Recreation FAQs
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about recreation on the Priest Rapids Project.
Grant PUD and the Priest Rapids Project License
Recreation on Priest Rapids Project Lands
Current Priest Rapids Project Recreation Opportunities
Water Levels
Camping
Boating
Fishing
Shoreline & Land Use FAQs & Contact Information
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Grant PUD and the Priest Rapids Project License
What is the history of Grant PUD?
Grant County residents have always looked to the future. They formed their own public utility district in 1938 with a goal of supplying electricity to the county. As a Washington state municipal corporation, Grant PUD began electric service in 1942. Owned and governed by the county residents it serves, Grant PUD works under a mission to generate and deliver power to its customers and strives for excellence in service and leadership. The Board of Commissioners, comprised of five local citizens elected on a non-partisan basis, sets Grant PUD policy. Three commissioners, serve six-year terms and represent specific areas of the county, while two at-large commissioners serve four-year terms.
Today Grant County residents and millions of electric consumers throughout the Northwest light their homes, businesses and streets with power generated by Grant PUD. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, generates nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable hydroelectricity – enough to power a city the size of Seattle. Grant PUD distributes the power from these two dams and other power resources at production cost, with no profit, through long-term contracts with 22 regional utilities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. While powering a broad service area, it is Grant PUD’s customer owners’ ability to maintain local control of significant power resources that allows the area to grow and prosper. This low-cost power is a key factor in the county’s leading role in the agricultural sector of Washington state and as a driving force in the regional and state economy. More information
How is Grant PUD connected with the Priest Rapids Project?
Grant PUD is fortunate to own two, large hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River - Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. These facilities, licensed together as the Priest Rapids Project, make up the second largest non-federal hydroelectric project in the country. With the ability to produce nearly 2,000 megawatts of electricity – enough to power the city of Seattle – the Priest Rapids Project’s clean, renewable hydroelectricity powers Grant County and millions of homes and businesses across the Northwest.
On October 21, 1954, the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC) issued a permit to Grant PUD authorizing the construction of the Priest Rapids Project. Priest Rapids Dam began operation in 1959 and Wanapum Dam went on-line in 1963.
The original construction of the Priest Rapids Project was financed through the issuance of revenue bonds, with the citizens of Grant County assuming all the construction risk. Once the dams were operational, power sales contracts with regional utilities provided for repayment of the bonds. Grant PUD was able to build the Priest Rapids Project without county, state or federal funding.
In 2008, after an extensive relicensing process, Grant PUD received a new, 44-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to continue operating Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.
What recreation requirements are included in the new license?
When the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Grant PUD a new license to operate the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project on April 17, 2008, a number of resource management directives were included. The new license also identifies key stakeholders Grant PUD is required to consult with on these directives. Grant PUD is currently working with stakeholders and community groups to finalize the draft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and to implement the FERC-approved Recreation Resource Management Plan (RRMP). Both plans guide access, use and management of Priest Rapids Project lands.
The Recreation Resource Management Plan will ensure that Grant PUD maintains resource and regulatory compliance by balancing hydro operations with environmental and cultural resource needs. Providing public access to Priest Rapids Project lands and recreational facilities to manage usage impacts is a key component of these plans. The remaining FAQs provide fundamental information regarding recreating on Grant PUD Priest Rapids Project lands along the reservoirs.
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Recreation on Priest Rapids Project Lands
What lands are included in the Priest Rapids Project?
Priest Rapids Project lands include 12,909 acres bordering 58 miles of the Columbia River. Grant PUD owns both fee ownership property and flowage easements in six counties throughout the Priest Rapids Project.
What FERC license requirements relate to recreation in the Priest Rapids Project?
The FERC license issued April 17, 2008 initiated a number of new requirements for Grant PUD including, but not limited to, the finalization and implementation of the following plans:
- Shoreline Management Plan
- Wildlife Habitat Monitoring and Information and Education
- Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Monitoring
- Bald Eagle Perch/Roosting Protection Program
- Wildlife Habitat Management Plan
- Historic Properties Management Plan,
- Implementation of the FERC-approved Recreation Resource Management Plan
These management plans are required to ensure use of Priest Rapids Project lands and waters do not result in adverse impacts to environmental or cultural resources, or cause public safety or health issues.
