Wanapum Lake

Tucked along the eastern shore of Wanapum Lake — a reservoir carved from the mighty Columbia River — this unofficial swimming spot rewards those willing to earn their swim. A half-mile trail winds through sagebrush and rocky terrain before delivering you to one of the most quietly dramatic coves in central Washington: a sheltered pocket of calm water pressed against towering basalt cliffs that seem to rise straight from the earth's core. This is the kind of place that feels discovered rather than visited.

The Setting and Landscape

The landscape here is unmistakably Columbia Basin — wide skies, volcanic rock sculpted over millennia, and a hush that makes the outside world feel very far away. The basalt cliffs surrounding the cove glow amber and rust in the late afternoon sun, and at sunrise or sunset, the reflections on the water turn the scene into something almost surreal. The reservoir itself stretches wide and blue, bordered by the kind of arid, open terrain that defines eastern Washington. In spring, the surrounding hillsides soften with wildflowers and a fleeting green that photographers chase from miles away. By summer, the landscape turns golden and spare — the perfect backdrop for an afternoon in the water. This land carries deep meaning: the Wanapum people have called this stretch of the Columbia home for generations, and their cultural presence is woven into the identity of this place.

The Swimming Experience

Once you reach the cove, the water greets you with a refreshing chill — this is a Columbia River reservoir, and even in the height of summer it carries a cool edge that feels earned and welcome after the hike in. The sheltered nature of the cove keeps the water noticeably calmer than the open river channel, making it a more manageable swim than you might expect. The basalt walls block the wind and create a natural amphitheater of sound — water lapping stone, the occasional bird call, your own breath. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, and the swimming is entirely unofficial, so confident swimmers and those comfortable in natural water will feel most at ease here.

Plan Your Visit

The site sits within the Sand Hollow County Recreation Site, and there is no fee to visit. Facilities are nonexistent — pack everything in and pack everything out. Sturdy footwear is essential for the half-mile hike, as the trail runs uneven and rocky in places. If you'd like to extend your stay, primitive walk-in camping is available right at the site, while more developed camping with amenities can be found at Wanapum State Park across the lake. Summer — particularly June through August — offers the best conditions for swimming, though each season brings its own reward. The nearest towns are Ellensburg to the north and Yakima to the south, both offering food, fuel, and lodging for those making a longer trip of it. Come prepared, come respectful, and come ready for a swim that feels genuinely off the beaten path.

The lake is named after the Wanapum people, whose history and legacy are deeply connected to the Columbia River. Their stories and resilience add a profound layer of significance to the area.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the pristine environment. Avoid littering and stay on designated trails to minimize impact on local wildlife and vegetation.