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GRANT COUNTY
Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge Lakes & Sheep Lakes
Potholes Canal & Chain Lakes
Click here to see section with
Potholes Reservoir, Moses Lake, Sun Lakes, & More...
Click here to see Lake Roosevelt & Grand
Coulee Dam (Coming Soon)
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In the heart of the Columbia Basin in Eastern Washington is a
boating paradise of lakes and canals that few places in the world
can rival. There are 3 specific Overlapping areas known as the
Potholes Canal and associated Chain Lakes, the Sheep Lakes, and the
well-known Columbia National Wildlife Refuge all of these are within
the region known as the Drumheller Channeled Scablands. Up until
1951 the area was an arid waste land with very little ability to
support life.
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With creation of the Columbia Basin Hydroelectric
Project (starting with the Grand Coulee Dam and associated canals)
all that changed. Some lakes in this area were created as wider
spots in the canals or via large and small dams, but many others
were unplanned, created by the seepage of water through the basalt.
Specifically this area is a recreational paradise for kayakers,
fishermen, sailors, water foul hunters, hikers, mountain bikers,
etc. In this section of our Lakes & Rivers Guide we give you the
most accurate and detailed information related to boat launches,
access points, recreational info, etc.
Accessing the lakes and canal within the Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge require one to call or visit their website to affirm what
areas of the park are open to various activities such as fishing and
hunting. We do not post that info here because the info is
constantly changing and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
website is current source for this info. Visit the park at
http://www.fws.gov or call
509-488-0705. |
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Lakes of the Columbia
National Wildlife Refuge & Sheep Lakes
(See
above map) |
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 Blythe Lake
-
Small
Boats with Motors |
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Small gravel
boat launch, no restroom or running water. MarDon Resort is
just a little over a mile from this launch. Blythe Lake
is popular fishing and water foul viewing area. During high
water levels it is possible to boat from this lake in to
Chukar Lake to the east, which is not much of a lake as in
the summer it nearly dries up. To get the Chukar lake by
land park in the Blythe Lake launch parking area and hike
east along the shore line. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam
and starting into the right curve of the road there is a
gravel road with a public fishing sign and white faded sign
under it indicating Corral, Blythe, & Chukar lakes. Proceed
down this road to access these lakes.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Fishing: Rainbow Trout. Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view Blythe Lake not far from the O'Sullivan Dam just east
of Corral Lake.
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 Chukar Lake
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See
Blythe Lake -
Small Boats Manual Propelled |
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Corral Lake
-
Small
Boats - Small
Boats with Motors
Well packed
gravel boat launch, bank access, accessible restroom, no running
water... This lake is
the closest to the O'Sullivan Dam, has one well packed
gravel boat launch and there are areas one can fish off the
bank. There is an accessible restroom and no running water.
Mardon Resort is less than a mile from the launch. In
addition there is a large gravel parking area with trail to
the waters edge near the southeast end of the lake. As you
drive on the Dam getting near the Southwest end of the dam
you look on the opposite side of the reservoir (southeast)
into the desert and you will clearly see a good size lake,
this is Corral Lake (see pic at the top of this page).
Corral lake is a popular fishing lake and bird watching
area. Average depth is about 7'-10'.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Immediately
after crossing the dam and across the road from the MarDon
Resort boat launch there is an access road to Corral Lake
and its northwest boat launch. Proceed to the end of this
road to the launch.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view Corral Lake next to the O'Sullivan Dam.
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Corral Lake. Directions: The.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, WA. |
CLICK HERE FOR
PRINTABLE MAP |
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Upper
Crescent Lake
-
Small
Boats with Motors |
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No facilities
or Shore Access. Upper Crescent Lake is a stunningly
beautiful desert lake that is known for good fishing and
abundant water foul. The Potholes Canal runs through this
lake. The shoreline is all private so no
shore access is allowed and there is no road that allows
access to this lake.
I sailed on this lake with my sail yak and had a great time. SEE
the Potholes Canal Chain Lakes section for more access info.
Fishing:
Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Crappie; Perch; Rainbow
Trout; Whitefish; Bluegill. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the Long & Sage Lake sign, turn right (west) and to the boat
launch. From the boat launch boat southwest to the canal
entrance and proceed down the canal. Exiting from the canal
you will enter enter Upper Crescent Lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Othello, WA. pan up/north and slightly west to
view Crescent Lake.
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Lower
Crescent Lake
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Small
Boats with Motors |
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No facilities
or Shore Access. Lower Crescent Lake is separated from Upper
Crescent Lake by a short canal. The Potholes Canal runs
through this lake. It's a much shallower and
smaller lake than its Upper lake twin, more like a wide
section of the canal than a lake but a lake none the less.
