Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State ParkAbout Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park in central Washington protects the dramatic Dry Falls cliff, a cataract remnant formed by Ice Age floods. Dry Falls measures roughly 3.5 miles across and drops about 400 feet, one of the largest cliffed waterfalls of its kind.
Visitors use paved overlooks and rim trails to view the expansive cliff and the coulee below, with interpretive panels explaining the Missoula Floods that carved the scabland. The park also offers short hikes, picnic sites and access to nearby small lakes for fishing and boating.
The Dry Falls feature was sculpted near the end of the last Ice Age by the Missoula Floods, enormous glacial outburst floods that swept across eastern Washington and created the scablands. The state park preserves the cliff, overlooks and interpretive resources for public education and recreation.
The park is located in central Washington State near the small community of Coulee City in the scabland region. It is accessed from regional roads that connect to larger towns in Grant County.
- Dry Falls dimensions and origin: Dry Falls is about 3.5 miles wide and plunges roughly 400 feet, formed by cataclysmic Ice Age floods.
- Best viewpoints: Best viewing and interpretation are available at the main overlook and the park’s interpretive exhibits along the rim trail.
What to See#
- Dry Falls Overlook: Main Dry Falls overlook with panoramic viewing platforms that look out over the entire 3.5-mile-wide cliff and the canyon below.
- Visitor area and interpretive exhibits: Park visitor area and interpretive exhibits that explain the Ice Age Missoula Floods and local scabland geology.
Nearby Attractions to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Best Time to Visit Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Best from late spring through early autumn for full access and comfortable weather.
Weather & Climate near Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 31°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 1° | -6° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -3° - 5° | -2° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 18 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 22° | 15° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 27° | 19° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 31° | 23° | 7 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 14° - 31° | 23° | 8 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 25° | 17° | 10 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 17° | 10° | 12 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 7° | 1° | 31 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 1° | -5° | 37 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
The park is about 8 miles north of Coulee City, Washington, and is most easily reached by car via State Route 174 and local roads. The Dry Falls Visitor Center and overlooks are well signed from the main highway; there is parking at the interpretive viewpoints.
Tips for Visiting Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
- Visit at sunset to watch the basalt scabland turn rust-red; the long views make the park's scale easier to understand.
- Drive the scenic loop and stop at interpretive pullouts - the Dry Falls overlook is a highlight and should not be missed for its surprising scale.
- Bring a pair of binoculars for Columbia Basin birdlife; spring and fall migrations can be surprisingly active.