Dry Falls is a 3.5-mile-long (5.6 km) scalloped precipice with four major alcoves, in central Washington scablands. This cataract complex is on the opposite side of the Upper Grand Coulee from the Columbia River, and at the head of the Lower Grand Coulee, northern end of Lenore Canyon. [1].
Dry Falls, the main feature in a series of huge cataracts known as the "great cataract group", sits at the heart of Washington's Channeled Scabland, a vast landscape of dry canyons scoured out by glacial outburst floods at the end of the last ice age. Explore the former waterfall that was once four times the size of Niagara Falls, carved by the Ice Age Floods more than 13,000 years ago. Enjoy recreation, history and scenic views at this National Natural Landmark and National Geologic Trail site.
History, formation of Dry Falls The best place to begin a trip to Dry Falls is the visitor's center, located alongside Washington Highway 17. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is one of Washington's most underrated natural wonders, offering a stunning mix of dramatic cliffs, sparkling lakes, and fascinating Ice Age geology. Dry Falls As the name suggests, Dry Falls no longer carries water, but is the remnant of what was once the largest waterfall known to have existed on earth.
Viewing the 3.5 miles of sheer cliffs that drop 400 feet, it is easy to imagine the roar of water pouring over them. (Niagara Falls by comparison, is one mile wide with a drop of 165 feet). Dry Falls (Sun Lakes-Dry Falls) Dry Falls (Sun Lakes-Dry Falls), located in central Washington, offers a dramatic landscape where visitors can marvel at the remnants of one of the world's largest waterfalls from the Ice Age.
The area features scenic overlooks, interpretive trails, and a visitor center, making it an ideal destination for both sightseeing and learning about the region's. The Dry Falls Visitor Center was closed during our visit in mid-June 2021 so we didn't get a chance to gain any more information other than what was available in the signs along the northeastern side of the overlook area It left a geological legacy known as the Scablands throughout Central and Eastern Washington. Dry Falls State Park is a stunning stop on any Central Washington road trip.
The viewpoint off Highway 17 at the Visitor Center is a good quick stop to see the evidence of the mighty ice age floods that swept through this area. But drive down to the main road through the park, just a couple miles south, and you'll be able to get inside this incredible vista, and see up close what the land. This sudden release put parts of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon under hundreds of feet of water in just a few days.
These extraordinary floods created the Grand Coulee and Dry Falls in a short period.
