Priest Rapids Recreation Area at Desert Aire opens, offers new amenities

DESERT AIRE - The Priest Rapids Recreation Area in Desert Aire was re-opened to the public on May 24.

Significant improvements to the popular Columbia River recreation site are complete, according to Thomas Stredwick of the Grant County PUD.

The community is invited to a grand-opening celebration near the Priest Rapids Recreation Area campground on June 15 at 1 p.m. The ceremony will include Grant PUD commissioners and local dignitaries.

New docks, expanded parking areas, swimming, hiking trails and boat launch are a few of the improvements. These changes to the 100-plus acre site come after months of work.

Camping reservations, as well as a complete listing of amenities, can be found by clicking the “campground reservations” link on the homepage of grantpud.org.

These improvements stem from Grant PUD’s federal license requirements to protect and enhance the scenic quality of specific recreation destinations along the Columbia River near Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.

“While improvements like these are a federal requirement, they also have a direct benefit to the communities we serve,” Grant PUD Commission President Terry Brewer said. “Generating clean hydroelectric energy is more than turbines and generators. It also involves caring for the environment from which we benefit.”