This lake is a good fishing and water foul frequent it. The
shoreline is all privately owned by farmers so no shore
access is allowed and there is no road that allows access to
this lake.
SEE the Potholes Canal Chain Lakes section for more
access info. Fishing:
Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Crappie; Perch; Rainbow
Trout; Whitefish; Bluegill.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the Long & Sage Lake sign, turn right (west) and to the boat
launch. From the boat launch boat southwest to the canal
entrance and proceed down the canal. Exiting from the canal
you will enter enter Upper Crescent Lake followed by Lower
Crescent Lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Othello, WA. pan up/north and slightly west to
view Crescent Lake.
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 Upper
Goose Lake
- Mid Draft Boats |
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Gravel boat
launch, accessible restroom, no running water. Upper Goose
Lake is the second largest lake within the area (Soda Lake
is the largest). Its a beautiful lake with a depth of
80', averaging 15-20' deep. Fishing and water foul viewing
is popular on this lake. Because this lake is not within the
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge boundaries swimming is
allowed. No jet skis allowed. For kayakers and canoeist that
have an adventurous side one can boat from this lake into
Lower Goose Lake via portaging over the small earth dam
on the southwest end of the lake. When at the dam go to the
west end of the dam then carry your kayak west along the
dirt trail (not much of a trail) then southwest along to a
creek. This creeks water actually comes from the farm land
above and then runs into Lower Goose Lake. Walk along the
creek until it widens and the current slows, and then launch
and paddle into Lower Goose Lake. When you have entered the
main body of the lake there is a boat launch on the west
side. Fishing:
Labonton & Rainbow Trout; Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass;
Perch; Bluegill; Crappie. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam
and short distance down the road passing MarDon Resort turn
left/south onto H Road SE. Proceed down H Road SE to the
intersection of this road with W. McMannaman Road. Turn
left/east onto W. McMannaman Road. Follow this road down the
hill, across Crab Creek, to S. Morgan Lake Road. Turn north
on S. Morgan Lake Road where it T's, a sign will indicate
direction to Upper Goose Lake. Turn left/west to proceed to
Upper Goose Lake boat launch.
Map: To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the southeast
to view this lake. Info: Road closed to lake May -
September.
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CLICK HERE
FOR PRINTABLE MAP |
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Lower
Goose Lake
- Mid Draft Boats |
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Gravel boat
launch, accessible restroom, no running water. Lower Goose
Lake a beautiful lake with a depth of 40', averaging 10-15'
deep. Fishing and water foul viewing is popular on this
lake. Because this lake is not within the Columbia National
Wildlife Refuge boundaries swimming is allowed. No jet skis
allowed. For kayakers and canoeist that have an adventurous
side one can boat from this lake up into Upper Goose Lake.
To do this paddle up the creek on the west end of the lake,
and when it narrows carry your craft north along the creek.
When you see the dam slightly to the northeast. Follow the
primitive dirt trail to the dam. Put in at the west end of
the dam. To get to the boat launch paddle up the lake until
it widens, the launch is at the northeast end of the lake.
Fishing:
Large Mouth Bass; Walleye; Perch; Crappie; Rainbow,
Bluegill, & Cutthroat Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam
and short distance down the road passing MarDon Resort turn
left/south onto H Road SE. Proceed down H Road SE to the
cross road of Kulm Road SE. before intersection of W.
McMannaman Road. Turn left/east onto Kulm Road SE. and
follow it down the hill to the boat launch. The road down
the hill is rough with ruts, with some big rocks in the
road. If you take a boat down this road we recommend its
only a light weight boat and your vehicle has 4x4. Map:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the southeast
to view this lake.
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CLICK HERE
FOR PRINTABLE MAP |
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Hampton Lakes, Lower & Upper
-
Small
boats
Manual |
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Boat launch,
Accessible Restroom, Large Parking Area, No Gas Motors
Allowed. The Hampton lakes are two small lakes that so so
know for fishing but mostly know as an area to watch water
foul. One can kayak both lakes by portaging over the narrow
strip of land that separates the lakes. Its is possible to
paddle into the other lake without portaging during high
water levels. Upper & Lower Hampton
Lakes. Fishing: Rainbow & Cutthroat Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
past the Long & Sage Lake sign, proceed across the Potholes
Canal via the bridge. The road makes a sharp turn right and
where the road make a sharp turn left there is a sign
indicating Hampton Lakes. Proceed down this road until you
come to the Lower Hampton Lake launch and trails parking
lot.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan east below Long
Lake to view this Lake. Info: Open April 1 - Sept.
