seen here, it still offers plenty of water, beauty and big beaches to explore.
Lake Roosevelt facts:
When was Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake formed?
When construction of the Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1941, the waters of the mighty Columbia River began to backfill behind this enormous concrete structure. As a result, the waters of the once untamed river now swelled to create a 151-mile long reservoir named Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake in honor of the 32nd President of the United States.
How many campgrounds are there in the LRNRA?
There are 35 campgrounds which are located along the 660 miles of shoreline around Lake Roosevelt. Five are maintained by the Colville Confederated Tribes, two by the Spokane Indian Tribe and 28 by the National Park Service.The facilities provide opporunities for camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and fishing.
What is the Lake Roosevelt Is there a fee for camping? Camping sites along the lake vary from fee campgrounds National Recreation Area? with major facilities, picnic areas, swim beaches and Lake Roosevelt is a federally-owned reservoir which is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation. However, recreation on the lake is managed cooperatively by three federal agencies and two Indian tribes. The National Park Service (NPS) has recreation authority for that portion of the lake and adjacent shoreland comprising the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (LRNRA). The Colville Confederated Tribes and the Spokane Tribe manage recreation along those areas of the lake and shoreline that fall within their reservation boundaries.The two other partners in the management agreement are Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 24
interpretive programs, to primitive boat-in campgrounds.
Which campground is closest?
The closest NPS campground is located at Spring Canyon on SR174; turn left approximately three miles east of the town of Grand Coulee. There are 87 campsites including RV (dump station but no hookups), tent and group camping sites. Reservations are available online at www.recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777. A fee is charged.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
The Big Race
The Grand Coulee Dam area is becoming somewhat famous for attracting super athletes who love the scenery as they compete in one of the most demanding sports in the world -- triathlon. The Grand Columbian Triathlon, put on by TriFreaks (find them at trifreaks.com) offers several levels of difficulty, including the "super-tri." Racers first swim 3.12 miles, then bike 125.15 miles, then run 31.11 miles. This year's event takes place Sept. 21 and will attract hundreds of dedicated athletes.
What else is at Spring Canyon?
Spring Canyon has a beautiful sandy beach and adjacent shaded picnic area including grills and playground equipment. There are restrooms plus boat launching. A fee is charged.
Where can I hike in the LRNRA?
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area consists mainly of Lake Roosevelt and has very little land base. As a result, there are few hiking trails within the park. There is a self-guided nature trail at Spring Canyon, which starts at the campground.There are also trails at Fort Spokane, and Kettle Falls. When the lake level is low, you can walk many miles of interesting shoreline.
Does the NPS offer programs? The National Park Service often offers ranger-conducted canoe trips on Crescent Bay Lake, below the city of Grand Coulee. The group meets in the parking lot at Spring Canyon and car-caravans to the small lake. All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, life vests) is provided. First come, first served. The adventure is not meant to be instructional in the operation of a canoe, but rather a nature “walk” on water. Visitors often see beavers,deer, muskrats, great blue herons, Canada geese, turtles, frogs and nesting cliff swallows. Other NPS-conducted activities at Spring Canyon include: • campfire programs at the amphitheater
• hikes on the Bunchgrass Prairie Trail • children’s environmental education activities. • Contact NPS before making plans. All programs are subject to change. Call 509-633-9441 or check campground bulletin boards.
Where are the other major NPS campgrounds?
Major campgrounds are located at: Keller Ferry, Fort Spokane, Porcupine Bay and Kettle Falls. Keller Ferry is about 14 miles from Spring Canyon by boat, or 15 miles overland from the Highway 2 cutoff near Wilbur. This area includes a marina, store, and free ferry across the lake to the Colville Reservation. Fort Spokane, built in 1880 and used by the US Army until 1898, became an Indian agency, boarding school and tuberculosis hospital until the late 1920s. It’s about 50 miles up the lake from Spring Canyon at the confluence of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers. To see Fort Spokane, take SR174 to Highway 2, east, watch for road signs and turn north at Davenport on SR25. Besides some of the original outposts, there is a visitor center and a trail. The Fort Spokane campground is the second largest in the recreation area. Picnic area, swim beach and boat launch are available, also. Kettle Falls at the north end of the lake is enjoyed for its beautiful setting and good boating.It has a houseboat rental operation. St. Paul’s Mission includes the original site of Fort Colvile, once the second largest center for fur trading in the Northwest, and a rustic log missionary church. Close by are Sherman Pass and the Kettle River where hiking and canoeing are popular. 25
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Enjoy a cold one in our beer garden! Water Toys, Fishing, Camping, Souvenirs and Much More! NEXT TO SAFEWAY
414 Midway Ave., Grand Coulee Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun. 10-5
Beer • Wine • Well Drinks Sandwiches • Hamburgers • Daily Specials Broasted Chicken "Try Our Famous Chicken Ceasar Salad"
Electric City Bar & Grill Electric City • (509) 633-2221
“Friendliest Grocery on Banks Lake” Convenient RV & Trailer Parking
Video Rentals ~ ATM
Steaks - Seafood - Fresh Produce
Bruce Cheadle
(509) 633-0280 308 Spokane Way Grand Coulee
Camping & Fishing Supplies
Electric City (509) 633-2687 www.grandcouleedam.com/h&h
Auto • Home • Life • Health Financial Services
State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
Solar-Powered Vacations in Grant County, Washington
ue 15 uniq Golf at
s
urse Golf Co
TREE LINED LAKESIDE PARK
Tenting, Full Hook-ups 2 miles to Golf Course and 2 miles from Grand Coulee Dam LARGE SELECTION TACKLE/RODS, REELS Marine/RV/Camping Supplies Banks Lake Apparel RENT: PONTOON BOATS, Fish Boats, PedAL Boats, Yurt — Sleeps 5 Tribal & State Game Licenses www.couleeplayland.com
Reservations recommended but not required
26
Coulee Playland Resort 401 Coulee Blvd. E. (509) 633-2671 Box 457, Electric City, WA 99123
TourGrantCounty.com Grant County Tourism Commission PO Box 37 • Ephrata, WA 98823 1.800.992.6234
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Dancers at the annual Fourth of July Celebration powwow at the Colville Indian Agency compete in categories such as "traditional," "fancy" and "grass" dancing, using supple and subtle moves and beautiful "regalia." At center is a fancy dancer; a grass dancer is at left.
