On a map, this stretch of semi-arid desert along the Columbia River looks pretty empty but it turns out that there are some fantastic sites to visit. The sites found here form a perfect destination for a day trip for travelers who are within two hours, maybe two-and-a-half hours’ travel distance, which means the itinerary is ideal as a day trip from as far away as Cle Elum, Leavenworth, Coulee Dam, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, Colfax, and even Spokane. And you can’t beat the cost on this one: free—other than gas and lunch (though you do need a Washington State Discover Pass), plus any donation you choose to make at any of the sites.
Wanapum Heritage Center
The heritage center sits on the ancestral grounds of the Wanapum people, along the banks of the Columbia River. Wanapum actually means the River People, and it was the bounty of the river that provided the primary sustenance of the people for untold generations. The center preserves the heritage and history of the Wanapum from their perspective, which is rather refreshing and even revealing, as visitors to the center learn how the Wanapum coped with changes that were forced upon them with the coming of white settlers. It is worth noting that the Wanapum people never went to war with Euro-Americans and never signed a treaty with the U.S government, but instead chose to adapt and survive peacefully. The center is an educational site not to be overlooked. Plan on one to 1.25 hours for your visit. Note that no photography is permitted in the exhibit hall.
Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:
Wanapum Heritage Center, 29086 WA-243, Mattawa, WA 99349, 509-766-3461. Open: Mon, Thu-Fri 8:30-4:30, Sat-Sun 9-5; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Free.
Lunch
Remember, this is a low population area so there are not a lot of eateries along the way. A picnic lunch is a great idea and there is a perfect place for your picnic at Turbine Park at Wanapum Dam, complete with restrooms; many of the picnic tables have shade covers.
If your preference is lunch at a restaurant, we suggest stopping in Mattawa along the way to Wanapum Dam. Here are a few choices in town that are open Saturday and Sunday; all are Mexican restaurants with the exception of Subway: Los Jacalitos: 321 Government Way, Mattawa; La Perla Tapatia: 700 Government Rd, Mattawa; Tacos la Parrilla: 417 Government Rd, Mattawa; Subway: E. 76 Government Way, Mattawa.
Wanapum Dam Visitor Center
The visitor center may not be particularly large, but it offers a great overview presentation of Grant County geologic history, history of the indigenous peoples and the early settlers, the fish species in the river, and the construction and operation of the dams. Be sure to visit the turbine displayed outside and walk up the stairs as there are several interpretive panels placed around the turbine and also along the paved paths from the picnic lawns. Plan on 1.25 to 1.5 hours for your visit if you include walking the outdoor paths to read the interpretive panels.
Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:
Wanapum Dam Visitor Center, Wanapum Dam Rd, Beverly, WA 99321. Open: May-Sep daily 9-4; Oct-Apr Mon-Fri 9-4. Admission: Free.
Wanapum Dam Viewpoint
From the dam visitor center, return to SR-243 and turn left; go about 3/4-mile and turn right to the viewpoint. Not only is there a great view of the dam, but a couple of exceptional interpretive panels about the region’s geologic history and the great ice age floods.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park & Interpretive Center
Petrified wood happens to be Washington State’s official gem—and the Ginkgo Petrified Forest happens to be one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America, including rare fossils of the Ginkgo tree, discovered here in 1932. The interpretive center and other buildings in the park were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and include the charmingly distinctive stone work that is the hallmark of the CCC.
The interpretive center tells the geologic story of the petrified forest and the surrounding region. Several short movies add to the visitor’s education, the most applicable being the 15-minute video, “Trees of Stone.” Be sure to walk around the center to read several outside interpretive panels; a short trail around the back also leads you to a collection of petroglyphs that were rescued from the river shore before flooding from the dams covered them. From the center, travel about two miles west on Vantage Highway to the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trailhead. A trail of 1.25 miles weaves through examples of petrified logs. Plan on 1.5 to two hours for your visit to the the interpretive center and the trail. Bring water, good hiking shoes, and possibly a hat and sunscreen.
Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, 630 Ginkgo Ave, Vantage, WA 98950, 509-856-2290. Open: the park is open 6:30 to dusk (Oct-Feb 8:00 to dusk). Interpretive center open 2024: Dec 24-Mar 17 Sun 9-4; Mar 18-May 15 Fri-Sun 10-5; May 18-Sep 30 Thu-Mon 10-5; Oct 1-Dec 23 Fri-Sun 10-4. Admission: Free but, as a state park, a Washington State Discover Pass or day use fee is required to park your vehicle.
Wild Horses Monument and Viewpoint
From the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, return to I-90 and cross back over the Columbia River and stay left to go north on I-90. After about 4.5 miles, take Exit-139 and turn right onto the drive to the Wild Horses Scenic View parking lot. A short hike up a moderately steep slope will take you to the Wild Horses Monument. The monument’s actual name is Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies and is the work of Chewelah scultor David Govedare. No restroom facilities.
Note that if you are returning south to begin your journey home, you will need to continue north on the freeway for 3.8 miles to Silica Road in order to return to the southbound freeway.
That completes our daytrip along the Columbia River and its time to head for home. We hope you enjoyed your outing!
Updated July 2024
Hit the Road in the Pacific Northwest 