30.
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Herman & Quail Lakes
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Small
Boats
Manual |
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Herman Lake -
Primitive boat launch, limited camping, no restroom or
running water. Just down the road is Lyle Lake where there
is a restroom but no running water. Herman
Lake is known for water foul hunting and watching. By
driving on the same road goes to the Herman boat launch and
driving past it you will come to a gate with a hiking trail
that takes you to Quail Lake.
Quail Lake is within the wildlife refuge managed area, hiking and wildlife viewing
popular activities. Fishing:
Rainbow Trout on both lakes; Quail Lake is catch & release,
fly fishing with only artificial flies with a single barbed
hook. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
past the Long & Sage Lake sign, proceed across the Potholes
Canal via the bridge. After crossing the bridge follow this
several miles until you come to the road and sign indicating
Herman and Quail Lakes.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake. Info: Harman lakes motors allowed; Quail
Lake no motors allowed.
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Hutchinson & Shiner Lakes
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Small
Boats
Manual |
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On Hutchinson
Lake is a hard packed gravel boat launch, old wood dock,
accessible restroom, and no running water, No Gas Motors
Allowed. Hutchinson
& Shiner Lakes a beautiful place to boat, fish, hunt,
and watch wildlife. There is a short channel that connects
the two lakes, this channel is difficult pass through during
lower than normal water times of the year. These two lakes
are within the wildlife refuge boundaries and so no swimming
and no motors are allowed.
Fishing:
Large Mouth Bass; Spiny Ray; Barriers installed to keep Carp
out. Bluegill. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam
and short distance down the road passing MarDon Resort turn
left/south onto H Road SE. Proceed down H Road SE to the
intersection of this road with W. McMannaman Road. Turn
left/east onto W. McMannaman Road. Follow this road down the
hill, across Crab Creek, and a short distance down the road
on the right/south of the road is the gravel road to these
lakes with a sign indicating the names of the lakes. Map:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the southeast
to view this lake. Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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CLICK HERE FOR
PRINTABLE MAP |
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 Katy Lake
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Kayaks |
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Parking area, primitive parking, running water.
Katy Lake is a hike in lake. One parks on the ridge above
the lake and then hikes or mountain bikes to the lake. There
are open spaces around the lake. Its a nice lake to
kayak on but not really good of fish on.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the sign indicating Katy and Susan Lakes. Follow this road
west and stay to the left to arrive at the parking lot with
the trail to Katy Lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan directly east to
view this Lake.
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Long
Lake
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Mid
Draft Boats |
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Hard packed
gravel boat launch, multiple places to bank launch and camp,
some small sandy beaches, multiple accessible restrooms. Long Lakes
west shore is on the wildlife boundaries and the east shore
is within state lands called the Sheep Lakes area, so all
camping and recreational lake access is on the east
shoreline. Swimming is not allowed on wildlife refuge lands
but is ok in the State Sheep Lake lands. The Potholes Canal
enters the northwest end of the lake and exists the
southeast end. Fisherman with power boats travel up either
end of the canal. Kayaking this lake is enjoyable and
paddling up stream in the Potholes Canal is difficult due to
the strong current but is do-able for the fit and go all the
way to Pillar Lake at good 4 mile trip. Entering the canal
on the southeast end of the lake takes you to Crescent Lake,
but returning again can be difficult due to the strong
currents so paddling all the way to Othello is your take-out
point a good 15 mile trip. There are no take-out points once
entering the canal until Othello. Also one can access Sage
Lake to the north, there is only about 200 feet the separate
the lakes.
SEE
the Potholes Canal Chain Lakes section for more access info.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Crappie;
Perch; Bluegill; Whitefish. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
Long & Sage Lake sign. Turn right/northwest to access the
Long Lake Boat Launch and primitive camping areas.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake.
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CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE
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Lyle Lake
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Kayaks |
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Primitive
bank launching, restroom, no running water. Lyle Lake during
the low water times of the is rather small but during higher
water times of the year such as during spring and early
summer one can paddle this lake going some distance
northwest or southwest. This is a good lake to hunt or
watch water foul on and is not within wildlife refuge
boundaries.
Fishing: Rainbow Trout; Carp (good lake to hunt Carp
with bow & arrow. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
past the Long & Sage Lake sign, proceed across the Potholes
Canal via the bridge. After crossing the bridge follow this
several miles until you come to the sign indicating Lyle
Lake on the right/west side of the road.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake. Info: April 1 - Sept. 30.