Service That’s Dependable
Tires for All Seasons and All Reasons
• Brakes • Alignments • Batteries
• Souvenirs • Gifts • Toys • Rock Shop • Collectables • Gourmet Foods
• Shocks
On Midway Ave., Grand Coulee across from Safeway
• Lube
Access the website companion to this
Service
Grand Coulee Dam Area Visitors' Guide at
gcdvisitor.com
Corner of Federal & Spokane Way, Grand Coulee
509-633-3090
or just scan this QR code with your smartphone. 27
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Parks or Viewpoints What are the local choices for a picnic, viewing, easy hike or bike trail?
park, is located one block ahead on the west side of the river next to the Coulee Dam Credit Union. It is a pleasant area shaded by large trees and offers, tennis, handball, horseshoes and basketball courts. • Mason City Memorial Park - a Coulee Dam town park, is located in east Coulee Dam adjacent to the shopping center and post office. It contains picnic • North Dam Park – the upper half, maintained by table, grills and play equipment in a shaded setting. the Bureau of Reclamation, is located on SR155, Mason City was the early name of a portion of the just 0.3 miles south of its junction with SR174. It town now called Coulee Dam. overlooks Banks Lake and has picnic areas, water The town of Coulee Dam constructed a new park and rest rooms. with provisions for viewing the laser show at Grand • North Dam Park Coulee Dam. Freeoffers a shady picnic dom Point Plaza is area, tennis courts adjacent to the Cosoftball fields, amlumbia River Bridge, phitheater, horseacross the street from shoe pits, a covered the shopping area, grill,picnic areas and and features live perplayground equipformances from time ment for children. to time. A novelty of the park, • Downriver Trail the Gehrke Winda 6.7 mile hiking/ mills are a frequent jogging/biking trail tourist stop. Built along the Columbia by a local resident, River (Rufus Woods who made over 680 Lake) below Grand before his death Coulee Dam was conseveral years ago, structed by the U.S. the windmills are Bureau of Reclamaconstructed of casttion in late 1989. away iron pieces and The landscaped trail, painted in bright part of a road that is colors. Emil Gehrke’s A parking lot and viewpoint at the Visitor Center provides used by the U.S.B.R. windmills are recog- ample parking a great photo ops. for maintenance purnized as "folk art" poses, is open to the treasures and have been given media coverage on public. No motorized vehicles are allowed. A foot television, and in National Geographic and Sunset and bicycle bridge connects the system to the town magazines. of Coulee Dam across from the Coulee House Motel. • Grand Coulee City Park - located on SR174 east. A This compact-gravel pathway is an excellent way to children’s play area and an adjacent picnic section view the river and enjoy a peaceful respite morning, are found in this tree-shaded park.A large basalt rock noon or night. in the center is typical of the natural landscape of the Grand Coulee. Restrooms and water are available. • Douglas Park - found on SR155 in the town of Coulee Dam. This well-manicured park just below Grand Coulee Dam has large evergreen trees shading its picnic tables. A paved sidewalk takes the visitor to a scenic spot along the river providing an excellent view of the dam. • Cole Park - also maintained by Coulee Dam, affords You will find special delight in seeing the Grand Coulee a variety of recreational activities.It is located just off Dam and surrounding countryside from this hilltop. SR155, five minutes north of the Visitor Center (VC). Take SR174 two miles west of Grand Coulee (toward Do not cross the Columbia River Bridge but continue Bridgeport) and watch for signs. north onto Columbia Avenue past the bridge. The
Try Crown Point for a bird’s-eye view of the dam!
28
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
“Coulee” Facts
Is Banks Lake a natural lake?
Banks Lake is a 31-mile long reservoir, which was filled by the Bureau of Reclamation in the 1950s to provide irrigation water to the Columbia Basin. The reservoir starts just east of the city of Grand Coulee and extends to Coulee City.
What the heck is a “coulee”?
As a geological term, coulee means a ravine or deep gully, usually dry, which has been cut by water. The Grand Coulee of eastern Washington was formed over millions of years by eruption of lava which solidified and was later swept away by Even dogs appreciate the fact that big beaches on Banks Lake massive and tumultuous Ice Age floods. get bigger in August as the Bureau of Reclamation draws the Forty million to 60 million years ago, a lake down a little further to accomodate irrigation needs in the large inland sea covered the Columbia Columbia Basin Irrigation project. The lake is the reservoir Basin. The basin was formed as a result that waters more than 600,000 acres of farmland in eastern of uplift in the surrounding territory. Ten Washington. All the water is pumped up 280 feet from Lake million to 15 million years ago, volcanic Roosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam. eruptions began to occur and many layers of lava flowed over the basin forming the is located across the highway from Steamboat Rock Columbia Plateau. Today, these layers can be seen as State Park and is open to hikers. they erode, exposing the different lava flows. Approximately two million years ago, the Ice Age began. Several times the ice pushed south and then retreated. Glaciers covered some of this area. It was during the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago, that an ice dam holding the waters of Lake Mis- Yes, campgrounds can be found at each end of the soula (Montana) broke and massive floods swept Grand Coulee and in the very heart of the coulee. through the area. Evidence suggests that one of the last floods had waters that were over 800 feet high. • Coulee Playland Resort — In Electric City, it's two It is these successive floods that carved and shaped miles from Grand Coulee and two miles from the the coulees and other landforms that are so prominent golf course. It features 40 sites with full hookups, 25 throughout the area. primitive and 10 tent sites.showers,restrooms,laundry, mini-store, dump station and playground equipment, boat launch, marine fuel, boat rental and overnight docking. Campers also will find a swimming area (no lifeguard). Open all year round.
Can I camp in the Grand Coulee?
What will I find in the Grand Coulee?
