Potholes Reservoir (14,281.5 acres, Elevation 1,042 ft)
Potholes Reservoir next to the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, and Sheep Lakes area, seven miles from the city of Moses Lake. This reservoir is excellent for all water sports. For sailing whether you use a trailer-able sportboat/keelboat, high speed dinghy, or a sail yak the reservoir is perfect. Many sailors in eastern WA. consider this to be the best sailing area in all of the state, as good as coastal sailing. The winds on this lake tend to be very consistent throughout the year typically out of the South in the summer followed by North and West winds during the colder times of the year. I have personally sailed this lake many times and always want to come back for more. Due the typical high winds on this lake it's not the best for water skiing/wakeboarding. Due to the hundreds of small Islands on this lake, camping can be quite an adventure. During the summer the water is very warm for great swimming, however much of the water cycles through farms bringing their pesticides in the water. It seems there are a lot of coyotes, which my wife did not like. Coyotes' frequent the area including on the Islands, so we advise keeping your small children and pets close. Also recommend always being with a partner as Coyotes tend to flee when more than one person is around.
Typically, from late winter to mid-July and then in Oct for several months many Islands are off limit due to birds nesting. The fishing is excellent all year round. The Potholes Reservoir is just South of Moses Lake; actually, the two bodies of water are only separated by a dike with two spillways. If you are kayaking or canoe one can portage across the dike (that the spillways run through) then you can boat the full length of both Moses Lake and the Potholes Reservoir (would need a full day or more via paddle power to do this trip depending on where you start. Click here for an article about such a trip (to be reposted soon).
The reservoir has a private resort right next to the dam with a store, camping, gas, and boat launch facilities with docks (S.E. end of the lake) and a state park with camping and launch facilities near this resort. Potholes State Park is a great place to camp but due to the higher level of security and useful info you get at MarDon Resort I feel it's a better place to stay while visiting this reservoir. There is a nice, paved boat launch facility at both the resort and state park, and there is another launch between these two locations. Directions: From Interstate 90 you take exit 179 onto HWY 17 S. then turn right (W.) onto state road 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road until you get to the reservoir. Maps: To view a map, click on google.com/maps and type in Potholes Reservoir, Grant County, WA. or type in this GPS coordinates 46.995486, -119.315101 . More GPS coordinates are supplied below for various launchs, parks, etc. Info: The best place to stay on the lake is the MarDon Resort (more info click here - http://www.mardonresort.com) followed by the Potholes Reservoir State Park (go to http://www.parks.wa.gov/). Fishing: Year-round fishing. Black Crappie, Bluegill, Carp, Lake Whitefish, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Panfish. A cooperative net pen operation between WDFW and MarDon Resort releases 50,000 sub-catchable (6-8 inch) Rainbow Trout. For fishing info contact MarDon Resort at http://www.mardonresort.com . Mardon Resort (at their fishing docks or near to the shore of the resort, or along Medicare Beach are very popular place to fish from Rainbow Trout.
POTHOLES RESERVOIR BOAT LAUNCHES AND ACCESS SITES... A. South Side, B. East Arm/Lind Coulee Wasteway, C. North and East Side
The east side of the reservoir has 3 bays and depending on the level of the water will be bigger or smaller (high water equal bigger bays). There is also one very long beach as it goes north it runs next to the Moses Lake Dunes recreation area. We have noted several specific sites where to launch from, but you can launch almost anywhere along the east shore as its all sandy beaches. Launching heavy boats from the beach and bay areas is not advised as its highly likely you would get stuck, but there are more gravel areas of the beach where it might be possible. In this section we number the sites starting south and heading north from the East Arm of the reservoir.
Directions/Maps: This site is located off of K5 Road from the main road of Road G SE... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'15.6"N 119°14'45.5"W . Proceeding north along the lakeshore will take you to many access points.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by water and along road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
Directions/Maps: This site is located off of K5 Road from the main road of Road G SE... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'14.9"N 119°15'12.2"W . Proceeding north along the lakeshore will take you to many access points.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by water and along road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
Directions/Maps: This site is located off of K5 Road from the main road of Road G SE... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'22.9"N 119°15'33.3"W . Proceeding north along the lakeshore will take you to many access points.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by water and along road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
This bay is the largest of the 3 bays and the water level has to get pretty low for not to be able to access the water in the bay. Nice place to swim and paddle/sail in a somewhat protect bay. There are multiple locations to access the water in this bays area. The pic above shows when the water is low in the bay (click to enlarge). Directions/Maps: This site is located off of Road G SE after passing both K5 and Ditch Rd heading west keep an eye out to the left/south or a public fishing/access sign next to a gravel road. If you hit a sweeping turn in the road you have gone to far. Turn on this road and head to the water... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'42.3"N 119°16'30.4"W
. Proceeding south toward the lakeshore access the reservoir via several locations.