 
In accordance with the finalization of these plans, Grant PUD will consult with federal and state agencies and tribes to develop methods to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, cultural resources and provide public recreation opportunities within the Priest Rapids Project.
What is the Recreation Resource Management Plan?
The Priest Rapids Project Recreation Resource Management Plan (RRMP) identifies recreation enhancement projects to be implemented by Grant PUD that will ensure improved public recreation opportunities while also meeting FERC license requirements and project operations.
The Recreation Resource Management Plan explores Grant PUD's and other parties' involvement, role and responsibilities in managing identified, existing and future recreation resources associated with the Priest Rapids Project over the term of the license.
Review finalized Recreation Resource Management Plan
Who are the Recreation Resource Management Plan stakeholders identified by FERC?
Grant PUD is required to consult with the Wanapum Band of Indians, Kittitas County, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Washington Recreation and Conservation Office, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Bureau of Reclamation and United States Bureau of Land Management to implement the Recreation Resource Management Plan. Grant PUD will also keep the public informed about plan development and time lines.
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Current Priest Rapids Project Recreation Opportunities
What recreational opportunities exist within the Priest Rapids Project?
The 58-mile long reservoir created by Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. The landscape is arid, open and dramatically scenic with deep basalt cliffs along portions of the river. With an average rainfall that rarely exceeds seven inches a year, there are plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun.
Grant County residents and visitors to the area enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and many other activities shown on the Shoreline Map of developed recreational opportunities. The Boat Launch Information provides hourly water level details for all locations.
What recreational rules and guidelines are promoted by Grant PUD?
Responsible management of Priest Rapids Project land and water is necessary to protect and preserve the resources for future generations while providing quality recreation opportunities for today’s visitors.
Grant PUD wants the public to enjoy the many benefits of Grant PUD-owned and properties. In order to have a safe and enjoyable time, please read and follow the Rules Governing Public Use of Project Lands and Waters. Some soil or vegetation disturbing hobbies are also not permitted on Priest Rapids Project lands. These include but are not limited to metal detecting, rock collecting and removal or disturbance of artifacts.
Grant PUD encourages recreators to follow the “Leave No Trace” guiding principles.
These guidelines are designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or climb. Enjoy the outdoors and learn about the nature, but practice techniques to prevent and minimize your impacts.
 How does Grant PUD monitor sanitation and litter control?
Several locations and boat launches along the river have Pack-It-In / Pack-It-Out signs and dispensers with free plastic garbage bags. Please help to do your part in keeping the beaches and shorelines clean. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
Refuse, sewage, waste, liquids or objects of any kind may not be disposed of on or in Priest Rapids Project lands, reservoirs or waters.
What tools are available for planning my trip to the Priest Rapids Project?
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Water Levels
Where can I find the anticipated water levels at area boat launches on the Priest Rapids Project?
The online Grant PUD Boat Launch Information shows the latest water level information, including details on the water level needed to successfully launch at each ramp in the Priest Rapids Project. Up-to-the-hour reservoir level information for both Priest Rapids and Wanapum pools is located on the same page. The same information is available by telephone Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling Grant PUD Customer Service at (800) 422-9983. Remember, water releases from the dams can cause sudden changes in reservoir water levels.
Why do water levels fluctuate so dramatically?
 Grant PUD strives to balance many river uses – recreation, power generation, shoreline habitat and fish protection. Every effort is made to maintain water levels on Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoirs that provide for enjoyable boating and recreation experiences during high use recreation weekends. However, some factors lead to sudden river fluctuations with no warning.
River levels can fluctuate during any season. The complex operation of the Columbia River system involves coordination of numerous dam operations and a variety of power and non-power demands (including salmon protection, varying power needs and power scheduling), Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoir levels raised or lower at any time.