Besides the geological wonder of the Grand Coulee and the Banks Lake reservoir, there are some surprises hidden here, too. It is a wonderful wildlife habitat for dozens of species of birds, as well as for deer and coyote.The only natural forest in Grant County is located in a canyon of the coulee. Called Northrup Canyon, it
• Steamboat Rock State Park — One of the most popular attractions along Banks Lake,this park is a 900acre camp for swimming, hiking and boating. It has a sandy beach and sheltered swim area (no lifeguards), plus a bath house, a concession stand, a grassy picnic area with playground equipment, and a truly unique 29
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
essary safety equipment—flotation devices for each view of Banks Lake and Steamboat Rock. It offers over 100 campsites with full hookups.Water, passenger, a bell or whistle and a fire extinguisher. electricity, sewer, tables and stoves are located at each site, and 26 standard sites with table, stove, and tent pad, plus 12 boat-in campsites located on the north end of Steamboat Rock. The restrooms have Adventurous hikers should try Steamboat Rock. hot showers. At Jones Bay and Osborn Bay are 80 Head toward the saddle of the monolith, which can primitive sites with be seen from the park table, stove, a vault roadway. There are toilet, but no runsteep spots, but they ning water. are not difficult for Steamboat Rock most hikers. The panState Park is part of oramic view from the the state’s reservatop is wonderful.There tion camping sysare approximately 640 tem. Reservations acres at the summit. for camping can Hikers may also venbe made online at ture into Northrup www.parks.wa.gov Canyon where they or by calling 888will find 3,120 acres of 226-7688. The popforested ravines tucked ular campground away between coulee fills up fast and walls.The area harbors early reservations the only natural forest are recommended. in Grant County and The park is open is a nesting ground for camping year for the bald eagle and round. a peaceful home for Please Note: A other wildlife. To hike permit is rethe area, contact the quired for boat rangers at Steamboat launching , and Rock State Park. trailer dumping A few cautions: Do at the park. A not wander too near boat launching the edge of the rock. annual pass may Basalt is not stable be obtained at rock upon which to dethe park office or pend for sound footing from the Washwhen approaching the Banks Lake Golf Course ington State edges. Stand a respectParks Commission in Olympia, Washington. able distance from the edge. Be aware also that this is rattlesnake country. Rattlesnakes are generally not lethal, but they should be avoided. You will find them around most of the local trails during summer months. While not particularly aggressive, they have been known to bite. If bitten, seek medical attention. Boat launching ramps can be found at Steamboat Finally, if you plan to hike an hour or more, carry water Rock State Park, 11 miles south of Grand Coulee on to quench your thirst and help avoid leg cramps. SR155, and at Coulee Playland Resort in Electric City. There are two other launching sites found about midway along the lake. One is at Barker Canyon on the west side of the lake, and the other is on the small peninsula that juts out toward Steamboat Rock from the east side of the lake, just off the SR155. Yes, the public may golf at Banks Lake Golf and While boating is great fun on Banks Lake, navigators Country Club located approximately 1.5 miles west of are cautioned that the lake can become rough very Electric City and about five miles from Grand Coulee quickly.Keep an eye on the weather,and carry the nec- Dam on SR155.
What about hiking?
Where can I launch my boat?
Is there golfing in the coulee?
30
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
N
31
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Four-Town Map The Grand Coulee dam community is made up of four towns and more than a dozen unincorporated areas between and around those towns. Electric City is the farthest south on SR 155. Next, heading north, is Grand Coulee, then Coulee Dam, which straddles the Coloumbia River, then Elmer City. Heading north toward Omak as you cross the river in Coulee Dam, you enter the Colville Indian Reservation.
Sp
ok
Ferry A
ve
a
Dou
sA
an
tA
ve
.
ln Ave
Linco
gla
Gr
Grand
. Ea
st
Sp
ok
an
eW
ay
St.
l Rd
lliva n
t.
La ke
We tze Sm l St. ith St. Hill BowAve. en S t. Ga McG rne ove rA rn S ve. t. Ro ose Batchello Dill vel r Sq. Ave tD . r. Cooper Sq. Ba nk Ban Kn er Butler Sq ute St. ks Av . e. Bu tle Ro rS wla t. nd Lan e
Cole
na
sS
Jone sS
rdi
.
t.
Weil Pl.
od
t. Evans O'Su
.
Wo
n Rd
Ca
d.
gS
View
l Pl
eR
Kin
Ave .
Gold
Water Pl.
5th St. 4th St.
3rd St.
na
bl
Cre scent Bay
eA ve Alc. a
St.
est
rdi
che
Rd. Fe
.W
Ca
Rd.
Electric City
l Rd
No
Center St.
St.
t.
na
uyn
Lak
orth
55 N
SR 1
ion S
rdi
inal
Silve
r.
aS Wet. nat
ton
o
set D
Ca
kim
ng
tell
st
shi
Ya
Card
Sun
Cre
Federal Ave.
Wa
Par
Park on Sun d St. Pea set Dr. rl A ve.
Fort
Morrison St. Joh Van Tyne Ave. nso nS t.
th
Sou
55
1 SR
t.
Pl.
. Grand Coulee Ave Ro ose vel St. tA Gra ard ve. nite Ger Good St. Section Nucoulee Blvd.
Diam
E
d e ra lA Ma rtin ve . Yo Rd. u n n g ato S Se ain al t . nt M ine Pl. nt ms y Co Pri Spokane Wa
ller
174
Midway Ave.
e Blv d.
ake
Mi
Ave.
r Dr.
sL
.
Spo kan
t
Ken
r .
SR
e. Av ce est Pla lcr Hil ton ing sh Wa . ler lvd Mil ic B ve. ctr A Ele coln ve. A . Lin son Ave . k Jac fellow Ave s od en Go Stev ve. A ol l ho ei Sc cN M
Grand
ve er A TO alm Sch P Ba : rei n be Air ks L rA a ve. Ste port ke G olf am bo at Ro ck St. Pa rk
nk
Lakeview A ve
.
Divis
Ln
St.
dy
C St.
1st S
San
ast
t.
St.
Taylo
d.
Blv ulee
B St.
A St. lvd.
in B
2nd
Burd
s Ave. William . Sta Kelso Ave te
Ba
ake
3rd S
r.
Co
Feeder Canal
sL
4
2nd
ny D
E. St.
th S t.
Sun
.
1
nk
F St
st St.
Ba
Gra
.
G St.
Divis ion
North Dam on Banks Lake
H St
Air
po
Grand Coulee rt R
d.
SR
32
Gra
17
ng
Bo
ul
de
er
Av
4 W r Ave es . t
e.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014 t.
Wa
tS
.
am
illi W ard
. First
rL
an
e
.
Park
Overl o High landok St. St.
Davis
St.
Fourt
St
t.
Ave. Seato n Ave . Third Ave.
St.
Te
lke
ge
mbia S
Hill
w Vie
Ave
c
rra
Sa
Colu
Orch
t eS
St .
on
Fr
h Ave
.
St.
Elmer City Rd .
r.
Nu mb e r 1 Riv erv iew D
th
elf
Tw Str ee t Tilm
us
St.
