Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park - Deep Lake

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 looks like now.

There are 15 arid miles to be wandered in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. You might be on roads or trails, but any of them deliver fantastic views of geologic features and bring you closer to the desert plants and animals. Keep in mind that while there's plenty to see, the area is not well signed and there are lots of game trails, so be sure to have a good map and sense of where you're going.

Take the Caribou Trail to an overlook of Deep Lake, about as far back in the park as you can go. Then it's possible to hike 2.25 miles along the Deep Lake Trail, which, while easy to follow, can be rather exciting at times -- the route goes high along cliff edges, and a misstep can mean a bad fall. Be careful here. 

For a slightly safer hike, try the Umatilla Rock Trail, a 5-mile loop that circumnavigates Umatilla Rock. Or you can embark on the Park Lake Trail, a walk along a paved, gated road.