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Marco Polo Lake
- Kayaks |
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Parking area
and trail down bank to lake shore, no restroom or running
water. Marco Polo
Lake not utilized for much other than maybe water foul
watching or hunting, and not used for fishing. Because there
is no march and just have a rocky shore line water foul are
not really attracted to this lake.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road a couple miles
all the way to the sign indicating Marco Polo Lakes. The
gravel road to the lake is short and comes to a small gravel
road. From the parking lot is a trail to the waters edge.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan directly southeast
slightly to view this Lake, below Warden & South Warden
Lakes.
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Morgan Lake
-
Kayaks |
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All of Morgan Lakes
shoreline is private so to access this lake is done through
Halfmoon Lake only. Picture coming soon...
Fishing:
Rainbow & Cutthroat Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam
and short distance down the road passing MarDon Resort turn
left/south onto H Road SE. Proceed down H Road SE to the
intersection of this road with W. McMannaman Road. Turn
left/east onto W. McMannaman Road. Follow this road down the
hill, across Crab Creek, to S. Morgan Lake Road. Turn north
on S. Morgan Lake Road. Proceed about a mile down the road.
On your right is Morgan Lake. Map: To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan significantly to
the southeast to view this lake. Info: Open April 1 -
Sept. 30.
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Pillar Lake
- Small Boats with Motors |
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No
facilities. Pillar Lake is more like a wide spot in the
Potholes Canal between Soda and Long Lakes. It is a good
place on the canal to get out of the main current and to
fish. One access this lake by portaging around the Soda Lake
dam or boating from Long Lake up the canal. One can also
hike to this lake to fish from the shore by driving to the
Soda Lake Dike Road Launch and then driving past the launch
to the furthest parking area and then hiking slightly
northeast to the lake, there is a trail. SEE
the Potholes Canal Chain Lakes section for more access info.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before crossing
the O'Sullivan Dam and after just passing the entrance to
the Potholes Reservoir boat launch on your left/south is
Soda Lake Road. Follow this road to past the sign indicating
the Soda Lake Campground to the next sign indicating Soda
Lake, Pillar/Widgeon Lakes (this sign indicates
Pillar/Widgeon Lakes are .6 miles, which is partly true
Widgeon Lake is this distance but Pillar Lake is
approximately 3 miles. Yes this sign has an error on it).
Follow this road past the Soda Lake boat launch on the dike
to the end of this dike. At the end of this dike turn
right/south and then east to the parking lot. From the
parking lot take the trail east and then northeast to the
Potholes Canal and where the lake is part of the canal.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance east and then south down the
Potholes Canal. Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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Royal Lake
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Small
Boats
Manual |
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No facilities,
Closed to the Public. Royal Lake is not far from Hutchinson
& Shiner Lakes (southwest) in a beautiful area of marshes,
and ponds. Royal Lake along with Marsh Unit 4 impoundments
is closed to public access. Fishing: Not Stocked.
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Sage Lake
- Kayaks |
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There are no
facilities at Sage Lake but Long Lake at its closest is only
200 feet away with restrooms and camping. There are a few
primitive camping areas at Sage lake but again since Long
Lake is so close with restroom facilities most will
camp/park near long lake. The only way to get to Sage lake
is to hike to it. Fishing and wildlife viewing is he
activity done most on this lake. During low water Sage Lake
appears to be two lakes but of course during high water is
one lake.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; German Brown. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
Long & Sage Lake sign. Turn right/northwest to access the
Long Lake boat launch and primitive camping areas.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake.