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by water, along gravel roads, and around the bay; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
This is a popular area to launch one's boat on this side of the reservoir. Even though there is lots of sand there is also gravel like surfaces, and rocks that make this launch site more suited to larger boats. The road to this site is rather rough. The bay at this site is the largest on this side of the lake, out of the three bays. It's a nice place to swim and paddle/sail in a somewhat protect bay. And there are 3 separate restrooms facilities close and north of this site. Directions/Maps: This site is located off of Road G SE after passing both K5 and Ditch Rd heading west. As you hit a big sweeping turn in the road keep an eye out to the left/south and make a sharp turn onto a gravel road the leads to the reservoir. This gravel road will lead right into the reservoir. If you pass this site or before you get to the launch and go right it will lead you long beach and restrooms... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'54.8"N 119°16'48.2"W .
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by the water and along gravel roads; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… 3 separate fully accessible restrooms all less than a mile of each other. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees along the shore; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
This beach is appropriately names Long Beach as this area is several miles long. The road to this site is rather rough. There are 3 separate restrooms facilities within less than a mile of each other along the beach area. Directions/Maps: This site is located off of Road G SE after passing both K5 and Ditch Rd heading west. As you hit a big sweeping turn in the road keep an eye out to the left/south and make a sharp turn onto a gravel road the leads to the reservoir. This gravel road will lead right to the reservoir and beach area. There are two other gravel roads after making the turn that also lead to the beach area... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 47°00'04.4"N 119°17'09.8"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by the water, along gravel roads, and beach; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… 3 separate fully accessible restrooms all less than a mile of each other. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees along the shore; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
7. SAND DUNE WESTSIDE PUBLIC ACCESS
This public access site is on the westside of Moses Lake Sand Dune Park. This site is on sand of course so access to it can vary. In the wet time of the year, one may have difficulty getting to it as this area is not just sand but mud also. Most of the year its likely one will need 4x4 wheel drive with nice wide tires with traction to access it. Directions/Maps: Coming off of I90 take exit 179 and turn N onto Hwy 90/Hwy 17, drive a short distance and turn left/west onto Yonezawa Blvd (The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple is on this road, so if you see this beautiful building then you're on the correct street); Turn left/south onto S Division Street roundabout, which turns into Potato Hill Rd NE, at the end of this road it curves right turning into Sand Dune Rd; As you drive you will get to the other side of the dunes where the dunes will turn into grass and sand, in this area turn left west and Sand Dune Road curves right/north. This sandy road runs along with the powerlines, so following the powerlines will get you there. This access road also passes DuneBug Memorial (as noted on Google Maps) where is veers off Sand Dune Rd... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions via GPS coordinates 47°03'54.5"N 119°21'22.2"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Sand/dirt/mud parking along the road and at the waters edge. It is not a developed and maintained launch; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No restrooms. No shade. No trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Wid sandy, dirt/mud public access; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer. Mudd; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in the in city of Moses Lake.
This access site is much like a boat launch with wide gravel, sand combo launch. There area gets real muddy during the wet times of year. It is right by and under powerlines. Going to this site is pretty easy due to following the powerlines as you get close to the reservoir. Directions/Maps: Coming from the west on I90, Turn right/south toward Mae Valley, and follow road around to the right onto S. Frontage Rd NW. Stay on this road until you come to the wide gravel road just past the large powerline system, with Public Access/Fishing sign. Follow powerlines that run along the road, when the power lines turn east, turn east onto the gravel road to the launch... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 47°03'58.9"N 119°21'33.1"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by the launch area; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… No restrooms. No shade. Trees could supply shade in the summer but when the water is at normal level or higher the trees are in the water; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Wid grave, sand, dirt/mud launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer. Mudd; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in the in city of Moses Lake.
