Recreational Opportunities
Boating and Fishing: Lake Roosevelt is a very large, man made lake. It is the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam (off the NW corner of Lincoln County). The lake and the lands adjacent to the lake are managed by the National Park Service (NPS). There are several boat launches and campgrounds along the lake operated by the NPS. For those interested in history, visit Fort Spokane. The Lake Roosevelt Forum is also a good source of information. www.lrf.org
Greater Columbia Water Trail A network of water trails within the Columbia river Watershed, from Canada through the Hanford Reach, that supports flat-water paddle sport recreation for day and overnight excursions. www.wwta.org
Hunting, Camping, Hiking, Bird Watching: There are extensive tracts of public lands available for outdoor recreation. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WSDNR) manages numerous parcels in trust. Even though many of these lands are leased for grazing and agriculture, they are generally open for public access. (Click here for a letter from the DNR to this effect.) No access is allowed on the Natural Area Preserve in Section 16, T26 R39. Refer to RCW 79.10.125 for more information. The United States Bureau of Land Management (USBLM) has created several very large tracts in recent years and is in the process of making improvements for recreational purposes. Brochures for several of these areas (Fishtrap Lake, Coffee Pot Lake, Twin Lakes, and Lakeview) are available at http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/picbrochures.php
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WSDFW) has created a wildlife area adjacent to the USBLM. This part of the Channeled Scablands is called The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area. You may also go to WAC 232 Fish and Wildlife Department for more information. The current Hunting Season Dates are available from the WDFW website.
In addition to countless small lakes and ponds throughout Lincoln County, Bird Watchers will be happy to know that the Inland NW Land Trust has worked with the WSDFW, Reardan Chamber of Commerce and many others to acquire Audubon Lake for the benefit of birds. Reardan's Audubon Lake was dedicated as a public wildlife viewing site (277 Acres) October 14, 2006. Until public amenities are completed, the Spokane Audubon Society will manage access to the site. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has the 23,000 acre Columbia National Wildlife Refuge.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is also active in the extreme southeast corner of Lincoln County. The Columbia Plateau Trail is a rails-to-trails project providing very scenic trail access to the area.
Note that not all public ground is open to public access. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has designated 235 acres as the Spring Creek Canyon Natural Area Preserve. It is located north of Reardan along State Route 231 in Section 16, Township 26, Range 39. Access is restricted in order to protect it scientific and ecological value.
Motorcycle Riding: For those who enjoy riding paved rural roads, there are a couple select routes through Lincoln County. Stop by Lincoln County Public Works in Davenport (27234 State Route 25 N) and pick up a detailed map showing the paved roads.
For a variety of ideas on things to do in Washington, you may want to visit The Official Site of Washington State Tourism.
The GIS department provides Detailed MAPS via this website.
Recreation Closer to Spokane
The Centennial Trail Hiking/biking trail (paved) in Spokane and east to Couer d' Alene
The International Selkirk Loop Scenic Drive in North Idaho and Canada