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Sister Lakes - Canal, Heart, & Windmill
Lakes
- Mid Draft Boats |
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Multiple boat
launches, accessible fishing platforms, accessible restrooms, primitive camping, no
running water. The Sister Lakes are 3 lake all next to each
other with two of the lakes being connected and all of which
are in Sheep Lake state lands. Windmill Lake which is the
northern most of the lakes and canal lake which is the
southeast lake are connected to make one continues long
lake. Hart lake is to the west of the two previous mentioned
lake and is not connected but the launch to this lake is
only about 100 feet from the Canal Lake launch. All three
lakes are excellent fishing lakes and water foul hunting or
viewing lakes. Kayaking and small boat sailing is also
activities of choice on these lakes. Hart lake is the
first lake you will come to once you start down the road to
the 3 sister lakes and there is a nice camping area lone its
northeaster shore next to it's boat launch. To camp at Canal
lake you will camp next to the shore of Windmill Lake.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout all three lakes; Hart Lake also has Triploid
Steelhead. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the sign indicating Windmill, Canal, & Hart Lakes. The first
lake you will come to is Hart lake, Followed by Canal and
Windmill Lakes.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
these Lakes. Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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Soda Lake
-
Mid
Draft
boats |
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Two
hard packed gravel boat launch, official
campsites/campground, accessible restrooms, covered
picnic tables, fire pits, day parking, rocky shore
line, no running water. MarDon Resort is about 4
miles from the Soda Lake Campground. This is the
largest of the lakes in the Columbia National
Wildlife Refuge and Sheep Lakes area, and the
deepest at around 100'. Soda Lakes
west shore is on the wildlife boundaries and the
east shore is within state lands called the Sheep
Lakes area. All camping and recreational lake access
is on the west shoreline. Swimming is not allowed on
wildlife refuge lands but is ok in the State Sheep
Lake lands so crossing the lake to the east shore is
where you can swim. The Potholes Canal enters the
northwest end of the lake and exists the southeast
end. Fisherman with power boats travel up canal
going north near the dam. I would not recommend
paddling a kayak or canoe north on this canal as the
currents very very strong and besides there really
is nothing to see but rock canal walls. Out of all
the lakes in this area this lake is best suited for
sailing due to it being the widest and deepest lake
allowing for some fabulous sailing. At the south end
of the lake is a boat launch (with no camping
allowed) and is closest to the dam. Motorized craft
can portage around the dam by exiting before the
short canal that leads to the dam on the north side.
You can also take out on the south side. The
important think is not to enter the short canal to
the dam at all because once in it, it's unlikely you
will be able to get out of it due to the strong
currents, plus the vertical walls in this canal
would make it near impossible to climb out. There is
also an extreme level of under-toe at this dam as
well. SEE POTHOLES CANAL INFO BELOW FOR DETAILED
INFO ABOUT THIS DAM AND TRAVELING THE POTHOLES CANAL
& CHAIN LAKES. Most poplar activities on this lake
include fishing, wildlife viewing,
kayaking/canoeing, sailing, swimming.
Fishing:
Spiny Rays; Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass;
Crappie; Bluegill; Perch; Whitefish; Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before
crossing the O'Sullivan Dam and after just passing
the entrance to the Potholes Reservoir boat launch
on your left/south is Soda Lake Road. Follow this
road to either the sign indicating the Soda Lake
Campground with launch or proceed further and take
left at the next sign indicating Soda Lake which
brings you to another Soda Lake boat launch.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance below the O'Sullivan
Dam.
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1.
Soda Lake Campground Launch.
See Directions & Map Above. |
2.
Soda Lake Dike Road Launch.
See Directions & Map Above. |
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Susan Lake
- Kayaks |
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Primitive
shore line launching, no restrooms or running water. Susan Lake
is an area where people hunter for water foul or hunter for
them. Its a small lake but one can kayak here and swim.
Water activities should take place here during early or mid
summer before the algae builds up in the lake.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the sign indicating Katy and Susan Lakes. Follow this road
west and stay to the right where a sign indicating Susan
Lake will take you down the hill to the lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan directly east to
view this Lake.
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North
Teal Lake
- Small Boats Manual |
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Primitive boat
launch, no restroom and or running water. North Teal
Lake of of Sheep Lake Road within the Columbia National
Wildlife Refuge. Activities on this lake include fishing and
water foul watching.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; Small Spiny Rays. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
past the Long & Sage Lake sign, proceed across the Potholes
Canal via the bridge. The road makes a sharp turn right and
where the road make a sharp turn left proceed a short
distance where you will see signs along the east side of the
road for North & South Teal Lakes.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake. Info: April 1 - Sept. 30.
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South
Teal Lake
- Small Boats Manual |
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Primitive boat
launch, no restroom and or running water. South Teal
Lake of of Sheep Lake Road within the Columbia National
Wildlife Refuge. Activities on this lake include fishing and
water foul watching.
Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; Small Spiny Rays.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
past the Long & Sage Lake sign, proceed across the Potholes
Canal via the bridge. The road makes a sharp turn right and
where the road make a sharp turn left proceed a short
distance where you will see signs along the east side of the
road for North & South Teal Lakes.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake. Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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Thread
Lake -
Small Boats with Motors |
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Directions: .
Maps: To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com and type in Potholes State Park,
WA. pan directly east to view this Lake. Info: Open
April 1 - Sept. 30.
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Warden Lake
- Small Boats with Motors |
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Two launches,
north launch is hard packed
gravel boat launch and south launch is muddy'sandy launch.
