The Priest Rapids Unit lies along the east bank of the Columbia River. The land is relatively flat and during ancient glacial floods was intermittently under water, resulting in a thin layer of soil covering a mostly river cobble substrate. A boat ramp provides access to the Columbia River.
The Priest Rapids Unit lies along the east bank of the Columbia River south of Sentinel Gap in southern Grant County. The unit can be accessed from county Road 26 SW off of Highway 243.
The Priest Rapids Unit occurs in the Upper Columbia-Priest Rapids Watershed within the Columbia Plateau.
This unit is part of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 278
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Large parking area
- Outhouse
- Concrete boat ramp
Hunting
WDFW releases pheasants on this unit to provide a hunting opportunity.
Hunting advisories
- On all WDFW designated pheasant release sites it is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading), other than nontoxic shot, when hunting for upland game birds (pheasant, quail, chukar, and gray partridge), mourning dove, band-tailed pigeon (WAC 220-414-040).
Fishing
This unit has three large peninsulas that create sheltered backwater pools. While the water level in the Priest Rapids Pool is subject to frequent and dramatic fluctuations, the riverbanks, shallow back water sloughs, and the ponds of the WB-48A Wasteway are fringed with willows, Russian olives, and other trees, improving fish habitat.
A concrete boat ramp provides access to the Columbia River.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes three peninsulas with sheltered backwater pools, some riparian habitat, and some big sage and bitterbrush, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
This unit is a mix of native habitats and agricultural fields that are managed to provide good quality Canada goose brooding habitat adjacent to the Priest Rapids Pool.
Conservation goals
- Maintain enhanced wildlife habitats and preserve native plant communities and important habitats
- Restore and preserve shallow water habitat and pools
- Manage migrant waterfowl, upland game birds, and priority species
Land stewardship
Much of this unit was created as a result of mitigation by the Grant County Public Utility District for the Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. The lands were condemned from private ownership for the purpose of creating a water storage reservoir behind the Priest Rapids Dam. The unit also includes land owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1964 and 2018.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Power, dike & irrigation districts | Mitigation Funds |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
Management planning
2022 Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.
Planning Advisory Committee
Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Advisory Committee