McNary Dam and Lake Wallula

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.

McNary Dam (Lake Wallula/Lake Umatilla)

General Information
Type of Recreation: Day-Use and Boating
State: Oregon/Washington
County: Umatilla/Benton
Administering Office: McNary Lock & Dam
Location: Lake Wallula/Lake Umatilla, Columbia River Mile 292, both river banks
Acreage: 17 Acres
Highway Directions: 1.1 miles east of Umatilla on Highway 730, and .9 mile north on Devore Road.

Facilities
Day-Use Area:
Open Lawn
Shade
Fire/Grills
Drinking Water
Accessibility
Boating:
3 Launch Ramps, 4 lanes total (Washington shore has 1 lane and Oregon shore has 3 lanes).
Handling Dock

Other Facilities:
Fish-Viewing Room
Powerhouse Display Gallery
Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center
Natural Resource Offices
Fishing Areas

Season and Hours of Operation
Year round, during daylight hours.
Visitor Center open year round 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.


Operating Agency
Name: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Address: PO Box 1230
Umatilla, OR 97882-1441
Phone: 541-922-2268 Recreation Information

Distance to Nearest
Washington Shore
Hospital: 10.5 Miles (Good Shepherd Hospital, 541-567-6483)
Grocery Store: 2.5 Miles
Motel: 4 Miles
Restaurant: 4 Miles
Airport: 12 Miles
Auto Mechanic: 2.5 Miles

Oregon Shore
Hospital: 7 Miles (Good Shepherd Hospital, 541-567-6483)
Grocery Store: 1.5 Miles
Motel: 1.5 Miles
Restaurant: 1.5 Miles
Airport: 9 Miles

Notes:
The McNary Dam Powerhouse Display Gallery is open to the public 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm, except Federal holidays. To enter the powerhouse all visitors must check in with security guard. Visitors 18 years and older are required to show some form of photo identification and wear a visitor badge while in the powerhouse. Video and photo cameras, purses, back packs and large bags are not allowed in the powerhouse. For more information, the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center can be reached at 541-922-2268.

Contact Us

Tri-Rivers Natural Resources Management-
McNary Office

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PO Box 1230
Umatilla, OR 97882
Phone: 541-922-2268
Email:

McNaryParks&Recreation@usace.army.mil

(Manages from McNary Dam to Hwy 12 Bridge)
 

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