Riv
Ca
er D
r.
ma
sS
t. ve.
t
ee
Str
ia A
Ci
vic
Ferry A
Colu
ve Stevens Ave.
ay
Mead
velt W
ve
.
ay
Way
.
ln Ave
Linco
Roose
e.
tA
W
r. st D Cre Yucca St. W a l n Tu ut S t. li p Ce St . n t Sp ruc ral D eS r t. . Pine St. Holly St. Fir St. Cedar St . Birch St. Aspen St .
mb
e
s Av
an
nth
an
gla
Gr
ve
ok
Coulee Dam Dou
Ele
Sp
Grand Coulee Dam Grand Coul
ee
G St.
Grand CoDuam lee Dam
H St
. D
ivisio n
St.
t.
1st S
t.
Divis
1st S
C St.
Lak
orth
eR
55 N
t.
ion S
SR 1
oo
sev
elt
Fe d
Cre scent Bay
La ke
zel St th S . t. Hill BowAve. en S t. Ga McG rne ove rA rn S ve. t. Ro ose Batchello Dill vel r Sq. Ave tD . r. Cooper Sq. nk Ban Kn er Butler Sq ute St. ks Av . e. Bu tle Ro rS wla t. nd Lan e
SR
Gra
ng
Bo
er
ul
17
4W
de
es
rA
t
Av
e.
ve
.
33
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Colvilles — Native People
Who are the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation?
For hundreds of years before explorers and settlers reached the lands of the Columbia Plateau, numerous tribes of native people occupied the territory of eastern Washington. Up to the mid 1850s, the ancestors of the Colville Confederated Tribes were nomadic, but life changed for them with the coming The new exhibits at the Colville Tribal Museum in Coulee Dam offer a full perpsective of settlers in the 1800s. of all aspects of Indian life from early days until the present. Today, the Colville Confederated Tribes is made up of 12 different bands of at Kettle Falls by a man named Simpson. Indians. Eleven bands are from eastern Washington The new post was to be called Fort Colvile, after the state, and one band, the Nez Perce, is from northeast leading member of the committee of directors in Oregon. The 12 bands are: Wenatchi, Entiat, Chelan, London,Andrew Wedderburn Colvile.Andrew Colvile, Methow, Okanogan, Nespelem, San Poil, Lakes, Moses, who was in the rum and molasses business, never set foot in America. He had, however, advanced Simpson Palus, Nez Perce and Sweelpoo. to his position of leadership. Trading took place at Fort Colvile almost daily. From 1826 to 1887, Indians traded beaver, brown or black bear, grizzly, muskrat, fisher, fox, lynx, martin, mink, otter, raccoon, wolverine, badger and wolf. Beaver As nomadic peoples, the different bands followed the and otter were most important, but martin and bear seasons and their sources of food. became popular after the 1840s. As many as 20,000 Deer and other big game, plus dried salmon were pelts a year went out of Fort Colvile. the primary food of winter. Small groups lived in the The word “Colville” was used by government officials mountains and hunted the abundant game. not the aboriginal Indians, who never met Andrew In the spring,the native people congregated in slightly Colvile. As time went on, and for convenience, the larger groups to gather camas and other roots in term “Colville” came more and more to be used as a the lower valleys. Through the summer and fall the designation for the native people of this area. Because Columbia River provided abundant salmon and other of Fort Colvile, all neighboring bands were eventually fish which encouraged large concentrations of Salish- confederated as Colville Indians. speaking Colville people. By executive order of President Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1872, the Colville Indian Reservation was formed and became the permanent home to the 12 bands. St. Paul’s Mission, near Kettle Falls, today includes the original site of Fort Colvile, once the second largest center for fur trading in the Northwest,and a rustic log missionary church.Nearby is the Kettle Falls Historical Many different tribes fished and traded goods with Center Building which features native American crafts, each other in the area of Kettle Falls, Washington. history and a retail shop.The exhibit is open weekends In the 1820s, white people learned that the Indians in May and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00am to excelled at trapping and stalking game for the large 5:00pm from June 1 through LaborDay. fur trade. For this purpose, a new fort was established
How did these native Americans live?
How did the different bands come to be called the “Colville” Tribes?
34
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
When were the boundaries of the Colville reservation established?
Indian Shaker religions as well as the Indian Winter Chinook Dances, the annual spring thanksgiving Root Feasts, and the memorial give-aways in honor of the deceased. Today, many of the young and elder tribal members continue to celebrate seasonal The original reservation was in exisevents such as the annual Suntence for less than three months of flower Festival at the Paschal 1872 when other executive orders Sherman Indian School, Omak, and agreements began to take porthe July 4th Powwow Celebration tions of the reservation for public domain. Over a 10-year period the at Nespelem, the powwow at the Colville Indian Reservation was reOmak Stampede in August and duced to its present size, less than other traditional gatherings. At half the original. these events, and at a number of locations on the reservation, members display traditional bead and buckskin items often Powwow in Nespelem done in designs handed down for generations. In Nespelem, the powwow takes place in the Tribes’ “Circle,” a traditional gathering place. Indians arrive The Colville Indian reservation is 2,300 square miles from reservations in Montana,Idaho,Washington and — about 1.3 million acres. It is bigger than the state Oregon to join in the festivities.Authentic ceremonial of Rhode Island. dress, stick games, dozens of teepees and a longestablished rodeo make the celebration memorable. This Annual Fourth of July Celebration lasts for 10 days. The public is invited to attend the powwows and other tribal-sponsored activities, including a meal of traditional foods. More than 8,500 people are members of the Colville Confederated Tribes.
How big is the Colville reservation?
How many Colvilles are there today?
How is the reservation governed today?
Today’s Colvilles, an enterprising and progressive community of people, are a sovereign nation governed by their own administrative and judicial branches within the boundaries of the reservation. Leading the tribal membership is a 14-member business council elected from the four reservation districts of Omak, Nespelem, Keller and Inchelium.
Where is the tribal government located? Tribal headquarters are located on the Colville Indian Agency campus near the town of Nespelem.
What are some of the cultural/religious practices on the reservation?
Proud of their heritage, the Indian culture and religions are very much alive and active on the Colville reservation. There are the Seven Drums and the
Celebrate Grant County's History!
A walk thru the past… in Grant County's Historical Museum, situated on 3-3/4 acres, a complex of 38 buildings preserving the historical legacy of Grant County. The Historical Village comes to life at the Annual Living Museum & Pioneer Day. New buildings - Big Barn and Old-Time Gas Station
LIVING MUSEUM • Saturday, June 8th PIONEER DAY • Saturday, September 28th • Grant County Historical Society was Chartered 63 Years Ago • Grant County Museum Celebrates its 44 Year Anniversary Museum Opens Saturday, May 4 for 2013 Season
742 Basin Street NW, Ephrata
(509) 754-3334
Museum Closes For Season September 30, 2013 Paid for by Grant County Tourism
35
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Is there an Indian museum?
