Blue Lake Rest Area SR 17 Multidirectional: Historic Stop in Grand Coulee Country
The Blue Lake Rest Area on SR 17 at mile marker 89 sits in the heart of the Grand Coulee, 13 miles north of Soap Lake. This was Washington’s first highway rest area when it opened in 1966, and the location shows why planners picked this spot – dramatic coulee walls and nearby lakes make for a memorable break. The facilities stick to basics with restrooms, water, and picnic tables.
Blue Lake Rest Area SR 17 Multidirectional Fast Facts
| Feature |
Detail |
| Location |
Grant County, Washington |
| Highway |
SR 17, Multidirectional access |
| Mile Marker |
MP 89 |
| Status |
Open (closes winter until late March) Verified September 28 2025 |
| Key Features |
ADA restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables |
| Limitations |
No coffee program, no RV facilities, seasonal closure |
| GPS Coordinates |
47.5694236, -119.4477386 |
What Works Here
Restrooms stay functional and the drinking water works reliably during the operating season. Picnic tables give you a place to eat while taking in the coulee scenery. Parking accommodates cars and RVs easily most times.
The setting provides the real value – you’re surrounded by the unique landscape that makes the Grand Coulee famous. This rest area works particularly well for travelers on the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway, positioned perfectly between Soap Lake’s mineral springs and the Dry Falls overlook further north.
What Doesn’t Work at Blue Lake Rest Area SR 17 Multidirectional
Winter closure creates the biggest limitation. Blue Lake Rest Area typically shuts down each year until late March, leaving no rest area option on this stretch of SR 17 during cold months. No coffee program, RV dump station, or vending machines mean you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Planning Your Stop
Operating season runs roughly late March through early winter, though exact dates depend on weather conditions. During open months, the rest area operates 24/7. Summer brings tourist traffic heading to area attractions, but parking problems are rare.
Check current status if traveling during spring or fall shoulder seasons when closure timing varies. Winter travelers need alternate plans since this becomes your only rest area option between distant towns.
Traveler Tips
• Call ahead or check WSDOT’s website for seasonal operating status before counting on this stop
• Grab supplies in Soap Lake – limited services until Coulee City, 15 miles north
• Dry Falls geological site sits just minutes up the road for extended sightseeing
• Elevation around 1,080 feet means cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands
• Winter backup options include Quincy Valley Rest Area on SR 28 to the south
• Early morning and late evening offer the best light for photography of the coulee landscape
