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Potholes State Park
Phone: (509) 346-2759
Fax: (509) 346-2770
City: Othello
Address:
6762 Highway 262 East,
Othello, WALocated 17 miles southwest of Moses Lake, Wash., just east of the Cascades.
Potholes State Park is situated on the reservoir created by construction of O'Sullivan Dam rather than the nearby "potholes geologic formations" for which it is named. Thousands are attracted to the Potholes desert area each year to enjoy fishing, hunting, bird watching, water sports and the sunshine. This desert area is unique because of its abundance of water. The area is comprised of sand dunes, rocky canyons and dozens of lakes. The Columbia Wildlife Refuge two miles east of the park is a favorite for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
For more up to date information, visit the Potholes page on the state parks web site.
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Park Overview
Potholes State Park is a 640-acre camping park with 6,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Potholes Reservoir (also known as O'Sullivan Reservoir). Potholes Reservoir is often confused with the Pothole Lakes themselves, which are a 30- to 45-minute drive from the park. The terrain is desert with freshwater marshes.
Marine Park: No
Popular Destination
Park Hours
The park is open year round for camping and day use.
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Significant History
O'Sullivan Reservoir (Potholes Reservoir) was formed as a result of two major events, one natural and one man-made. Huge depressions (30 to 70 yards wide and 10 to 60 feet deep) were made in the earth during the Pleistocene flooding. Those depressions were filled with water (making "pothole" lakes) when the water table rose in the 1950s with the creation of O'Sullivan Dam. The dam was part of a project by the Bureau of Reclamation to provide irrigation water to farmers.
Major Landmarks
The park is located in the area of the West known as "the Scablands." The terrain was formed by large lava flows, followed by huge floods (known as Missoula floods) and winds. Large sand dunes, coulees and lava flows can be visited near the park.
Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map,
or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.
Take exit 179 at Moses Lake and follow signs to park.
From the south:
Take Hwy. 17 and turn west on Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Or take Hwy. 26 and turn east onto Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Each direction is well signed.
Directions
From I-90:Take exit 179 at Moses Lake and follow signs to park.
From the south:
Take Hwy. 17 and turn west on Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Or take Hwy. 26 and turn east onto Hwy. 262 (O'Sullivan Dam Rd.). Each direction is well signed.
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life | Plantlife |
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Badgers
Coyotes
Deer/Elk
Marmots
Otters
Rabbits
Raccoons
Skunks
Weasels
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Chukar
Crows/Ravens
Dove/Pigeon
Ducks
Eagles
Geese
Grouse
Gulls
Hawks
Herons
Humming Birds
Osprey
Owls
Pheasant
Quail
Swan
Woodpeckers
Wrens
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Bass
Bluegill
Bullhead
Crappie
Perch
Trout
Walleye
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Ponderosa Pine
Ash Trees
Birch Trees
Maple Trees
Oak Trees
Poplars
Rose
Seaweed
Thistle
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| General | Trails | Freshwater Activities | Saltwater Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
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Swimming
Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing
2 Volleyball Fields
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3 mi. of Hiking Trails
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Boating - Nonmotorized
Fishing
Personal Watercraft
WaterSkiing
White Water Kayaking
4 Boat Ramps
100 ft. of Dock
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Volleyball players must bring their own equipment.
Picnic NotesThe park provides three picnic shelters with four tables each, plus 73 unsheltered picnic tables in a lawned, well-shaded area. All day-use facilities are first-come, first-served. Restrooms are available in the day-use area, located on the banks of the reservoir.
Group CampingThe park provides a group camp that accommodates up to 50 people. The camp has a grassy section and is well-shaded. Facilities include a covered picnic shelter. The group camp has a grassy section and is well-shaded. Restroom facilities are nearby. There is a year-round creek adjacent to the group camp that provides excellent trout and bass fishing. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Boating/Water NotesFour boat ramps and 100 feet of dock are provided by the park. Water levels in O'Sullivan Reservoir (Potholes Reservoir) fluctuate dramatically from spring to fall.
A daily permit is available for watercraft launching and trailer dumping at the park for $5. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available. |
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| Park Services | Area Services |
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Camping
Pay Phone
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Auto Repair
Airport
Boating
Camping Area
Diesel
Fishing and Hunting Supplies
Gasolene
Gifts
Golfing
Groceries
Hardware
Hospital
Marine Supply
Overnight Accomodations
Pay Phones
Propane
Recreational Equipment
White Gas
Wood
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