This muddy marsh area leads south into the reservoir. There are various locations along the read when water is on either side of the road to launch a lightweight non-motorized watercraft into. Launching on the south side of the road leads you to more open water and the reservoir. Across the water from this launch (east) are the Moses Lake Sand Dunes. Directions/Maps: Coming from the west on I90, Turn right/south toward Mae Valley, and follow road around to the right onto S. Frontage Rd NW. Stay on this road until you come to the wide gravel road just past the large powerline system, with Public Access/Fishing sign. Follow powerlines that run along the wide main road, when main gravel road turns west away from the power lines turn with the road and do not continue straight with the power lines. Once the road has water on either side there are several places you can park, which are next to places to launch. Be advised that sometimes this road is totally flooded. If you continue on this road in the direction you were going it will lead you back to the HWY, as long as you stay on the main gravel road. This road will turn to the right and back north toward I90... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 47°03'27.4"N 119°25'20.3"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel dirt combo parking area by the water, along gravel roads, and beach; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Some shade in summer due to a few small trees along the shore; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer. Lots of mudd; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
The Lind Coulee Wasteway Canal is named after an archaeological dig site where scientists discovered the remains of ancient inhabitants that lived in this area estimated 11,000 BC, near Warden Washington. Today the canal is nice place to kayak and fish when the current is slow, which leads into the East Arm of the Potholes Reservoir. In this section we have noted several good locations to launch kayaks/canoes into the arm. There is one paved launch in this area of the canal and on into the reservoir, which is the only suitable site to launch a larger boat into this arm via trailer (when the water level is up allowing one to use the launch pad). We have numbered each site starting at the canal going west out into the reservoir.
There are several locations along this portion of the canal where one could potentially launch a kayak/canoe into the canal or fish from the bank. This portion of the canal is and looks like a canal, whereas further west it appears more lake like. The above picture shows one of such sites, with associated GPS coordinate in the directions below. Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is real muddy at times. Directions/Maps: This site is located off of HWY 262 via a gravel road right after passing the Warden Lake Access Rd. going west on the HWY... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'30.7"N 119°09'52.7"W and 46°59'31.0"N 119°10'12.6"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Sand, Dirt, or muddy parking along dirt road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
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| Click on this picture to enlarge |
This is one of two paved boat launches on the east arm of the reservoir. Nice facility with lot of room for parking. The paved launch pad is really long but when the water levels get really low even this long launch pad will not reach the water (as shown in picture). Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is really muddy at times. Directions/Maps: This site off of Road M SE from HWY 262 just across the bridge, just a couple miles east of the Potholes Reservoir... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'20.6"N 119°12'37.4"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel lot with two accessible van parking spaces next to restrooms; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Two accessible restrooms; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One single lane grated cement launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
There are several location along this canal where one could potentially launch a kayak/canoe into the canal or fish from the bank. The above picture shows one such site, with associated GPS coordinate in the directions below. Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is real muddy at times. Directions/Maps: This site is located off of HWY 262 via a gravel road right after passing the Warden Lake Access Rd. going west on the HWY... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'02.8"N 119°13'23.4"W ; 46°59'14.7"N 119°13'20.1"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Sand, Dirt, or muddy parking along dirt road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
There are a lot of locations along the east arm of the reservoir where between the Read M and Glenn Williams boat launches (south side) one could potentially launch a lightweight watercraft into the water or fish from the bank. The above picture shows one such site. We have supplied three GPS coordinates on roads that goes to various access sites in the directions below. Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is real muddy at times. Directions/Maps: This sites are located off of HWY 262 on the right/north side of the road via a gravel roads after passing Road M heading toward the Potholes Reservoir (west)... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'08.7"N 119°14'27.4"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Sand, Dirt, or muddy parking along dirt roads and at shoreline; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None, but there are fully accessible restrooms a short distance at the boat launches to the west and east with no shade; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping allowed; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in city of Moses Lake.
5. Next to Sampson Primitive Public Access
(East end of dam)
This is the closest primitive public access to the Sampson Pit Boat Launch facility. To access this primitive public access, one takes the sandy dirt road out of the east side of the Sampson Pit Boat Launch parking lot across (east of) from the Vault Toilet. It's a nice location to use to launch your kayak/canoe when the boat launch is busy, especially in the summer. This public access is just east of the dam. Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is really muddy most of the time. Directions/Maps: This site off of O'Sullivan Dam Road/HWY 262 just on the east end of the dam, just a couple miles east of the Potholes Reservoir. Once in the parking lot and next to the Vault Toilet, turn right/east onto a well-defined sandy/dirt road, follow it to the water, this is the place... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46°59'01.6"N 119°14'54.7"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel lot with two accessible van parking spaces next to restrooms; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Two accessible restrooms; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One double lane grated cement launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping to the east of the parking lot; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas near by in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in the city of Moses Lake.
