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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Wine Country Region
Lyons Ferry State Park
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Roasting hot dogs over an open fire.
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LYONS FERRY STATE PARK
LYONS FERRY STATE PARK
620 Marmes Road
Washtucna, Washington   99371
(lat:46.5972 lon:-118.2184) map location

Phone: 509-646-3229
Covering over 52,000 feet of shoreline along the Snake River, Lyons Ferry Park is a popular summertime attraction for campers, boaters, water-skiers and anyone else who loves soaking up the sun along a riverbank.

Lyons Ferry Park marks the site of early settlements of the Palouse Indians. It covers more than a thousand acres and has plenty of freshwater shoreline on the Snake River. The park is a haven for boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and water skiing. With average summer temperatures in the 90s, it's a cool shaded spot to find some relief from the sun.

The name Lyons Ferry is associated with a ferry once powered by river current. The ferry and its predecessors crossed the Snake River for 108 years, providing an important link for the Palouse country with the Old Mullan Road.
History of the Area
Located at the confluence of the Snake and Palouse rivers, Lyons Ferry was the dividing point for the Ice Age floods after they carved the Palouse River canyons more than 13,000 years ago. From the confluence, the flood waters then went west into the Pasco Basin and east upriver to Lewiston, Idaho.

The Lyons Ferry area was home to a Palouse Palus Indian village. First written accounts of this village were documented by Lewis and Clark and the Corp of Discovery while passing through the area in October of 1805. Lyons Ferry was named for the ferry crossing that operated across the Snake River from 1860 until the late-1960s, when it was replaced by the existing bridge. In the fall of 1914, near present day Lyons Ferry State Park, the first Union Pacific Railroad locomotive crossed the Snake River on one of the largest bridges along the entire transcontinental route.

Lyons Ferry State Park is cooperatively managed by Washington State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The park opened to the public in 1971, and was operated by Washington State Parks until 2002, when operation was returned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2015, operation of the park was transferred back to Washington State Parks.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Swimming
1. Lyons Ferry State Park offers a designated swimming area in the Snake River.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park provides access to two rivers: Palouse and Snake for various water activities including swimming.
4. Swimming is best during summer months when river temperatures rise significantly.
5. Swim near the marina or from sandy beaches along both rivers' banks within the park's boundaries.
6. The currents can be strong; inexperienced swimmers should stay close to shore.

Boating
A pumpout facility is available, but it is managed by the Port of Columbia - Lyons Ferry Marina. It is a public marina on the Snake River with an accessible Edson pumpout and dump station. This facility is open from February to December.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish in the Snake River. The Palouse river offers trout and steelhead opportunities.


Location
Lyons Ferry State Park is located near Pasco

Picnicking
Lyons Ferry State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family outing. Enjoy stunning views of Snake River.
Trails
1. Marmes Pond Trail: This is a short, easy trail that leads to the beautiful Marmes pond. It's perfect for beginners or those looking for a leisurely stroll.

2. Lyons Overlook Trail: A moderate hike with some steep sections leading up to an overlook point offering panoramic views of Snake and Palouse rivers' confluence.

3. Ferry Boat Loop: An approximately 5-mile loop around the park which offers stunning river views and opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer, birds, etc.

4. Riverfront Pathway: A flat pathway along the banks of both Snake and Palouse Rivers providing serene water vistas ideal for bird watching or fishing access points.

5. Cougar Ridge Hike: Challenging uphill climb through dense forested areas ending at Cougar ridge where hikers can enjoy breathtaking sunset/sunrise scenes over rolling hillsides.

6. Palouse Prairie Walk: Easy level walk across open prairie lands showcasing native grasslands flora/fauna; great option during spring/summer months when wildflowers are in bloom.

7. Snake River Canyon Rim Trail: Moderate difficulty due its length but mostly flat terrain following rim edge giving spectacular canyon & river below sights throughout journey.

8. Historic Railroad Tunnel Exploration Route: Short yet adventurous route taking you towards old railroad tunnel remnants dating back from early settlement days.

9. Lyons Ferry Marina Access Track: Simple track connecting main campground area directly down marina facilities including boat launch ramp.

10. Birdwatcher's Paradise Circuit: Specially designed circuit covering various habitats within park known as hotspots attracting diverse species making it paradise indeed for any avid bird watcher.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like American Goldfinches, Red-tailed Hawks, and Western Meadowlarks. The park is home to a variety of waterfowl including Mallards and Canada Geese. Raptors such as Bald Eagles are also frequently sighted in the area. Other bird varieties include Northern Flickers, Black-capped Chickadees, House Finches etc.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 7 One super nice Park by A. L. Leigland
park review stars; one to five This Washington State Park needs to reopen! This park is in a good location for all of our Eastside WA residents. Come on Olympia, open up some of our Eastside parks that you closed.
March 24 Why part of the park are closed.
park review stars; one to five The park was originally contructed by the Army Corps of Engineers for the State Parks with the agreement that the State Parks would run the facility. The State did that for over 20 years, then walked away from the park when the infrastructure became too old and expensive to maintain. Private companies have tried to run the park and have done so at a substantial loss. In June of 2011 the park came back under control of the Army Corps of Engineers, with the Corps having no funds set aside to run the park. That in addition to the fact that congress keeps slashing the Army Corps recreation budget is the reason that parts of the park remain closed. I agree with the previous person. Write or call your congressman!
May 30 Another Closed Campground
park review stars; one to five There are 1500 people working in that area that would gladly pay to camp- Construction people, but the parks are closed. Write your senator or congressman and ask why.
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