From Nespelem take Cache Creek road over a quiet and picturesque mountain pass to Keller on the San Poil arm of Lake Roosevelt.There is a free ferry across Lake Roosevelt here, which has been in operation The Colville Tribal Museum has opened its doors to since 1948.Farther east over another forested mounthe newly renotain pass is the scevated museum nic community of and exhibits. Inchelium. If travelThe museum is ing west, continue from Nespelem on open from 9-6 Highway 155 over p.m., Tuesday beautiful Disautel through SatPass to Omak in the urday until Lasunny Okanogan bor Day, then Valley. on Monday There are 18 wellthrough Friday. stocked lakes on The museum the reservation first opened in with limited fishing 1995, and is loas well as hunting cated in Coufor non-members. Information about lee Dam at 512 Mead Way. Dur- The museum includes displays that offer insight into many these sporting acaspects of Indian life, including gathering food, something tivities is available ing 2009, the exfor which this horse stands ready. from the Tribal Fish hibit gallery was and Wildlife Declosed for renopartment in Nespelem (509) 634-2110. vation. In March, 2011, the Grand Opening became a reality for the 12 bands of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation, representing the Okanogan, Nespelem, Sanpoil, Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce, Chelan, Wenatchi, Entiat, Methow, Lakes, Colville, Palus and Moses peoples.
NEW
What is sold in the gift shop? The Museum Gift Shop features such items as traditional clothing, beaded items, books, silver and turquoise jewelry and Pendleton Woolen Mills items, such as bags, cups and coats and blankets. The inventory includes tribal members’ artwork, beaded items and items with the tribal seal. The museum merchandise is always changing to include new items and art work. The public is invited to the free museum. Donations are accepted.
What can visitors see and do on the reservation?
36
While traveling through the Colville Reservation, visitors are invited to visit the tribal headquarters near Nespelem or the other reservation communities.Just another two miles north, in the town of Nespelem, is a memorial to Chief Joseph who was sent to the reservation in 1884 with 150 of his band of Nez Perce Indians. Joseph, famous for his intelligence and peacekeeping efforts, is best remembered for the heroic march by his people in the late 1800s in an effort to resist the gradual and painful takeover of Indian land by non-Indians.
NOW OPEN
Hours of Operation:
GIFT SHOP
Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call for Saturday & Sunday Hours 512 Mead Way • Coulee Dam 509.633.0751/FAX 509.633.2320 e-mail - ctmuseum@couleedam.net
Welcome Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
You're Here — Now Visit us at any of our business locations INCHELIUM COMMUNITY STORE 38 Shortcut Road, Inchelium
(509) 722-3305
RAINBOW BEACH RESORT 18 N,. Twin Lakes Road, Inchelium
COLUMBIA RIVER DISTRIBUTING
Highway 155, Agency Campus, 23 Lakes St., Nespelem
(509) 634-2771
(509) 722-5901
TRADING POST STORE
BARNEY'S QWIK STOP
(509) 634-2700
Highway 155, Agency Campus, 23 Lakes St., Nespelem
34291 S. Highway 20, Kettle Falls
(509) 738-2983
KELLER COMMUNITY STORE 116111 S. Highway 21, Keller
(509) 634-4632
TRIBAL TRAILS
29078 Highway 27, Omak
(509) 422-7459
MILL BAY SMOKE SHOP 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson
(509) 687-GOLD
515 Birch St., Coulee Dam
(509) 633-3200
37
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Resort Community of Lake Chelan Centrally located about 150 miles between Spokane and Seattle, Lake Chelan is an easy drive from almost anywhere in Washington State and offers all the comforts of a resort community with the natural splendor of wilderness adventure. The valley includes portions of a national park, two national forest wilderness areas, and a national recreation area. At the lower end of the lake lies the resort community and town of Chelan. Chelan is wellknown throughout the state
38
as one of the premier resort destinations for sun seekers. Tastes of all types can be satisfied in Chelan that is host to activities as diverse as a WRA rodeo and a summer Bach festival. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation opened a casino on tribally-held trust land at Manson. The casino adds one more great attraction to this already splendid and interesting area. Visitors will find plenty of lodging and restaurants available to add pleasure to days spent in the amiable community. Slidewaters at Lake Chelan, with nine waterslides,
is one of the largest such parks in the Northwest. It’s a tempting time-out for families in the hot summer sun. A beautiful golf course overlooks the lake. History buffs can see several old buildings still in use and in excellent condition. In summer, the fourmile-long Chelan River can be seen roaring through its gorge and over the Chelan Falls on its way to the Columbia River. If you wish to continue your vacation through Chelan, contact your motel or the Lake Chelan Visitor Information Center TOLL FREE at 1-877-440-7933
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Stehekin Landing: Courtesy Lake Chelan Boat Co.
North America’s Deepest Gorge: Continued... Along with the new Lady Cat, there are also two other vessels that make the daily trip to Stehekin giving you several choices to mix and match the schedules into a combination that fits your time frame. Utilizing the various schedules, you can create a layover in Stehekin anywhere from 1 hour to 7 hours. During your stay in Stehekin, you can take advantage of tours like the High Bridge Lunch tour, the Rainbow Falls tour, a self guided bike tour, horseback rides, fishing, day hiking, or just wandering around the valley. To make reservations, call the Lady of the Lake office at 509-682-4584 or the recorded info line at 509-682-2224.
Winter View from the air: Courtesy Lake Chelan Boat Co.
39
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Other great day tours
Cruise North America’s Deepest Gorge Any trip to NCW is not complete without a tour of “North America’s Deepest Gorge” and the mountain community of Stehekin at the headwaters of Lake Chelan. Just a little over an hour from Grand Coulee, Lake Chelan is an easy jaunt, though the far end of the lake is only accessible by boat or float plane as there are no roads to the upper half of the lake. Not to worry, the “Lady of the Lake” provides year-round service and tours to the far end of this lake. The boat trip takes you from the lower basin deep into the Cascades.The ultimate destination
is the small isolated community of Stehekin which sits at the head of the ancient lake, and at the foot of a mountain pass once used by Indians traveling on foot over the mountains. Stehekin is an old Indian word meaning “the way through.” During your layover in Stehekin, make sure to enjoy one of the several valley tours offered. Reservations can be made in advance with the Lady of the Lake to ensure availability. The new “Lady Cat“ cuts the travel time to the other end, with speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
Would you like to be in next year’s Visitors' Guide? BRAND NEW LAZY RIVER!
