Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park: Best Hikes, Water Activities & Camping Guide

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. Once home to one of the largest waterfalls in history, this unique landscape now serves as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or a scenic place to relax, this hidden gem in Eastern Washington is well worth the trip!

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park showcases an extraordinary landscape shaped by the powerful Ice Age floods over 13,000 years ago. Once home to one of the largest waterfalls in North America—four times the size of Niagara Falls—this area now features towering basalt cliffs, deep blue lakes, and striking desert terrain.

Today, visitors can marvel at Dry Falls, a 3.5-mile-wide chasm known as a ‘dry waterfall,’ explore scenic hiking trails, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from fishing and boating to camping beneath eastern Washington’s starry skies.

Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply seeking a unique getaway, this park promises an unforgettable experience in one of the state’s most underrated destinations.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.

The best place to view Dry Falls is from the Dry Falls Visitor Center (also known as the Dry Falls Interpretive Center), located along Highway 17 within Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.

From this vantage point, you can take in the full scale of the 3.5-mile-wide chasm and visualize the massive waterfall that once roared over these cliffs during the Ice Age floods. The viewpoint includes informational signs, exhibits about the region’s geology, and large windows inside the visitor center for panoramic views.

Best hikes in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

While Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park isn’t known for having an extensive trail system, there are a few scenic and rewarding hikes to explore.

Umatilla Rock Loop (3 miles)

The most popular hike in the park is the Umatilla Rock Loop Trail, a three-mile trail that circles the base of Umatilla Rock, one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks.

For those looking to extend their hike, two spur trails lead to Green Lake and Dry Falls Lake, offering additional scenic viewpoints. On the return, hikers also have the option to detour around Perch Lake for even more exploration.

Deep Lake Trail (2.25 miles)

For a more adventurous trek, the Deep Lake Trail follows a 2.25-mile path along the clifftop ledge of Deep Lake, offering breathtaking views. The cliffs rise about 50 feet above the water, so hikers should use caution near the edges.

For those looking to push further, the trail continues up to a bench 200 feet above the lake, a perfect resting point before heading back. Some hikers choose to scramble around the entire lake, though this requires navigating rocky gullies and uneven terrain.

Caribou Trail

The Caribou Trail provides a unique opportunity to hike onto private land (just be sure to close the gate behind you). This trail offers a different perspective of the park’s dramatic landscapes, making it a great addition for those wanting to explore beyond the main trails.

While Sun Lakes-Dry Falls may not have a vast network of hiking trails, these routes offer incredible views of ancient flood-carved landscapes, making them well worth the trek for any outdoor enthusiast visiting the park.

Water activities at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

With its network of glacially carved lakes, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for water activities, offering everything from swimming and boating to fishing and paddleboarding. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventurous excursion, the park’s lakes provide plenty of opportunities to make the most of your visit.

Swimming

On a hot Eastern Washington day, there’s nothing better than taking a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Park Lake, the main lake within the park. The designated swimming area near the state park’s main campground provides a safe and scenic spot to enjoy the water, complete with a sandy shoreline perfect for sunbathing.

Boating & Paddle Sports

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the park’s lakes, with the calm waters of Park Lake, Deep Lake, and Perch Lake offering ideal conditions for paddlers of all skill levels.

Motorized boats are also allowed on some of the lakes, with boat ramps available at Park Lake, Deep Lake, and Vic Meyers Lake, making it easy to launch your vessel for a day of exploring the scenic shoreline.

Fishing

Anglers will find excellent fishing opportunities in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, with lakes stocked with trout, bass, and perch. Park Lake and Deep Lake are among the most popular fishing spots, drawing both shore and boat anglers hoping to reel in a catch.

Park Lake and Perch Lake are great spots for trout fishing, while Deep Lake is known for Kokanee salmon. Dry Falls Lake, a favorite among fly fishermen, offers excellent opportunities to catch Rainbow trout. The fishing season typically runs from spring through fall, with the best conditions in the early morning or late evening.

Camping at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the park’s stunning scenery, camping at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a fantastic option. The park features a large state-run campground with over 150 campsites, including tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and even rustic cabins for those who prefer a little extra comfort.

The campground is situated within walking distance of Park Lake, offering easy access to swimming, fishing, and boating. All sites have picnic tables and fire pits.

Campers have access to restrooms, showers, a laundromat, and grocery store with propane and firewood. Check-in time is 2.30pm and check-out is at 1pm.

For a more unique overnight experience, the park also offers eight rustic cabins that can be reserved in advance. These simple yet cozy accommodations provide a great alternative to tent camping while still allowing visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

Since this is a popular camping destination, especially in the summer months, it’s best to book campsites or cabins early through the Washington State Parks reservation system. Whether you’re staying for a night or a weekend, camping at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls is an unforgettable way to experience this fascinating landscape!

Where is Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park?

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is located in central Washington, about 2 hours north of Tri-Cities and just over 2 hours west of Spokane. The park sits along Highway 17, also known as the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway, making for a beautiful and scenic drive no matter which direction you’re coming from.

The nearest town is 4 miles away in Coulee City where you can get gas and groceries. Ephrata is 27 miles south, and is a larger town with hotels and restaurants. For full services and more hotel options, you’ll need to drive to Moses Lake, a 45 minute drive away.