Steamboat Rock State Park

NPS Photo

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

51052 Highway 155 Electric City, WA 99123

Amenities

14 listed

Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Food/Drink - Snacks, Information, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Shelter/Cabin, Trailhead/Hiker Register

Rising 800 feet and spanning 600 acres, Steamboat Rock will impress the most seasoned of travelers.

Carved by Ice Age Floods into a dramatic, lake-dotted canyon, Steamboat Rock State Park’s landscape dates back at least 13,000 years. Known as "scabland," the area appears barren, but it is teeming with shy (and not-so-shy) wildlife, spring flowers and sagebrush.

The hike up the columnar basalt butte (a 650-foot vertical gain) is a must for anyone who is able. Atop Steamboat Rock, the trail meanders over flat ground to viewpoints of the Grand Coulee and the craggy peaks of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Below the rock, the lake reflects big desert skies.

Do you prefer water to trail? The park features 320 feet of dock and seven watercraft launches on Banks Lake. Anglers, swimmers, paddlers and water sports fans will find respite on a hot summer day. Mountain bikers and equestrians can take off on the trails of Northrup Canyon, and the Grand Coulee Dam makes an interesting side trip.

After a day of discovery, your tent, RV or cabin site will be a welcoming place to watch the evening glow. By the end of your stay, you will not only be impressed, but will likely be so sun-warmed and rested, you won’t want to leave.

PARK FEATURES Steamboat Rock State Park is a 5,043-acre camping park with 50,000 feet of freshwater shoreline at the north end of Banks Lake and a columnar, basaltic rock with a surface area of 600 acres. Three campground areas and a large day-use area are protected from winds by tall poplars.

Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.