Outdoor Recreation

Birdwatching

With the abundance of water and habitat, the Moses Lake area is home to diverse and abundant bird population. Water fowl populations reach peaks of over 100,000 birds during the fall season. the nearby Columbia National Wildlife refuge, located just south of Moses Lake, has had over 200 different species observed. Our lakes, marshes and sloughs are home to various water fowl. Hawks, owls, raven and cliff swallows can be observed in the cliff areas. Local wetlands provide shelter to herons, American avocets and other shorebirds. Pheasants, quail and magpies are found in the upland areas.

Fishing


With over 247,000 surface acres of water on or near Moses Lake, fishing is a favorite activity. Please refer to the state fishing regulation book for specific requirements. Many local lakes (including Moses Lake) are open for year-round fishing. Local waters offer walleye, trout, bass, perch, crappie, catfish, and more.

Sand Dunes & Off Road Vehicles

Enjoy the fun and excitement of "conquering" a sand dune and more! The Grand County ORV area (one of the largest in the region) is located just four miles outside Moses Lake city limits in the sand dunes. Drive south on Division Street or take exit 174 off of I-90 and follow signs south. Rustic (no developed facilities) camping is permitted. The sand dunes area is located on the southern tip of Moses Lake with rolling sand dunes and great fishing and waterskiing opportunities available.

Geology

The geology of the Columbia Basin accounts for its compatibiltiy with both agriculture and outdoor recration. The granite found in the Basin is approximately 60 million years old, but became exposed after 30 million years of adjustments in the earth's crust and erosion. Basalt (a dense crystalline lava) may also be seen. Floods, fire, ice and volcanoes all played into the historical shaping of the area. This shaping continues even today. Mt. St. Helens provided the lates major change when it erupted on May 18, 1980. The croplands of taday's Columbia Basin are serviced by a complex system of reservoirs and wterways that take advantage of the unusual geologic features of the area.

Coin Operated Showers

For those campers that are "roughing it."
* Ernie's Truck Stop (1810 E. Kittleson Rd.)
* Cascade Park (Valley Road)
Public Boat Launches
* Lower Peninsula Park (Peninsula Drive)
One of the most popular access points to the south end of Moses Lake
* Montlake Park (Linden Avenue)
Daytime boat moorage/launch, playground, and restrooms
* Cascade Park (Valley Road)
Daytime boat moorage/launch, camping area, playground, restrooms
* Moses Lake State Park (Exit 175 off of I-90)
Day use boat launch, swimming beach, restrooms and food concessions
* Connelly Park (Highway 17 North)
Daytime boat moorage/launch, swimming area and restrooms

Recreational Vehicle Dumping Stations

* Potholes State Park (Potholes Reservior)
* East and West I-90 Reststops
* Lakeside Conoco (208 E. Broadway)
* Hillstop Service Station (1253 Pioneer Way)