The north only launch has an accessible restroom, but no running water or
camping allowed. Camping can be accessed at MarDon Resort on the Potholes
Reservoir or via some primitive camping areas along this
reservoir. This is a very popular fishing and water foul
hunting lake. Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; German Brown. Heavily Stocked. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn right
(west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately less
than 2 miles up the road on your left (south) you will see a
public fishing sign and sign post saying Warden Lake Road.
Follow this road a short distance to the boat launch.
To access the southern launch on Warden Lake. From Moses Lake
take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn right (west) on HWY
262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2 miles up the road
on your left (south) you will see the entrance to Sheep Lake
Rd. Follow this road all the way to the sign indicating
South Warden Lake. Turn at this sign going east. When coming
down the hill to the lake you will actually see two lakes,
the large lake to the north is Warden Lake and the smaller
lake is South Warden Lake. At what appears to be the end of
the road is a primitive launch
into Warden Lake, turn right and follow the dirt road and
this will lead you to South Warden Lake to a very primitive
and muddy access point.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan directly east to
view this Lake. Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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South Warden Lake
- Small Boats with Motors |
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Primitive
muddy/sandy launch, no restrooms or running water. Camping
is allowed in this area. South Warden Lake is a popular
water foul hunting and bird watching lake. Fishing:
Rainbow Trout; German Brown. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn right
(west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2 miles
up the road on your left (south) you will see the entrance
to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to the sign
indicating South Warden Lake. Turn at this sign going east.
When coming down the hill to the lake you will actually see
two lakes, the large lake to the north is Warden Lake and
the smaller lake is South Warden Lake. At what appears to be
the end of the road is a primitive launch
into Warden Lake, turn right and follow the dirt road and
this will lead you to South Warden Lake to a very primitive
and muddy access point.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan directly east to
view this Lake.
Info: Open April 1 - Sept. 30.
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CLICK HERE
FOR PRINTABLE MAP |
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The Potholes Canal starts
at the O'Sullivan Dam (which creates the
Potholes Reservoir) then goes through the Columbia National Wildlife
Refuge and Sheep Lakes area. Potholes Canal Chain Lakes is the name of the
multiple lakes created by the canal. The navigate-able
portion of the canal ends at the Othello WA. W. Main Street
Bridge. This section of the
canal is appropriate to boat on in late spring, summer, and
early fall. Going beyond Othello main street bridge is
dangerous due to many low bridges and pipes crossing the
canal, in some cases being only a foot or two off the water.
DO NOT BOAT AN INCH BEYOND THE OTHELLO MAIN STREET BRIDGE AS
DOING SO IS LIFE THREATENING. The Potholes Canal
was created during the same time as the construction of the
Grand Coulee Dam for the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project.
Ever since the first waters were released into this canal
water has never been absent from it and now its water
sustains all forms of wildlife and recreational activity,
particularly fishing. The canal runs through Soda,
Pillar, Long, and Crescent Lakes (Upper & Lower)
creating the chain lakes, then passes by the city of
Othello and through numerous farms, and runs its course
almost to Pasco WA. (one of the Tri-Cities) into the
Columbia River. This section of the canal from O'Sullivan
Dam to Othello is popular for kayak touring during the times
of the season when the current slows. The starting points
for entering the canal either starts near the O'Sullivan Dam
or at the Soda Lake launch (see details below). Launching
near the dam is done by hiking down a primitive gravel road
for a few hundred feet and then portaging down a steep bank
into the canal (only suited for experienced
kayakers/canoeist). Launching at Soda Lake is where power
boaters launch and then motor up the canal under Soda Lake
Road
bridge toward the dam. Kayaking or canoeing up this portion
of the canal is not advised due to the very strong currents
you would have to paddle against. Getting back into the
canal after Soda Lake is done by portaging around the small
Soda Lake dam, which is a fairly easy task for kayaks/canoes
but not possible for powerboats. After Soda Lake Dam the
canal passes through Pillar Lakes if one can call it that as
this lake is very small and more like a wider part
of the canal. Before you get into the next lake (Long Lake)
the canal walls reach heights of 50-90 feet making it a very
stunning section of the canal to boat in. Power boaters if
you want to go up the canal to Pillar Lake you can launch in
Long Lake. After Long Lake you enter about a 3 mile section
of the canal that passes under the Sheep Lake Road
Bridge and into Upper Crescent Lake followed by Lower
Crescent Lake either of which have no access roads available. So
if you are kayaking you will need to go all the way to
Othello an 8 miles section of the canal. Power boaters of
course can go of course into the into both Upper & Lower
Crescent lakes and then motor back to
Long Lake. Power boaters be advised that Lower Crescent Lake
is shallow except in the main channel. Boating in the Canal
ends at Othello main street bridge, you will pass under McMannaman Road bridge and a steel
non-vehicle bridge before getting to the W. Main Street bridge
take-out. All the bridges on this canal have a clearance of
about 7
or more feet. About half way is Otter Bay a place you can stop to
anchor or view wildlife. Seems a couple Otters like this not
so picturist bay. Otter Bay is the only spot after Lower
Crescent Lake that you can get out of the canal. Under the
Othello main street bridge is a wide dirt area where one can
get out of your craft.
