Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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Wanapum Recreation Area provides public boat launch access to Lake Wanapum, a large reservoir on the Columbia River near Vantage. The improved ramp is 36 feet wide and 135 feet long, with dual 6-foot-wide docks running 100 feet down each side—offering ample space for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. There is no launch fee. The facility includes day-use areas and a nearby campground, making it convenient for extended paddling trips.
The recreation area features 27,000 feet of shoreline on the lake, with opportunities to explore a scenic stretch of the Columbia River valley. Paddlers should note that water levels are managed by Grant County PUD and may vary seasonally. The site is located near notable attractions including the Saddle Mountains ridge and Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. Limited camping is available on the western shoreline north of Vantage on PUD-controlled land if suitable level takeout spots can be found.