Big Bend Wildlife Area
A relatively new state wildlife area located in central Washington just north of Grand Coulee Dam. Offers quality shrub-steppe terrain with lakes, creeks and vistas. Camping available at Black Lake and along the Columbia River.
Big Bend Wildlife Area is a state wildlife area just north of Grand Coulee Dam. It is lightly forested with mostly open sagebrush and other central Washington desert like plants. The central lake--Black Lake is rather stunning with a large black cliff face surrounding it to the south. However--Black Lake is a saline lake (salty) and drinking/cooking water needs to be collected on the way by a nice spring 0.7 miles to the east--adjacent an abandon homestead. The spring is shown on Gaia-GPS. Camping is likely also available near the Columbia River but would need to be verified. There are a few trails and old road for travel, but the area would also lend itself to cross-country travel. From the parking area to Black Lake is about 5.5 miles overland or via Road 32 REX (locked/gated to cars), 500' gain and 1000' loss. The Columbia River is another 1000' lower. The area has a wide variety of birds, including shore birds common along the Washington Coast at the salt lake.
- Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Naturalist
- Seasons: March, April, May, September, October, November
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: *Varies*
- Length: 11.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
- 2,500 ft
- Land Manager: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
- Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 8
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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