Kayakers/Canoeist can portage their craft up the bank to the
road. The bank to the road is extremely steep so we
recommend you tike a line to your craft to get it up the
bank. Again do not pass an inch beyond the bridge due to all
the pipes and low low bridges that cross the canal after the
main street bridge. The canal depth ranges from about 10 to
40 feet. Soda and Long Lakes run a bit deeper at 20 to 80
feet. All in all the Potholes Canal is a great place to fish
and kayak, and for the most part it's smooth paddling.
Another note of caution is this desert area high
winds are common and so check the weather report. I have actually
paddled the canal when the wind was pushing us up stream
against the current. Fishing: Different sections of
the canals and associated chain lakes have different fish
species - From O'Sullivan Dam to above Soda Lake Dam
fish species are
Spiny Rays;
Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Crappie; Bluegill; Perch;
Whitefish; Trout; Below Soda Lake Dam through Pillar,
Long, and Crescent Lakes to Othello, WA. fish include
Rainbow Trout; Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Crappie;
Perch; Bluegill; Whitefish. Pillar Lake primarily has
Rainbow Trout.
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Canal and Chain
Lakes Access
Sites & Boat
Launches - Starting on the north of the canal going SE
to the city of Othello... |
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1. Potholes Canal O'Sullivan
Put-In -
This is the 1st Put-In site on the Potholes Canal which
is just a few hundred feet below the O'Sullivan Dam. You
should only put-in your kayak or canoe at this access point
during slower current times of the year such as late spring
or early summer, or better yet mid summer depending on flow rates. As you can see from
the picture there is a cement three sided wall were an eddy
is created. Portaging down the north outside of the wall is
best due to there being a steep trail to use and small level
area near the waters edge. Make sure to portage your craft
down the wall with a rope because if you loose hold of the
craft and if falls in the water the current will quickly
take it down the canal. Also if you are using a sail yak do
not put the mast up as there is a bridge just a few hundred
feet down the canal. Once in the canal there is no getting
out until you get to Soda Lake.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before crossing
the O'Sullivan Dam and just before the Dam is a boat launch
on your left/north is a parking lot. This is the place to
park your vehicle. The access road to the first Potholes
Canal is just up the road from the boat launch is a very
rough gravel road that is gated. This gravel round/trail
traverses the dike on the west side of the canal. Hiking a
short distance down the trail and you will come to a three
sided cement wall that goes vertical into the canal water,
this is the place.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance below the O'Sullivan Dam.
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Potholes Canal O'Sullivan
Put-In. |
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Soda Lake Road bridge, Potholes
Canal. Clearance 10' Depending on water level |
Exiting the canal into Soda Lake |
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Sunset on Soda Lake - 1st lake
in Potholes Canal Chain Lake series.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before crossing
the O'Sullivan Dam and after just passing the entrance to
the Potholes Reservoir boat launch on your left/south is
Soda Lake Road. Follow this road to either the sign
indicating the Soda Lake Campground with launch or proceed
further and take left at the next sign indicating Soda Lake
which brings you to another Soda Lake boat launch.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance below the O'Sullivan Dam. |
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2.
Soda Lake Campground gravel Boat Launch.
See Directions
& Map Above. |
3.
Soda Lake Dike Road gravel Boat Launch.
See Directions & Map Above. |
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4. Soda Lake Take-Out at Soda Lake Dam.
CAUTION this access site is at the mouth of canal to the
dam. Stay out of canal leading to the dam, extreme currents!
If you enter the canal you may not be able to get out Once
in the short canal to the dam there are high vertical rocks
walls that would be near impossible to climb. In addition
there is extreme under-toe at the dam.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before crossing
the O'Sullivan Dam and after just passing the entrance to
the Potholes Reservoir boat launch on your left/south is
Soda Lake Road. Follow this road to past the sign indicating
the Soda Lake Campground to the next sign indicating Soda
Lake, Pillar/Widgeon Lakes. Follow this road past the Soda
Lake boat launch on the dike to the end of this dike. At the
end of this dike turn right/south and then east to the
parking lot. From the parking lot take the trail east and
then north past a small pond to the dam. Cross the dam and
walk just a short distance west to view the wide access
site.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance below the O'Sullivan Dam.
