Overview
Banks Lake is a 27-mile-long reservoir in Grant County, eastern Washington, created by the Grand Coulee Dam project as part of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. It sits inside the Grand Coulee — a canyon carved by ancient Ice Age floods — and is flanked by towering basalt cliffs that give the area a rugged, high-desert character unlike anything in western Washington.
The lake stretches roughly from Coulee City in the south to Electric City and Grand Coulee in the north, and serves a dual purpose: it stores irrigation water for hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland, and it provides a major recreation corridor for boaters, anglers, campers, and swimmers. The surrounding landscape is managed in part as the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and under Washington State Parks.
The surrounding community is small and spread across several towns — Coulee City, Electric City, and Grand Coulee are the main service centers. Visitors should not expect a resort-style destination; instead, they'll find an authentic, largely uncrowded recreational lake prized by Pacific Northwest locals.
Before You Go
Who visits
Banks Lake draws anglers, boaters, families in houseboats, kayakers, and birdwatchers. It is also popular with motorcycle and road-trip travelers doing loops through central Washington.
Visas
Banks Lake is a domestic US destination. International visitors should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or the nearest US embassy for current entry requirements.
What to pack
- Sun protection is essential — eastern Washington summers are intense and largely shadeless on the water
- Layers for evenings, which cool quickly in the high desert even in summer
- Bring your own water or a reliable filter if camping at primitive sites
- A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at many state recreation sites — purchase online before arrival or at select local vendors
Seasonal notes
Summers are hot and dry, regularly exceeding 90°F (32°C). Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, and many lakeside facilities close or reduce services from October through April. Wildfire smoke can occasionally affect air quality and visibility in late summer.
Getting There
By car
Driving is by far the most practical way to reach Banks Lake. From Seattle, the most common route is east on US-2 through Wenatchee and Coulee City — roughly a 3.5-hour drive depending on conditions. From Spokane, take US-2 west through Davenport; the drive is approximately 2 hours. SR-155 runs along the eastern shoreline and connects Electric City to Coulee City.
By air
The nearest commercial airports with regular scheduled service are Spokane International Airport (GEG) to the east and Grant County International Airport (MWH) in Moses Lake to the south. Both require a car rental for the final leg to Banks Lake. Verify current service and schedules directly with airlines before booking.
By bus
Limited intercity bus service operates in the region through providers such as Link Transit; however, direct public transit to Banks Lake's recreation areas is not reliable. Verify current routes locally.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required to move between the lake's access points, campgrounds, boat launches, and the surrounding towns. There is no local transit system serving the recreation corridor.
Boats — powerboats, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards — are the primary way many visitors experience the lake itself. Several marinas and boat launches are scattered along the shoreline; verify current hours and launch fees locally or through Washington State Parks before arrival.
SR-155 is the key spine road along the east side of the lake and is well maintained, though it can be busy on summer weekends. Coulee City sits at the south end of the lake at the junction of US-2 and SR-155.
Where to Stay
Camping
Camping is the dominant accommodation style at Banks Lake. Steamboat Rock State Park offers developed campsites with hookups as well as primitive sites; reservations are strongly recommended in summer and can be made through Washington State Parks' reservation system. Additional public camping exists at Osborn Bay, Sunbanks, and other points around the lake — verify current status and fees locally.
Lodging
Small motels and vacation rental properties exist in Coulee City, Electric City, and Grand Coulee. The selection is limited; book well in advance for summer weekends. Online platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO may list lakefront or nearby cabins. No large hotel chains operate directly on the lake.
Houseboats
Renting a houseboat for several days is a popular way to experience Banks Lake. Verify current rental operators locally, as availability and operators change from season to season.
Things to See & Do
Fishing
Banks Lake is regarded as one of Washington's top warmwater fisheries. Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, perch, crappie, and trout are all present. A valid Washington State fishing license is required; check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website for current regulations, seasons, and license fees before fishing.
Boating and water sports
The reservoir's length and generally calm mid-day conditions make it popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Houseboating is a particularly popular multi-day option — verify rental availability locally, as outfitters change.
Kayaking and paddling
The basalt cliffs, rock formations, and quieter coves are well suited to kayak and canoe exploration, especially in the early morning before motorized traffic picks up.
Steamboat Rock State Park
Steamboat Rock is the visual centerpiece of Banks Lake — a massive basalt butte rising several hundred feet above the water. Washington State Parks manages the area and offers camping, hiking trails to the summit plateau, and a swimming beach. Verify current reservation availability and fees through Washington State Parks.
Wildlife watching
The coulee environment supports mule deer, raptors including osprey and bald eagles, white pelicans, and various waterfowl. Spring and fall migrations bring shorebirds and waterfowl in large numbers.
Grand Coulee Dam
Just north of Banks Lake, the Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest concrete structures in the United States. The visitor center is operated by the US Bureau of Reclamation and offers free tours and exhibits; verify current hours and access on the Bureau of Reclamation's official website.
Food & Drink
Dining options are modest and concentrated in the small towns surrounding the lake. Coulee City, Electric City, and Grand Coulee each have a handful of casual restaurants, diners, and convenience stores. Do not expect fine dining or a wide range of cuisine.
If you are camping or spending extended time on the water, bringing your own food and supplies from a larger city — Moses Lake, Spokane, or Wenatchee — is a practical approach. Basic groceries are available locally, but selection is limited compared to urban areas.
Alcohol is available at licensed establishments and grocery stores in the area. Open container laws apply on public lands; review Washington State and local rules if consuming alcohol at campgrounds or on the water.
Practical Information
Discover Pass
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to most state recreation sites around Banks Lake, including Steamboat Rock State Park. Purchase it online via the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office or at authorized vendors before arrival.
Cell service
Cell coverage in the Grand Coulee area is available but can be spotty in canyons and on the water. Download offline maps before arriving.
Facilities
Restrooms and potable water are available at developed campgrounds and day-use areas, but primitive shoreline access points may have neither. Plan accordingly.
Emergency services
Grant County and Okanogan County emergency services cover the area. The nearest hospitals with emergency departments are located in Coulee Dam/Grand Coulee area and in Ephrata; verify the nearest facility and contact information locally before your trip.
Leave No Trace
The basalt coulee environment is fragile. Pack out all waste, avoid disturbing nesting birds, and follow all fire restrictions, which are frequently in effect during summer.
Safety
Water safety
Boating accidents and drowning are the most serious risks at Banks Lake. Wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water. Afternoon winds can pick up quickly and create choppy conditions, especially in the southern portions of the lake.
Heat
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C). Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid prolonged exposure during mid-afternoon, especially on the water where reflection intensifies UV exposure.
Wildlife
Rattlesnakes are present in the basalt rock areas — watch where you step and place your hands when hiking or scrambling. Most encounters can be avoided by staying on trails and being alert.
Wildfire
Fire danger is high in late summer. Check current fire restrictions with Washington Department of Natural Resources and local land managers before lighting any campfire. Campfire bans can be in effect without much advance notice.
