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Lyons Ferry State Park: Where Two Historic Rivers Meet at Washington’s Ancient Crossroads
Lyons Ferry State Park occupies the traditional territory of the Palouse Tribes at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through in October 1805. This 1,000-acre day-use park offers more than 5,200 feet of shoreline where visitors can experience boating, fishing, swimming, and the dramatic landscape carved by Ice Age floods more than 13,000 years ago.
Lyons Ferry State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Washtucna, Franklin County, Washington |
| Address | 620 Marmes Road, Washtucna, WA 99371 |
| Size | 1,000 acres |
| Coordinates | Located 7 miles northwest of Starbuck |
| Established | 1971 (reopened as state park in 2015) |
| Key Features | Confluence of Palouse and Snake rivers |
| Activities | Boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, paddleboarding |
| Shoreline | More than 5,200 feet |
| Hours | Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk, April 1 – October 31 |
| Facilities | Day use only, boat launch, swimming beach, restrooms with showers |
| Contact | (509) 646-3229 |
| Fees | Discover Pass required, boat launch $7 (as of 2017) |
Park Overview
Lyons Ferry State Park sits at one of Washington’s most geologically and historically significant river confluences, where the dividing point for Ice Age floods created the dramatic canyons visitors see today. The park’s mature trees provide welcome shade across green lawns that slope gracefully to the cooling waters of both rivers, with the rolling hills of the Palouse rising beyond. This remarkable setting has been home to Native peoples for thousands of years, with the Palouse (Palus) Indian village documented here by Lewis and Clark during their westward journey.
The park carries the legacy of the Lyons Ferry crossing that operated across the Snake River from 1860 until the late 1960s, serving as a vital transportation link before being replaced by the existing bridge. Cooperatively managed by Washington State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lyons Ferry State Park returned to full state park status in 2015 after operating under Army Corps management from 2002 to 2015.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boating | 60 feet of dock space, 13 boat tie-offs along bank | Apr-Oct | Easy |
| Swimming | Designated swimming beach area | Apr-Oct | Easy |
| Fishing | Steelhead, sturgeon, trout, walleye, catfish, bass | Apr-Oct | Easy to Moderate |
| Kayaking/Paddleboarding | Explore Palouse River upstream or Snake River | Apr-Oct | Easy |
| Hiking | Interpretive trails along shoreline, roughly 1 mile | Apr-Oct | Easy |
| Bird Watching | Diverse species along riparian habitat | Apr-Oct | Easy |
Facilities & Amenities
Lyons Ferry State Park provides essential amenities for comfortable day visits, including sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park features modern restrooms with hot showers, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking areas. A watercraft launch accommodates boats with 60 feet of dock space, while 13 boat tie-offs line the park’s extensive shoreline. Additional facilities include grills, picnic shelters, and a concession building for visitor convenience.
Camping & Accommodations
Lyons Ferry State Park is for day use only. No overnight camping is allowed.
Lyons Ferry State Park operates seasonally from April 1 through October 31, with summer hours from 8 a.m. to dusk. The park closes November 1 through March 31 for winter. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access, available as an annual pass for $45 or one-day pass for $10. The boat launch fee is $7 in addition to the Discover Pass. From Walla Walla, take Highway 125 north for three miles, turn left on Harvey Shaw Road (which becomes Lyons Ferry Road), then left on Highway 261 to cross the Lyons Ferry Bridge with the park on the right. Summer brings the most visitors, so weekday visits offer a more peaceful experience. The exposed desert location can heat up quickly, making the park’s mature shade trees especially valuable.
What to Bring & Know
• Valid Washington fishing license if planning to fish, with regulations varying by location and species
• Sun protection and plenty of water for the exposed desert environment
• Leashed pets are welcome but must remain under physical control at all times
• Be cautious of rattlesnakes in this remote desert location, with nearest hospital quite far
• Pack out all trash to preserve the pristine river environment
Final Word
Lyons Ferry State Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the confluence of two historic rivers where Lewis and Clark once traveled, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and history lovers seeking Washington’s most significant river junction.
This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.
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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
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- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.