17-107 Lower Granite Dam north shore recreation area reopens

Published Sept. 28, 2017
POMEROY, Wash. – Visitors can now access the north shoreline area on the downstream-side of Lower Granite Lock and Dam, on the lower Snake River near Pomeroy, Washington.

Although not originally developed as a recreation area, the gravely riverbank location became popular with anglers for its easy access to the river. During the years since dam construction, Natural Resources Management staff added a vault toilet, picnic tables and fire rings for day-use and free overnight camping.

Only dry-camping is available – there are no hook-ups or potable water. Visitors must pack out their own trash. Fires are allowed only in provided fire rings. All fires and barbecues are subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Visitors should check for advisories posted on nearby information kiosks. Beginning October 10, fires are allowed in designated fire areas.

The rustic recreation area was temporarily closed to public access in 2014 to accommodate cement batch production operations for improvements being made to the south shore’s juvenile fish bypass system.

Visitors may also want to check out the Lower Granite Visitor Center on the south shore. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except some federal holidays) and features a fish viewing room, theater, interpretive displays and a gift shop.

Dam-crossing hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Operations officials note there could still be crossing closures. The district may, at any time, close access to traffic for extended periods of time due to operations, maintenance or construction-related activities at a dam. A change in security conditions could also terminate public access across the dam until such time as threat levels decrease. The public will be notified about closures, if possible, in advance, but the crossing is still subject to closing at any time. Travelers can call 1-888-DAM-INFO (1-888-326-4636) for the most current dam-crossing information.

For more information regarding recreation opportunities in the Walla Walla District, check out our website http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.
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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 17-107