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Soda Lake Dam
looking NW into Soda Lake. CAUTION stay out of canal leading
to the dam, extreme currents and under-toe! See Directions
to the right / #4. |
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5.
Potholes Canal Put-In just below Soda Lake Dam.
There is no official put in point just locate the most
accessible spot. Be advised at the waters edge of the
canal it's a straight 15-20 foot drop to the canal bottom.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Before crossing
the O'Sullivan Dam and after just passing the entrance to
the Potholes Reservoir boat launch on your left/south is
Soda Lake Road. Follow this road to past the sign indicating
the Soda Lake Campground to the next sign indicating Soda
Lake, Pillar/Widgeon Lakes. Follow this road past the Soda
Lake boat launch on the dike to the end of this dike. At the
end of this dike turn right/south and then east to the
parking lot. From the parking lot take the trail east and
then north past a small pond to the dam. Cross the dam and
walk just a short distance east to view possible bank launch
sites.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Potholes State Park, WA. pan to the east to
view this lake a short distance below the O'Sullivan Dam. |
Wide part of the canal after
Soda Lake Dam is a good place to fish & get out of the
current. |
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Pillar Lake - Another good place
to fish & to get our of the current. 2nd lake in Potholes
Canal Chain Lake series. |
Notice the strong current.
This pic was taken in early Sept. when the water level is
its lowest and when the current is its slowest. This current
is far stronger than it looks. |
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CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE
MAP
Long Lake - The launch is on the
very northeast end of the lake and there are many places
along the shoreline to access the lake from. 3rd lake in Potholes Canal
Chain Lake series.
Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
Long & Sage Lake sign. Turn right/northwest to access the
Long Lake Boat Launch and primitive camping areas.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in Potholes State Park, WA. pan southeast to view
this Lake. |
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6. Long Lake gravel Boat Launch.
Directions: See Directions & Map info above. |
White Pelicans
on Long Lake |
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Sheep Lakes
Road Bridge, Potholes Canal. Clearance 12' Depending
on water level. |
Upper
Crescent Lake - Shoreline is private and no access allowed.
4th lake in Potholes Canal Chain Lake series. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the Long & Sage Lake sign, turn right (west) and to the boat
launch. From the boat launch boat southwest to the canal
entrance and proceed down the canal. Exiting from the canal
you will enter enter Upper Crescent Lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Othello, WA. pan up/north and slightly west to
view Crescent Lake. |
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Upper
Crescent Lake - Shoreline is private and no access allowed.
5th lake in Potholes Canal Chain Lake series. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn
right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. Approximately 2
miles up the road on your left (south) you will see the
entrance to Sheep Lake Rd. Follow this road all the way to
the Long & Sage Lake sign, turn right (west) and to the boat
launch. From the boat launch boat southwest to the canal
entrance and proceed down the canal. Exiting from the canal
you will enter enter Upper Crescent Lake followed by Lower
Crescent Lake.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Othello, WA. pan up/north and slightly west to
view Crescent Lake. |
Many of the small water
falls along the canal between Lower Crescent Lake and
Othello |
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Potholes Canal Otter Bay near Othello WA.
A muddy bay that is not to attractive but the Otters seem to
lake it. |
W. McMannaman
Road Bridge, Othello WA. |
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W. McMannaman Road Bridge,
Othello WA. Clearance 7' Depending on water level. |
Steel Irrigation Bridge,
Othello WA. Clearance 19' depending on water level. |
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7.
W. Main Street Bridge Take-Out, Othello WA.
Clearance 6' depending on water level. Directions:
From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south to Othello, WA. Turn
right (west) onto W. Cunningham Road/E. Main Street. proceed
through town. Proceed west through the cross street of S.
Broadway Ave. stop light. Road turns into W. Main Street.
Just after crossing S. Broadway Ave. on W. Main street you
will come to a bridge. This is the place, park along the
road by the bridge. The trail to the canals waters edge is
on the south side of the bridge, then under it.
Maps:
To view a map click on
http://www.mapquest.com
and type in, Othello, WA. and follow directions to bridge.
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W. Main
Street Bridge Take-Out, Othello WA.
End of our 45 miles kayaking/sail yak trip from the north
end of Moses Lake all the way to this take-out. See article
about this trip
at
http://www.funtosail.com |
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STAY TUNED THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO COME!
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