Parking lot
Parking grounds
Boat Ramp Rd, Vantage, WA 98950
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Lake/RiverWA
Wanapum Lake
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Compare Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area swimming access near Vantage. The historic east-bank cove route remains unverified.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
The historic cove's identity and current access remain unverified. Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area are separate managed alternatives, not confirmed matches to the old route.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Lake/River
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Historic cove fees unverified. Check the chosen recreation area's current fees.
Best season
Check current operator alerts and water conditions before a visit. Warm weather does not establish safe reservoir conditions
Nearby towns
Ellensburg, Yakima
Water body
Wanapum Lake (Columbia River)
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Ellensburg, Yakima
Access location not verified
YAKIMA, WA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Wanapum Lake
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . Swimming permission remains unconfirmed.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Wanapum Lake swimming access near Vantage
Wanapum Lake is part of the Columbia River reservoir corridor near Vantage. This record originally described an unofficial east-bank cove reached from SR 243 by a half-mile shoreline walk. The current legal approach and exact cove identity have not been confirmed. Do not use the historic directions as a verified public access route.
Two managed places to consider
Sand Hollow Recreation Area, at 11094 Highway 243 South in Beverly, has a designated swim area, vault restrooms and picnic areas. Bring drinking water. This is a separately identified recreation area, not proof of the old cove location.
On the west bank, Wanapum Recreation Area at 4511 Huntzinger Road in Vantage offers a swim beach, camping, restrooms and showers. The park states that no lifeguard is on duty. Check its current pass requirements and alerts before traveling. Do not follow east-bank cove directions to reach this park.
Conditions and overnight stays
Grant PUD warns that reservoir levels can change without notice and expose hazards. A sheltered appearance does not establish safe swimming conditions. Follow posted boundaries and current water advisories; avoid jumping from cliffs or rocks into unknown water.
Use a designated campground for overnight stays. The old claim that primitive camping is permitted at the cove is not verified. Grant PUD requires written permission to camp on its land outside developed camping areas. Neither the historic route nor this source review verifies water quality, swimming safety or permission at the cove.
Getting There
The historic SR 243 pull-off and half-mile cove trail have not been verified for current public access. Choose a named managed destination instead: Sand Hollow Recreation Area, 11094 Highway 243 South, Beverly, on the east bank; or Wanapum Recreation Area, 4511 Huntzinger Road, Vantage, on the west bank. Use the selected operator's current directions and alerts.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Do not treat the old map pin, gravel pull-off or half-mile trail as verified access. Use the official page for your chosen managed destination.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
The historic cove's identity and current access remain unverified. Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area are separate managed alternatives, not confirmed matches to the old route. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Roza Campground
Campground
4.3 (178)
8681 S Canyon Rd, Yakima, WA 98901
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Yakima Sportsman State Park
Campground
4 (763)
904 University Pkwy, Yakima, WA 98907
Irrigated oasis in the dry plains with stocked ponds for fishing, picnic areas & a campground.
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
Naches Ranger Station
National forest
4.6 (87)
10237 US-12, Naches, WA 98937
Cowiche Canyon Uplands - Summitview Trailhead
Hiking area
4.6 (244)
J8CH+75, 12015 Summitview Rd, Yakima, WA 98908
Striking, expansive land trust known for its dramatic scenery, local wildlife & trail network.
Clover Flats Campground
Campground
4.9 (12)
Unnamed Road, Yakima, WA 98903
Public restroomTent sites
Frequently Asked Questions About Wanapum Lake
Is Wanapum Lake free to visit?
Reported fee information: Historic cove fees unverified. Check the chosen recreation area's current fees. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Wanapum Lake?
The historic cove's identity and current access remain unverified. Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area are separate managed alternatives, not confirmed matches to the old route.
What is known about Wanapum Lake?
Compare Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area swimming access near Vantage. The historic east-bank cove route remains unverified.
When is the best time to visit Wanapum Lake?
Seasonal planning notes: Check current operator alerts and water conditions before a visit. Warm weather does not establish safe reservoir conditions. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Wanapum Lake?
Reported facilities at Wanapum Lake include: Facilities listed for the managed alternatives do not establish what is available at the historic cove. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Wanapum Lake?
Use designated campgrounds at Sand Hollow or Wanapum Recreation Area. Primitive camping permission at the historic cove is not verified.
Highlights
Columbia River reservoir near Vantage
Separate managed east-bank and west-bank options
Historic cove route requires further verification
Unique Features
Reservoir shoreline in central Washington
Managed recreation areas on different banks
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Water levels can change without notice and expose hazards
- Follow posted boundaries and current advisories
- Do not jump into unknown water or assume a cove is safe because it appears sheltered
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The lake is named after the Wanapum people, whose history and legacy are deeply connected to the Columbia River. Their stories and resilience add a profound layer of significance to the area.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph the shoreline from lawful public access points. A reservoir photograph does not establish the identity or conditions of the historic cove.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the well-preserved environment. Avoid littering and stay on designated trails to minimize impact on local wildlife and vegetation.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current operator alerts and water conditions before a visit. Warm weather does not establish safe reservoir conditions.
Difficulty Level
Historic trail condition and difficulty unverified.
Fee
Historic cove fees unverified. Check the chosen recreation area's current fees.
Facilities
Facilities listed for the managed alternatives do not establish what is available at the historic cove.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
Grant PUD recreation: 509-754-5085
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Use designated campgrounds at Sand Hollow or Wanapum Recreation Area. Primitive camping permission at the historic cove is not verified.
Nearby Attractions
- Sand Hollow Recreation Area - Recreation Area
- Wanapum Recreation Area - State Park
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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