Located on a butte overlooking Lake Chelan, Slidewaters is one of the Northwest’s largest and most popular waterslide parks.
9 Waterslides 2 Tube Rides 60 Person Hot Tub Swimming Sunbathing 3-Lane Downhill Racer
Concessions Arcade Gift Shop Picnic Area Volleyball Fun for all…
Open Daily 10 a.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day
(509) 682-5751 www.slidewaters.com
Tickets NowAvailable at www.slidewaters.com
Call 1-888-633-1350 or e-mail to
star@grandcoulee.com 40
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Welcome to Wilbur
If it is outdoor recreation you’re after, Wilbur is the place to be! Visitors are always welcome to stop by the semi-private Big Bend Golf and Country Club at the west end of town to enjoy a round or two on the challenging nine-hole golf course. The course features wellmaintained greens on a relatively level course with a few sand traps. Rental clubs and carts are available and lessons can be provided for a novice golfer.The clubhouse gives visitors a place to relax and enjoy a cool drink or a bite to eat. Emerson Park at the east end of town belongs to the school district,but is available for public use. You can enjoy a jog around the track, a fast-paced game of tennis,or bring a group of family or friends for a game of baseball or touch football. Downtown, you can relax in Wheat fields near Wilbur. The Big Bend Historical the shade of one of the most beautiful city parks around. The well-kept lawns are framed with splen- Society Museum, located did old trees and a rustic footbridge crosses Goose in a former church building Creek, which flows through the center of the park. a block north of Sandy’s The Centennial Pavilion at the south side of the park Thrift, allows the visitor to step back into Wilbur’s past. is available for public use. Across from the creek is the public swimming Among the many items on pool. The Wilbur pool is open throughout the sum- display is the gun taken mer months, and for a small fee, local residents and from the hand of Wilbur’s visitors can take advantage of the opportunity for founding father, Samuel a refreshing swim. The west end features a diving Wilbur Condon, after he board, and a wading pool for younger children is was killed in a shootout over a woman in January available at the east end of the facility. A couple of blocks to the west of the pool, you 1895. can find an outdoor rink for in-line or roller skating. Hockey has become a year-round activity at this site. Extensive recreational opportunities are available within a short distance of town. Hunting, fishing, boating, camping and water skiing are among the most popular of these activities. A.C. • Dish • Internet • Micros/Fridges If you decide to stay around for a few days at one CLEAN & COMFORTABLE ROOMS of the town’s RV parks or motels, be sure to take Pool & Services Nearby • Pets Welcome! advantage of the Hesseltine Public Library, located at city hall, a block north of Highway 2 on Division 303 N.E. Main Ave., Wilbur Street. More than 1,000 books are just waiting to be read and enjoyed.
The
Willows
Motel
(509) 647-2100
41
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Welcome to Okanogan County You have just discovered Washington State’s best-kept secret — Okanogan. Okanogan is the heart of the scenic, historic and fruitful Okanogan Valley. Located in north central Washington, 50 miles from the Canadian border, Okanogan residents enjoy a quality of life characterized by extraordinary scenic beauty,low taxes,recreation,low cost of living and four distinct seasons each year. Okanogan has become a magnet for young families, retirees, businesses, tourists, light industry and recreation enthusiasts looking for a pristine environment. The Okanogan Valley is one of the few remaining locations where individual boldness and enterprise are rewarded, and where past, present and future are viewed with enthusiasm and promise. Okanogan is a Salish Indian word meaning “Rendezvous.” Sometimes called “The Late Frontier,” the Okanogan Valley saw habitation by Native Americans for thousands of years, and — belatedly, compared to other regions of the country — saw a succession of explorers, prospectors, miners, trappers, cattlemen, settlers, loggers, farmers, missionaries and orchardists, providing in every respect a colorful history that carries forward to the present day. The history of the region is ably depicted in the acclaimed Okanogan County Historical Museum in Okanogan. Part of that history now includes a replica of the old Okanogan fire department building in Legion Park. It’s an exact replica of the old fire station building. It is used as a fire department museum, as well as a research center for the Okanogan County Historical Society and the Okanogan County Genealogical Society. A refurbished,early model fire truck is displayed,along with other interesting items. With first-rate schools, medical facilities and other amenities, Okanogan is a great place to visit, live, work, establish a business, locate an industry, enjoy recreation and more. Okanogan is served by rail, highway and air, and is home to first-class motel and restaurant services. Okanogan is home to Okanogan Public Utility District, which provides Okanogan County with reliable, inexpensive electrical power.Infrastructure is in place or in development for commercial and industrial expansion. A lively retail business district provides a complete range of goods and services for visitors and residents alike. 42
A replica old fire hall in Okanogan
Distinguishing Okanogan in the Okanogan Valley region is one of the most precious commodities in the area — water! Okanogan has plenty of pure, clean water for residential and industrial use. Okanogan enjoys more than 300 sunny days per year. The area has four distinct seasons during the year with hot summers, snow in the winter, and perfect spring and autumn seasons. Conditions in the Okanogan area have produced the finest location in the world for orchards including apples, pears, peaches, cherries, nuts and others. Okanogan is the center of the Okanogan Valley fruit industry. The scenic Okanogan River winds its way through the center of the city. Each year, thousands of Canada geese and other waterfowl migrate throughout the Okanogan Valley following the river. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, hunt, swim, boat, ski, snowmobile, golf, climb, sight-see, as well as enjoy clean air, clean water and all the amenities of an urban locale with a hometown feeling.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
The Okanogan River winds through the Okanogan Valley, here seen from an overlook above east Omak, through the cleft of what geologists say is the meeting point of two ancient subcontinents once separated by a sea.
Center of the Okanogan Valley Omak
The busy hub of the Okanogan features year-round entertainment for tourists from all walks of life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation full of camping and recreation activities or you want to attend a play, go to a rodeo or play some softball, you can do it all in Omak. Visiting Omak is like taking some good medicine. At least that’s what some of the Indians thought when they traveled across the vastness of what is now called Okanogan County. The center of the county is Omak, which means“good medicine,”because of its dry, healthful climate.Warm summers and mild winters lead to an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year. Located in the fertile Okanogan River Valley near the pristine Pasayten National Wilderness, this lumber town is the largest in the north central part of the state and is known for its production of apples and its many orchards. Visitors are encouraged to make the Tourist Information Center their first stop. A friendly staff will provide updated information for all areas of Okanogan County, the state of Washington and neighboring British Columbia, including available tourist attractions, facilities and services. As the hub of the“all season”Okanogan vacationland, Omak offers vacationers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The city-operated Eastside Park offers full camping, R.V. facilities and showers, a new swimming pool, a golf course and bowling.
Conconully State Park
Conconully State Park, located in a side valley above Omak, is a cool, restful oasis on the banks of the Conconully reservoir, developed in the 1900s for irrigation. The park features standard and primitive campsites, and an expansive picnic area, complete with enormous shade trees, a picnic shelter, and a wading pool and play structure for youthful visitors. Near the park entrance, a replica of the first county courthouse stands. It features a sod roof and is typical of many of the ranch cabins that dotted this landscape in the early years of white settlement in Okanogan County.
43
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
See if you can spot this Virgil Marchand sculpture of Sasquatch high above SR-155 on the way to Omak at Disautel Pass.
To reach the park, take the Riverside cut-off road from Highway 97, 5.2 miles north of Omak.The cut-off road will intersect Highway 215, follow this highway 10 miles to Conconully and follow signs to the park.
Bridgeport State Park
Bridgeport State Park is located near the enormous hydroelectric facility at Chief Joseph Dam. The green, fertile lawns of the park form a welcome relief from the brown, barren desert surroundings. The park features standard, RV hookups and handicap-accessible campsites, picnic sites and shelters, a children’s play facility, swimming beach, trailer camp and a nine-hole golf course. To escape from the summer heat, cottonwood and aspen trees are scattered throughout the campground. Wildlife that can be seen in the park include marmots, coyotes, rabbits, quail and (watch your step) rattlesnakes. The park is located near the town of Bridgeport on a spur road off Highway 17.
Alta Lake State Park
44
On a forested side canyon, above the arid valley near Pateros, is lovely Alta Lake State Park. Elevation, foliage and the cool waters of Alta Lake make this park a popular summertime attraction.Boating,trout fishing, camping and hiking are some of the many activities available here. Campers can find standard, RV hookups and primitive sites, plus a group camp for clubs and organized groups. Nearby attractions include a golf course, guided horseback rides and boat rentals. To find the park, drive 1.8 miles west on Highway 153 from Pateros, turn left on Alta Lake Road and follow the signs to the park. After a busy day, tourists wishing for a little relaxation and entertainment combination are urged to attend
a program at Omak’s Performing Arts Center. The organization's ultimate goal is to bring the world’s great performers to Okanogan County in its stateof-the-art theater. The center presents live music,dance,and serious adult theater. Stand-up and clap aloud as family entertainment abounds from the 564-seat center.
SINCE 1950 “Three Stores in One”
• Clothing •
Men’s, Women’s & Children’s
• Shoes •
All Styles ~ All Major Brands Athletic Shoes
• Western •
Clothing & Accessories • Boots • Hats • Jewelry • Books • Videos • Tack
DOWNTOWN OKANOGAN
(509) 422-2760
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Racers in the famous Omak Stampede plunge down the steep hill to the Okanogan River. The event, the second weekend in August, also features a rodeo, trade fair and powwow.
45
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
1950 Ridge Riders Trail Ride across Grand Coulee Dam
2013 Going 2012and and Still Still Going
RIDING CLINIC - April 3,4,5,6 Banquet & Auction - April 1, 2013
Riding Clinic - March 31 through April111 Chute Dogging is a new event this year. Local businesses Banquet and Auction - April 2, 2012 ACTIVITIES will put together teams that will start out in the bucking Colorama Rodeo Activities COLORAMA RODEO chute with a steer wrestling They- must get 28 across Rodeo May Memorial Bull steer. Riding June Rodeo - May-11 & 1210 & 11 • Cleatis Lacy the line in front of the chutes before attempting to throw Cleatis Lacy Memorial Bull Riding May 13 Ranch Rodeo - June 29 the steer. The fastest time will win. 2 Ranch Rodeos - June 30 & September 22
1953 Team Penning
Ranch Rodeos consist of a four member team, one of which must be a cowgirl. There is lots of action in the arena as the teams participate in normal ranch life activities. Team Branding - Team Mugging/Pasture Gathering, Trailer Loading and good ole Ranch Bronc Riding. There is a catch, contestants cannot run their horses. Come join us for this fast paced
2009 1964 Colorama Rodeo Grand Entry 46
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Enjoy the convenience of 24-hour fueling service With a Pacific Pride fueling card you can stop at any Pacific Pride station nationwide any hour of the day or night. Travel with confidence and enjoy the convenience. For more information, please call,
Whitley Fuel LLC
An Independent Franchise of Pacific Pride
PACIFIC PRIDE
Commercial Fueling
1-800-955-FUEL Locally located on the Midway in Grand Coulee
whitleyfuel.com/
Banks Lake Pub • Family Dining • Take Out Orders • Daily Specials • Kid's Meal $5.00 Hours 11 a.m. - Closing Bull riding is one featured event at the annual Colorama Rodeo on Mother’s Day weekend at the Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds in Grand Coulee. The saddle club will also offer bull riding and a “ranch rodeo” in June.
