Lake Wallula Overview
Lake Wallula lies directly behind McNary Lock and Dam. It extends 64 miles upstream on the Columbia River to the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site (about 27 miles above Pasco, Washington). The lake also extends up the Snake River to Ice Harbor Lock and Dam. Lake Wallula has a water surface area of 38,800 acres, with 242 miles of shoreline. The lake has a normal operating range between 335 and 340 feet above sea level.
Public Lands
The 16,908 acres of public lands surrounding the lake are utilized for public recreational purposes, wildlife habitat, wildlife mitigation and water-connected industrial development. At the present time, approximately 2,400 acres are licensed either to State or local park agencies. Port districts own approximately 1,500 acres within the boundary for industrial development. Facilities operated by commercial concessionaires or boat clubs are available at eight locations. Public boat launching facilities are available at 17 locations along the shoreline. Adjacent lands are owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as
McNary National Wildlife Refuge, as part of the larger Mid-Columbia River Refuge Complex.