Rocky Reach Dam spans the Columbia River just a few miles north of the city of Wenatchee, Washington. Construction of the dam began in 1956 and it has gone on to benefit millions of North Central Washington residents and visitors by providing affordable hydroelectric power as well as recreational and irrigation opportunities.
The section of the Columbia River where water is backed up behind Rocky Reach Dam is referred to as Lake Entiat. Boating and fishing are popular activities in the Lake Entiat area.
At Rocky Reach Dam itself there are plenty of things for the traveler:
- Large playground equipped with climbing toys for kids.
- Multiple picnic tables and shelters.
- Visitor’s Center with dam information.
- View fish migrating through the dam’s fish ladder system.
- Food is available at the snack bar / cafe.
- Public Restrooms
- Visit the Columbia River Museum.
- Visit the Interpretive Center.
- Hand-on demonstrations relating to hydroelectric power.
- Look down on the work area above the generators.
- View the spillways.
- Walk through the very well maintained gardens.
Whether you’re on the way to Wenatchee, Chelan, the Cascade Mountains, or the sagelands of Eastern Washington; Rocky Reach Dam makes a great place for a quick stop. Or if you’re in the area, the dam makes a great destination for an afternoon road trip. Learn about the dam itself, the Columbia River, and even information regarding the rest of North Central Washington and the Columbia Irrigation Project at Rocky Reach Dam.