Day trip on tap: Steamboat Rock State Park

The recent columns by Danielle Blevins have inspired me to take to the road in search of interesting places. If I find a plant native to the Columbia Basin, all the better. Fact is, I have been enjoying Basin wildflowers all my life, but didn't know the names or history of them.

Danielle has the interest, no it is more of a passion, for native plants. What's more, she knows about them or, if she doesn't, she wants to learn about them. This is of interest to me, and you also, so we will know what we are finding on the trail as we travel the Basin.

A great first-day-trip-of-the-year destination is Steamboat Rock State Park. However there are a few stops along the way, which will make the day interesting.

The first stop is Rocky Ford Creek. At the bottom of the valley, just after crossing the creek, when heading toward Ephrata, turn left into a parking lot. It is a mile or so walk south to the Chief Moses Rock.

This is where Chief Moses and his band camped each spring to collect duck eggs and dig roots. The rock is where the chief tied his horse to a rope which was wrapped around the rock. There is enough room for three or four horses.

His tent was nearby, in fact it is possible to see the indent where the tents of the chief and his brother was located, looking between the road and the rock, but a few yards to the north.

Look for wildflowers along the way.

The next stop is the Lake Lenore Caves. Drive trough Soap Lake on Highway 17 and for another 8 or 9 miles. The road to the caves will be on your right, but the sign is on the left.

The series of seven caves was formed by the ice-age floods. There are stairs leading to a trail and then to the caves. The views are spectacular, so take the camera.

Look for wildflowers along the way.

As you take a right on Highway 17, look immediately for a road on the left leading to a fenced-in area. This is where Fish and Game spawn the Lahontan trout.

The trout swim up the small creek and jump a small waterfall to reach the area where Fish and Wildlife personnel take eggs and milt from the trout. Even if workers are not dealing with the fish, the fish are visible during the spawning run, making the stop most enjoyable.

Pull into Sun Lakes State Park for lunch. There is plenty of room for the kids to run and play while lunch is being prepared, such as sandwiches, premade or made at the park. Or heat a stew or soup on a camp stove.

On the road again: Drive north until the road hits a "T" and take a right. You will now be on Highway 2. This is the dam at the south end of Banks Lake. At the east end of the dam and to the right is Coulee City, the oldest town in Grant County.

It is worth the drive into the town and down every street. This won't take long, now I'm not being mean here, but this town is just not very big these days. But seeing the town is worthwhile and educational for all.

Back on the road again: Head north on Highway 2, but go straight at the junction of Highway 2 and Highway 155, as you want to be on 155.

This leg of the trip is about 22 miles long, but you will be in the heart of the Grand Coulee, which you have been in since Soap Lake. The views are super and worth a photo or two.

Steamboat Rock State Park is near the north end of Banks Lake. Look for wildlife on the drive from the Highway to the park, such as deer and eagles.

I have never climbed to the top, but others tell me it is a 700-foot climb in elevation and can be accomplished in 30 to 45 minutes. Of course make sure to have plenty of time to walk around the top, which can take an hour or two.

By now you have had a rather good and physical day. You can head north just a few miles and visit Grand Coulee Dam or just head home. At Coulee City take the Pinto Ridge Road out of the south end of town. This road will take you to a spot on Highway 28 just west of Stratford.

Remember, a Discover Pass will be required to actually visit most of the places mentioned today.

Most of all have fun, take plenty of food and clothing to take off or add to your wardrobe. Create memories which will last a lifetime.