Electric City • 633.2000
47
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
AD INDEX AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Silver Creek Systems........................... 41 AUTO SALES & RENTALS Fuller & Son...............................................4 Jess Ford................................................. 13 BODY SHOP Bird's Auto Glass & Body Shop........ 12 BOWLING Riverview Lanes......................................9 CASINOS Coulee Dam Casino............................ 52 CLOTHING Coulee Playland......................................4 Harvest Foods..........................................2 Rawson's................................................. 44 Variety Store.......................................... 26 CONSTRUCTION Coulee Construction.............................9 FARM TOURS D&M Gardens Spring Canyon Alpacas........................9 FRUIT STANDS Shaw's.........................................................5 FISHING SUPPLIES Bentz Tackle........................................... 13 Coulee Playland................................... 26 H&H Grocery......................................... 26
48
GASOLINE/MECHANICS Jack's Service......................................... 13 MPH Auto & Marine............................ 21
Trading Post........................................... 37 Whitley Fuel........................................... 47 GOLF COURSE Grant County Tourism........................ 26 GROCERY STORES/MINI MARTS Barney's Qwik Stop............................. 37 Coulee Playland......................................4 H&H Grocery......................................... 26 Harvest Foods..........................................4 Inchelium Community Store........... 37 Jack's Service......................................... 13 Keller Community Store.................... 37 Rainbow Beach Resort....................... 37 Trading Post........................................... 37 Variety Store.......................................... 26 LAUNDROMAT King's Court RV Park........................... 22 MEDICAL FACILITIES Coulee Medical Center...................... 47 INSURANCE Foisy & Kennedy Inc............................ 12 State Farm.............................................. 26 INFORMATION CENTERS Grand Coulee Chamber...................2-3 Grant County Tourism........................ 49 GCD Visitor Arrival Center................ 48
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
AD INDEX MOTELS/CAMPING Columbia River Inn............................. 15 Coulee Playland................................... 26 Grand Coulee Center Lodge............ 51 Grand Coulee RV Park...........................9 King’s Court RV Park........................... 22 Rainbow Beach Resort....................... 37 Sunbanks Lake Resort........................ 51 Sky Deck Motel..................................... 23 Trailwest.....................................................5 Willows Motel....................................... 41
SOUVENIRS Colville Tribal Museum...................... 37 Coulee Dam Casino............................ 52 Coulee Playland................................... 26 Funzee's.................................................. 27 Grand Coulee Center Lodge............ 51 GCD Chamber.................................26-27 Grant County Historical Museum.................................................. 45 H&H Grocery......................................... 26 Harvest Foods..........................................2 Jack's Service......................................... 13 MUSEUMS Rawson's................................................. 51 Colville Tribal Museum...................... 36 Shaw's Fruit...............................................5 Grant County Sunbanks Lake Resort........................ 51 Historical Museum.............................. 35 Trading Post........................................... 15 Variety Store.......................................... 26 REAL ESTATE Foisy & Kennedy Inc............................ 12 STORAGE Ralph’s Storage........................................9 RESTAURANTS/BARS/BISTROS DRIVE-INS/ESPRESSO STANDS TIRES/BRAKES Banks Lake Pub.................................... 47 Jess Ford................................................. 13 Coulee Dam Casino............................ 52 Les Schwab............................................ 27 Electric City Bar & Grill....................... 26 Grand Grindz............................................9 UTILITIES Hometown Pizza.................................. 13 Grant County PUD............................... 14 Jack's Service......................................... 13 La Presa................................................... 14 TOUR BOATS MJ's........................................................... 13 Lady of the Lake................................... 39 Melody Restaurant.............................. 12 Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille.................. 15 TOWING R&A Café....................................................5 Highway Tire......................................... 13 Siam Palace............................................ 12 Jack's Service......................................... 13 Sunbanks Lake Resort........................ 15 TeePee Drive-In.......................................9 WATERSLIDES Tropical Pig...............................................5 Slide Waters........................................... 40 Wolf's Den.............................................. 13
49
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Laser Show Facts
A pattern of the first laser show competes with the moon May 25, 2013, as new equipment brightens and sharpens the lasers on the dam as people sit on the ground at lower left to watch.
How long is the laser show?
The laser light show lasts approximately 35 minutes during which time colorful images created by the lasers move back and forth across the huge surface of the dam.
Where can I view the show?
How are the lasers used at Grand Coulee Dam?
2013 Laser Show Times Nightly at Grand Coulee Dam
As one of the largest entertainment laser projection systems in the world,the lasers at Grand Coulee Dam include two argon and two krypton beams.Argon produces blue and green light and krypton produces red light. By combining the lights through a system of mirrors, and by varying the intensity, a full spectrum of colors is produced.
The best locations are the seatMay 26 to July 31 at 10:00 p.m. ing area at the Visitor Center and Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 at 9:30 p.m. from the park below the Visitor Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 at 8:30 p.m. Center. These areas provide an outdoor sound system. The Town of Coulee Dam has a park — terraced and grassy for viewing the laser show — adjacent to the east end of the Columbia River bridge. What is the purpose of the show? Other viewing spots are: from the parking lot near the dam’s With the river as narrator, the laser light show at tells Third Powerhouse, from Douglas Park in Coulee Dam; from the story of the Columbia River and how its power was Crown Point atop the granite cliffs above Lake Rufus Woods, harnessed to provide multiple benefits to mankind, access from SR174 towards Bridgeport. including electrical power, irrigation for farming and The USBR broadcasts the audio portion of the laser light exciting recreational opportunities. show nightly at 90.1 FM.
What is a laser?
Lasers are intense beams of light commonly used in medicine and defense, but now finding a niche as a high-tech, fast-moving form of entertainment. They are controlled by computers which, at Grand Coulee Dam, are encased in a glass booth displayed at the Visitor Center. Although a single dot of light, lasers can trace an image so rapidly it appears as a solid figure to the human eye. The term laser is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is so commonly used now that the tradition of using capital letters for an acronym has been dropped. 50
How much did the lasers cost?
With the original equipment in use since 1989, the laser show needed modernization by 2011. The Bureau of Reclamation then commissioned a new show and new equipment. The equipment began operation in May of 2013, but projecting the first show until the programming of the new Laser Light Show can be completed. The debut of the new show is set for August, 8, 2013.
How big are the laser images?
Pictures are beamed at the awesome height of nearly 300 feet.
How far do the lasers project?
During shows, the laser lights are beamed between 2,000 and 4,000 feet to the surface of the dam.
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Enjoy the fun and sun at Sunbanks Lake Resort on Banks Lake, one of the biggest & warmest lakes in Washington State!
BOATING • CAMPING • VILLA RENTALS • EVENTS and so much more, we just can’t list it all here!
For more information or to make a reservation please call or go online:
1.888.822.7195 www.SunbanksResort.com
51
Visitors’ Guide • Grand Coulee Dam Area • 2013-2014
Three Great Casinos! Over 1,000 Slot Machines! Table Games! High Stakes Bingo! ...And A Whole Lot More! Mill Bay Casino
Over 600 Slot Machines · Live Poker · Deep Water Amphitheater Table Games · Crosswinds Restaurant · Heat Nightclub
455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson, WA 800-648-2946
Okanogan Bingo Casino
Over 330 Slot Machines · High Stakes Bingo Live Poker · Great Deli · Lounge Rendezvous 41 Appleway Road, Okanogan, WA 800-559-4643
Coulee Dam Casino
Over 160 Slot Machines · Video Poker Spillway Lounge · Great Deli Food 515 Birch Street, Coulee Dam, WA 800-556-7492
Visit us online at www.colvillecasinos.com 52