Priest Rapids Shoreline Trail

The Grant County Public Utility District operates the Priest Rapids and Wanapum hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River in Central Washington. Federal license requirements specify that the PUD must balance the diverse needs of power, fish, wildlife, tribal groups, flood control, irrigation and recreation. The Priest Rapids Recreation Area and the shoreline trail provide opportunities for recreation, hiking and camping.

The wheelchair friendly 3.2-mile Priest Rapids Trail runs parallel to the Columbia River near the community of Desert Aire. Priest Rapids Recreation Area is an irrigated park with a 14-site campground, a small swimming beach and boat launch at the approximate center of the trail. North of the park, the trail is paved. South of the park, the trail is a wide gravel road that is closed to motor vehicles. Picnic tables and benches are interspersed along the length of the trail, and there are locations where you can access the river to cool your feet. Parking, picnic tables and vault toilets are available at the park and at the north and south trailheads, but there is no potable water, so be sure to bring your own.

The trail passes through long expanses of beautiful shrub-steppe habitat. Outside of the recreation area park, there is very little shade except in places where cottonwoods and willows grow beside the river. 

There are other good places in the area to visit. The north trailhead is near the Washington Fish and Wildlife’s Priest Rapids Wildlife Area Unit, with a boat launch and wildlife viewing blinds (Discover Pass required). A short distance from the south trailhead is the Wanapum Heritage Center, with a wealth of thought-provoking exhibits about the Wanapum People. There is no charge for admission, but check their website for operating hours.