Snake River, from Clarkston Washington to the Columbia River

Snake River from Lewiston Idaho to Lower Granite Dam
The Snake River travels from its source near Jackson, Wyoming all the way to the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers close to the Tri-Cities, Washington. Information contained in this section of our website is from Lewiston, Idaho to the Lower Granite Dam. There are four dams on the Inland NW portion of the Snake River, creating a series of reservoirs that can be traversed via locks all the way from Lewiston (furthest inland port in the world) to the ocean. The dams and associated reservoirs, starting below the cities of Lewiston and Clarkston WA. going down river: Lower Granite Dam and Lake Wawawai reservoir, Little Goose Dam and Lake Bryan reservoir, Lower Monumental Dam and Lake Herbert G West reservoir, and Ice Harbor Dam (largest vertical-drop lock in the country) and Lake Sacajawea reservoir. The Snake River is a popular fishing and boating river. It is popular not just for power boating but for kayaking, and sailing, particularly at Ice Harbor. There are public access sites long this river with many no-fee and feeareas for camping. Fishing: King and Silver Salmon, and Steelhead. Directions: All boat launches are numbered starting near Lewiston, Idaho and going westerly ending at the Columbia River (currently only showing launches between Lewiston Idaho and Lower Granite Dam. More launches and info to be added soon). Maps: See Google map at the end of this section below.










Snake River/Reservoirs & Locks Info (Walla Walla District): 509-527-7115 http://www.nww.usace.army.mil

Snake River Launches and Access Points

1. Clarkston WA. Greenbelt Park & Landing
This facility includes several docks, paved double pad launch, restrooms, running water, small beach. Includes park with bike path that is part of a river park system extending about 7 miles south along the river.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved park lots, with designed accessible and trailer parking spaces; PATHS/TRAILS... Several paved paths for pedestrians and cyclists. At powerboat launch there there is a paved route to the launch dock. Trails to the beaches are level to about 4% grades. Route path to powerboat launch dock is about 5% grade or less; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restrooms at powerboat launch and beach launch areas. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water, etc.; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two docks, one at powerboat launch, and one in small bay by the launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance one utilizing a wheelchair could get to the water at the beach, depending on water level; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Tent and RV camping; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

2. Snake River Marina and Landing
This is a private Marine that one must pay to dock at and use their boat launch (day pass). This marina includes a restaurant, gift store, marine fuel station and pump-out, restrooms, drinking water. Double paved boat launch with docks.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved park lot; PATHS/TRAILS... None, however large paved parking lot serves as accessible route to docks, launch, etc. Route path to powerboat launch dock is about 5% grade; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restrooms at restaurant; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Two docks at launch. Two launch lanes; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... None; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas at marina store and restaurant and Clarkston WA.

3. Chief Timothy Campground and Boat Launch
This is privately owned public park that includes a nice double paved boat launch with docks, restrooms, running water, park, RV park with tent sites. Many of the campsites have their own dock. This launch and park is on an Island connect to the mainland is a very nice bridge.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved park lot, with designed accessible and trailer parking spaces. Paved parking at campsites; PATHS/TRAILS... Several paved paths for pedestrians. At powerboat launch there there is a paved route to the launch and mooring docks. Trails to the beaches are level to about 3% grades. Route path to powerboat launch dock is about 4% grade or less; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restrooms at powerboat launch and beach area. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water, etc.; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Eight docks, three at launch area, and Eight at separate campsites; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance one utilizing a wheelchair could get to the water at the beach, depending on water level; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Tent and RV camping with full hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 4% grade at launch; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Drinking water in park. Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

4. Steptoe Canyon Bay Sportsman Access
There is no restrooms or running water, and boat launch at this site but is a place that some kayakers/canoeist like to launch at due to the protected bay. One passes under a small railroad bridge to access the river.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel paved park are next to road; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… None. Launch off bank into small bay; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 7% plus grade over bank into water; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

5. Nisqually Jon Boat Launch
Includes a single paved boat launch with dock and small protected inlet area. Also includes restrooms, running water, and some primitive areas to camp at.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... None. Launch pavement serves as path to dock and launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restroom. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One launch dock, one single lane launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... primitive space for camping (no hookups); O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launch. Gravel and grass area, pavement at launch facility; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

6. Blyton Boat Launch
Includes a single paved boat launch with dock and small protected inlet area. Also includes restrooms, running water, and some primitive areas to camp at.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... None. Launch pavement serves as path to dock and launch; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restroom. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One launch dock, one single lane launch; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... primitive space for camping (no hookups); O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launch. Gravel and grass area, pavement at launch facility; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

7. Wawawai Park Marina, & Boat Launch
Includes a single paved boat launch with long dock and small protected bay area, and marina run by the Washington State University. Also includes restrooms, running water, and some primitive areas to camp at.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved and gravel park lot; PATHS/TRAILS... Wide gravel areas where wheeled mobility devices can be used. At powerboat launch there there is a paved route to the launch dock. Route path to powerboat launch dock is about 5% grade or less; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restrooms at powerboat launch. No beach. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water, etc.; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Four docks, one at launch, and one in small bay by the launch, and two on the west end of the bay. The launch dock is the only public dock and the other docks are used by Washington State University; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. No beach; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Primitive Camping sites with no hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade at launch. Gravel and hard packed dirt surfaces, little grass; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. Due to the length of the powerboat launch pad there typically is water at the end of the launch pad. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.

8. Wawawai County Campground & Sportsman Access
This is a green tropical oasis in an extreme desert environment. Has a nice sheltered park for kayakers and fishermen. Lots of trees in camping area for shade in the hot summer temperatures. Trees are rare in this area. Includes camping area for tents and RV's, restrooms, running water, large shaded areas via the many trees, beautiful parking area with large grassy areas for picnicking.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Large paved and gravel parking lots; PATHS/TRAILS... Several paved paths for pedestrians. There is no paved path to the water. Open grassy area to the beach in the bay are level to about 4% grades; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES… Fully accessible restrooms. There are accessible picnic areas, drinking water, etc.; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments. DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… No docks or boat launch, however one can launch a kayak or canoe into the bay from the large grassy area off the beach into the bay. Beware shoreline is muddy. The Wawawai power boat launch is less than a mile down the road (east) from this park; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. With assistance one utilizing a wheelchair could get to the water at the beach, depending on water level; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; CAMPING... Tent and RV camping with hookups; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Nothing unusual; Terrain: Level to about 5% grade to beach. Paved and grass surfaces; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degrees. Extreme current can develop in this area. Beware of sudden increases in river/reservoir levels via Dam downriver. Late fall and during the winter the river/reservoir is drawn down so beach access can be an issue. River like conditions at times; Environmental Conditions: Nothing unusual. River like conditions in early spring and late fall. High winds and hot temperatures in the summer; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in towns of Lewiston and Clarkston WA.