This is one of two paved boat launches on the east arm of the reservoir, which is right next to the dam and short distance from the Potholes Canal and sits on the west entrance to the Lind Coulee Canal. Being close to the canals makes it a perfect place launch to access the reservoir and Lind Coulee Canal. Also, one can park in the large parking lot to access the Potholes Canal via hiking to the canal. The double lane paved launch pad is really long but when the water gets really low even this long launch pad will not reach the water. The site also give access to the water from the bank allowing those with kayaks/canoes to access the reservoir without using the sometimes-busy boat launch. Beware of strong currents during spring runoff or times of high moisture. The shoreline is really muddy most of the time. Directions/Maps: This site off of O'Sullivan Dam Road/HWY 262 just on the east end of the dam, just a couple miles east of the Potholes Reservoir... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions with the follow GPS coordinates 46.983467, -119.256322
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel lot with two accessible van parking spaces next to restrooms; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Two accessible restrooms; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One double lane grated cement launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive camping to the east of the parking lot; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas near by in Potholes Reservoir resort area and in the city of Moses Lake.
The south side of the reservoir is the most visited part of the reservoir and is where all but 2 of the paved launches are located. So, if you want to avoid boat traffic in mid-summer this is not the place to do it, however I have never seen the traffic get too congested that one could not water ski, fish, sail, etc., except during fishing tournaments. We are numbering the launches running along the O'Sullivan Dam west to southwest, then along the south and southwest shore of the reservoir.
These public accesses along the O'Sullivan Dam that are suitable to launch a kayak/canoe from, or to fish from the bank. There are 3 suitable sites to park and bank launch from via small watercrafts (see pictures below). It can be very windy in this area, which is very common. There is no shade over cover from the winds and heat, etc. Stay away from the Dam Spillway, which is next to this site, which most of the time is dry. Make sure to park totally off the road pavement so as not to impede traffic. The shoreline is really steep and total rocks due to the construction of the dam. Directions/Maps: This site is located off of HWY 262 via a gravel road right after passing the Warden Lake Access Rd. going west on the HWY... please use these GPS reading in google.com/maps to get accurate directions via GPS coordinates for Access A, B, C below.
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Access A... 46°59'00.8"N 119°16'37.7"W
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| Access C... 46°58'57.7"N 119°17'12.8"W Across from trailhead into Columba National Wildlife Refuge to Goldeneye Lake and March Unit 1 (lake and marsh). |
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... gravel parking along road; PATHS/TRAILS... None. There are single track sand and dirt/mud short hiking trails; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. Fully accessible restrooms nearby east up the road at Sampson Spit Boat Launch and to the south at the Resort and State Park; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No. Camping nearby at Resort and at State Park; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Steep rocky drop off at the bank into the water; Terrain: Level to about 10% grade or more off the bank; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in Mardon Reservoir Resort and Potholes General Store.
This is the only privately owned resort on the reservoir, and it's in our view the best place to camp and boat from. No worries about break ins, etc. More secure when it comes your tent, gear, etc. than at the State Park (the resort does not garantee lack of thief but again its more secure than a county or state or federal owned site. Also camping at the facility is a great way to support a local business. The whole resort, camping, and launch area is super well-maintained facilities. Has fishing docks, paved launch, store, motel, cabins, restaurant, etc. The shoreline is really muddy during low water levels during the summer like it is throughout the shoreline of the reservoir. Great place to launch your kayak/canoe, sailboat, fishing boat, etc. via a reasonable fee. I love state parks and county/state owned facilities but will always support privately owned resorts, etc. first. Directions/Maps: This resort is next to O'Sullivan Dam Road/HWY 262 on the east end of O'Sullivan Dam Road, on the shoreline of the Potholes Reservoir... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions 46°58'00.5"N 119°19'11.6"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel parking lot and paved parking areas within the resort grounds; PATHS/TRAILS... Paved Road through park works well as an accessible path to camping area. No paved accessible paths at the launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Accessible restrooms. Lots of shaded areas during the summer due to all the trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One single lane cement launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance could get to the water from the beach. Easy to get stuck in the sand and mud; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Primitive camping to the east of the parking lot; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline as is normal along the shoreline of the reservoir; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks at resort and general store in town, and gas short distance up the road at the general store.