View the Mid-Columbia Hourly Coordination Video
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Camping
Where is overnight camping allowed within or adjacent to the Priest Rapids Project?
Overnight camping is not allowed on Priest Rapids Project lands, unless otherwise posted. South Sand Hollow is the only location on Grant PUD lands where camping is allowed. More camping opportunities will be developed as Grant PUD implements elements of the RRMP.
Can I reserve a campsite in an approved camping area?
Grant PUD currently does not have a reservation system for South Sand Hollow. Sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Some facilities within the Priest Rapids Project do take reservations, such as Wanapum Recreation Area managed by Washington State Parks.
Where can I find ADA accessible campsites?
The Wanapum Recreation Area has ADA accessible camping areas.
The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the final accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities apply to newly designed or newly constructed buildings and facilities as well as altered existing facilities. Grant PUD will adhere to ADAAG guidelines in development of new facilities or upgrades to existing facilities.
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Boating
Where can I find Boat Launch information?
The Grant PUD Web site provides up-to-date Boat Launch Information.
 
How should I prepare for boating on the Columbia River?
Being prepared is your best tool for having a safe an enjoyable experience on the river. Extensive information is available on the Grant PUD Web site. Visit the Recreational Safety section for details on the following topics:
Water Safety - While it is important for everyone to enjoy our wonderful water resources, you must also be aware of safety hazards and dangerous conditions such as water level fluctuations and submerged hazards. To enhance your level of safety, Grant PUD reminds you to keep these water safety reminders in mind.
Responsible Boating - As the captain of your boat, you are responsible for the safety of all passengers. Review emergency procedures and inspect safety equipment prior to each outing. Inform all on board of the rules for safe boating.
Navigation Rules - Since there are no painted lines or traffic signals on the water, the “rules of the road” give direction to boats and set a standard that everyone can follow to prevent accidents.
Helpful boating information is available at the Washington State Parks Boating Web site.
Mandatory boater education - A phased-in law passed in 2005 requires younger boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington state. Eventually all boat operators born after 12/31/1954 will be required to carry a Boating Safety Education Card. The law applies to operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater.
Information at Washington Boater Education explains the requirements and to whom the law is applicable.
 The U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division maintains a list of boating safety class providers.
Read the Warning Signs
Read all posted warnings at boat launches. Grant PUD posts warning signs at all approved boat launches within the Priest Rapids Project boundaries. These signs warn the public that they may encounter submerged hazards, strong currents, violent winds and waves, floating debris and fluctuating water levels.
Have fun, but PLEASE be safe.
 Where can I anchor or moor my boat on the Priest Rapids Project?
Anchoring and overnight mooring of watercrafts on the Priest Rapids Project is not advised due to the high potential for water fluctuation. Each year several boats are stranded by water level changes. You can help avoid this problem by trailering your boat after use.
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Fishing
 How close to the dams can I fish?
Permanent regulations prohibit fishing closer than 400 feet downstream of the dams (WAC 232-12-164). Orange safety buoys and cable barriers have been installed at the upstream from each both dams. Do not go beyond the buoys under any circumstances. These barriers are there to protect you from dangers caused by sudden violent wind changes, high water velocity and turbulence near the turbine water intakes and spillways.
Boating Safety for Hunters and Anglers (pdf)
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Shorelines & Land Use FAQs & Contact Information
How does the new license affect the shorelines and land use in the Priest Rapids Project?
Frequently asked questions regarding management of the shorelines and land use are also available online.
Shorelines & Land Use FAQs
Additional questions?
Please check the Grant PUD Web site often. License-related information will be updated as the utility progresses though finalization and implementation of the various plans, including the development of recreation programs and enhancement of recreation facilities on the Priest Rapids Project.
Questions regarding recreational opportunities or any Grant PUD matter affecting property adjacent to or within the project boundaries can be forwarded to the Lands and Recreation Department by phone (509) 793-1522 or email: lands@gcpud.org.
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