Lake Roosevelt Travel Information
More than just another dam attraction, Grand Coulee Dam is
the largest concrete structure in the United States. Built
initially to irrigate land in the region -- and the dusty desert
landscape around Grand Coulee suggests why this was so important when
the project was conceived in 1917 -- it also provides power to a lot
of the Northwest. In damming the Colombia River, Franklin D.
Roosevelt Lake was created, a 150-mile stretch of water garnished with
campgrounds and boat launches. With this much lake-room in which to
maneuver, house-boating is an understandably popular way to cruise.
Rent boats at one of the marinas at the lower end of Lake Roosevelt if
you didn't think to bring your own. Fish from the bank once
you've gotten the right license, or rent a watercraft and putter out
to deeper waters. Ski boats are also up for rent at the marinas, just
keep an eye out as you jet across the lake for swimmers stroking
outside of protected areas. Nearby, crowded cities Coulee Dam
and Grand Coulee boast populations of 900 a piece. From Grand Coulee,
hiking trails lead up to the dam itself or around Coulee Dam. If you
want a closer look at the big concrete slab blocking the river, take a
tour through the dam for a briefing on its history and a look at the
spillway, twice as high as Niagara Falls. Grand Coulee Dam is 77
miles west of Spokane, and just over 140 miles east of Seattle.
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