This site is off of HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road between the Potholes General Store and MarDon Resort. Watch for the public fishing/launch sign. If you come to the State Park entrance, you have gone too far... please use this GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions 46°58'11.0"N 119°19'57.4"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large gravel and smaller paved parking lot with accessible parking spaces; PATHS/TRAILS... No but parking lot is right next to the water. Water's edge includes rocks, sand, and mud; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Accessible restroom. Couple of trees that supply shade; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No dock/or platform. One double lane cement launch. Note that even though the cement launch pad is long during very dry times the end of the pad will not reach the water and thus have to drive over sand/mud combo to access the water; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance one could get to the water from the parking lot that is right next to the water's edge if the water level is not too low. Shoreline includes rocks, sand, and lots of mud especially during low water levels; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Tent and RV camping with hookups at resorts and state park nearby this launch facility; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks at resort, and gas nearby at Potholes General Store and at Mardon Resort.
4. POTHOLES STATE PARKThis state park is the only state-run park on the reservoir, and beautifully well maintained. Camping area is in a well-watered lawn area with large trees providing great shade with some wind protection. The park includes camping and RV sites with hookups, and multi launch area, etc. The shoreline beach has some sandy areas but is mostly muddy especially during low water levels during the summer like it is throughout the shoreline of the reservoir. Directions/Maps: From either the west or east HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road takes you to this park on the southwest side of the reservoir about a 3 mile from the southwest side of the dam depending how your measure it, about 10 miles from the city of Moses Lake... please use the following GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions 46°58'53.1"N 119°20'53.5"W
ACCESSIBILITY: See Park boat launch and kayak/canoe launch accessibility below; PARKING... Large paved parking lot, with accessible parking spaces; PATHS/TRAILS... Paved and well-maintained accessible paths throughout park. road through park works well as an accessible path to camping area; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Accessible restrooms. Covered picnic areas. Lots of shaded areas due to all the trees; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible tent and RV campsites with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand and mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 5% grades; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas nearby Potholes General Store and Mardon Resort.
STATE PARK LAUNCHES
The Potholes State Park has 4 cement launch pads all next to each other. Of the launches is double lane, so is counted and two launches.
Directions/Maps: From either the west or east HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road takes you to this park on the southwest side of the reservoir about a 3 mile from the southwest side of the dam depending how your measure it, about 10 miles from the city of Moses Lake... please use the following GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions 46°58'53.1"N 119°20'53.5"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved parking lot, with accessible parking spaces; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide paved area at launches gives good access to launches; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Accessible restrooms. Lots of shaded areas during the summer due to all the trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One launch sometimes has a dock (a removable dock). Two single lane, and one double lane paved launches; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. When no powerboats present at launches one could get into the water. With assistance could possibly get to the water from the beach with assistance. Easy to get stuck in the sand and mud; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible tent and RV campsites within the park; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launches; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas short distance up the road at Potholes General Store and/or at Mardon Resort.
This is a great access site for non-motorized watercrafts like kayaks and canoe. Plus, it's away from the powerboats in an area less exposed to the high winds. This is typically the take-out side after paddling the Frenchman Wasteway canal but one could put in again away from the powerboats at the paved park boat launch. If you do not want to deal with white water during high current times of the year, make sure to go east a bit to get below it. Would explore and take a look before launching.
Directions/Maps: From either the west or east HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road takes you to this park on the southwest side of the reservoir about a 3 mile from the southwest side of the dam depending how your measure it, about 10 miles from the city of Moses Lake. This primitive public access is on the northwest side of the park... Please use the following GPS reading in google.com/maps to get exact directions 46°58'58.7"N 119°21'18.3"W
ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking area next to picnic area; PATHS/TRAILS... Note at this site there is a well-maintained lawn at the launch site. Area is level from the parking area to the water's edge; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Accessible restrooms. Lots of shaded areas due to all the trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks/platforms. Access site at water's edge is level. One must be careful when entering water not to get stuck in the mud at the water's edge and under the water's surface; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance could possibly get to the water with assistance. Easy to get stuck in the sand and mud; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... Accessible tent and RV campsites within park; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand, dirt, mud along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at Potholes General Store and at Mardon Resort.
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