Sun Lakes, located about 100 miles west of Spokane, Washington, lives up to its name. While many think of Washington as a rainy state, the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains can be very dry and sunny. That is certainly true in this arid, sun-drenched region, where more than a dozen lakes sit in a basin below towering orange and brown cliffs. The area makes for a sportsman’s paradise, with large freshwater lakes that are perfect for camping, fishing, swimming, waterskiing and boating.
An Oasis in the Desert
- At more than 4,000 acres, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is one of the better-equipped state parks in the area. The campground is located on the northern shore of Park Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Sun Lakes basin. There are more than 150 non-electric campsites here, as well as showers, a large playground and large, easily accessible beaches. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park also features many acres of grassy lawn on which to picnic or rest under the shade trees -- there are even concerts on some summer weekend nights. More than 15 miles of hiking trails wind through the park’s desert terrain, many of which lead to smaller, less-frequented lakes. There is even a picturesque nine-hole golf course that overlooks the Sun Lakes basin.
A Center for Family Fun
- Also on the northern shore of Park Lake, adjacent the state park, is Sun Lakes Resort. The resort has more than 130 sites for tent and full-hookup RV camping, as well as more than 50 cabins and 10 permanent mobile homes. The resort caters to the entire family, with a pool, snack bar, miniature golf, general store, paddle boat rentals -- even a water-balloon “Water War” area. For those who bring their ski or fishing boats, there is access to the resort’s marina. You can also walk from Sun Lakes Resort to the state park campground and its many beaches in a matter of minutes.
- A Fisherman’s Paradise
- Coulee Lodge Resort at Grande Coulee sits on the northwestern shore of Blue Lake, also in the Sun Lakes basin. This privately owned resort offers more than 20 RV sites with water, sewer and electric hookups, and a dozen tent camping sites, most of which are along the lakefront. There are also 14 cabins and permanent mobile homes available to rent. The Coulee Lodge Resort has a general store and marina that can handle most food and fishing tackle supplies, as well as rentals for motorized fishing boats and pontoon boats. Rowboats and paddle boats can also be rented here.
Dual Lake Access
- Situated on a narrow stretch of land between Blue and Park lakes is Laurent’s Sun Village Resort. Both lakes are accessible from this resort, although most of the resort’s infrastructure is built around Blue Lake. This resort is a bit removed from the others, neatly tucked below the surrounding cliffs. There are nearly 100 RV sites with full hookups available, and another 16 with just electric and water. A small amount of tent camping can be had at the resort, plus 19 cabins. Laurent’s rents electric and human-powered fishing boats, as well as water vehicles for the kids, such as paddlebikes. There is a large swimming area here, as well as volleyball courts and grassy fields on which to run around.
