Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway

explore landscapes shaped by ice age floods

Length

150 Miles | 241 KM

Drive Time

3 Hours

Recommended Stay

3 Days

Regions

North Central

explore the coulee corridor scenic byway

State Route 17 and State Route 155 between Othello and Omak

The Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway was designated as a national scenic byway in 2005 and is a geologically and culturally significant route. The byway follows a path carved by Ice Age floods and features multiple lakes, gorges, and canyons. The upper section of the byway travels through the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Along the way, visitors can marvel at the landscape, visit the Grand Coulee Dam, spot wildlife, and enjoy multiple state parks. Part of Audubon’s Great Washington State Birding Trail, the Coulee Corridor features more than half of the state’s 346 annual bird species. Spot migrating sandhill cranes, great egrets, bald eagles, and more. In Omak, visitors can connect to the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway, which extends up to the Canadian border.

Travel Tip: Phone service can be limited in remote areas, so plan to download offline maps in advance.

Time Your Trip: The byway is accessible year-round, making it a great four-season road trip.

Two people stand at an overlook at Sun Banks-Dry Falls State Park

A person kayaks along a body of water surrounded by dry canyon walls

A rock formation and dry grassland along the Coulee Corridor

discover DESTINATIONS

Othello
At the southern end of the byway, Othello is a hub for outdoor recreation. Explore the nearby Columbia National Wildlife Refuge or attend annual events like the Sandhill Crane Festival or Othello Rodeo.

Moses Lake
Moses Lake is a top destination for fishing, boating, and swimming. Spend time on the water or enjoy nearby trails and shoreline parks. A certified Washington creative district, you’ll find a charming downtown with a growing art and food scene.

Soap Lake
Known for its mineral-rich waters, Soap Lake draws visitors seeking a restorative soak. The lake’s composition and nearby spa are perfect for relaxation, while the town’s creative district is home to local makers and shops.

Coulee City
Nestled on the south end of Banks Lake, a 27-mile long reservoir know for fishing and boating, Coulee City makes a great base for exploring the dramatic landscape of Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park and Lake Lenore Caves State Park Heritage Site.

Electric City & Grand Coulee
Set between the north end of Banks Lake and the Columbia River, Electric City and neighboring Grand Coulee serve as a central hub along the byway. Enjoy outdoor recreation at Steamboat Rock State Park or visit the Grand Coulee Dam to learn about the largest hydroelectric facility in the U.S. From Memorial Day through September, visitors can catch a free nightly laser light show projected onto the dam.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
The byway passes through the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which is comprised of 12 bands: Chelan, Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce, Colville, Entiat, Lakes, Methow, Moses-Columbia, Nespelem, Okanogan, Palus, San Poil, and Wenatchi. Stop by the Colville Tribal Museum to learn more about the history, cultures, and traditions of the Tribes, adding important context to the landscapes and waterways.

Omak
At the northern end of the byway, Omak offers beautiful scenery, local eateries, and multiple murals and preserved landmarks located throughout the downtown area. Visit during the second weekend in August to attend the Omak Stampede and World-Famous Suicide Race. From here, you can choose to extend your road trip north along the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway.