A cliff in central Washington is 3.5 miles wide, and it was once a waterfall four times the size of Niagara
Picture a waterfall so big it makes Niagara look like a garden feature. Dry Falls in central Washington was exactly that: a cliff 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide, once about four times the size of Niagara Falls.
The water is long gone, but the cliff isn’t. Standing at the rim and trying to picture the roar is a great way to spend a crisp fall day.
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What actually happened here
The Ice Age Floods carved this place more than 13,000 years ago. What they left behind is a landscape of deep gorges and dark, reflective lakes below a giant dry cliff.
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It’s a big enough deal that Dry Falls made the International Union of Geological Sciences list of the first 100 geological heritage sites. Yes, that’s a global list, and a Washington cliff is on it.
How to see it
The Vista House Overlook gives you the panoramic view, and the park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails. The park service says some of those trails lead to table-top cliffs with big views of their own.
My opinion: don’t just tick the overlook box and leave. Walk out to one of those table-top cliffs, because the scale only really sinks in when you’re looking across the gap instead of at a sign about it.
The Dry Falls Visitor Center has interpretive displays on the floods and a bookstore, and admission is free, with donations welcome. Call (509) 632-5214 for seasonal hours before you go.
One thing to sort out before you park: a Discover Pass is required within Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, and an automated pay station on site sells one-day and annual passes. Parking at the visitor center doesn’t need one. If you’d rather have it in hand ahead of time, you can grab a Washington day-use pass before you leave.
Make a day of it
This corner of Washington is packed with water-carved drama. Grand Coulee Dam is the obvious next stop, and a hike up Steamboat Rock makes a good add-on if your legs have more in them.
Which would you rather chase: the biggest waterfall that ever existed, or the dam that came along later? Tell us in the comments.
Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone, or skip both and book a camper van instead.
Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.
