Waterfalls aren't exactly common in the desert of central washington, so anyplace you can find the…read moresound of cascading water is special. Finding Summer Falls may be tricky, but the surrounding country roads that cut through coulees and follow abandoned railroad routes are very picturesque, so I would plan to get a little lost and enjoy it. The park is like an oasis at the end of a rocky, dusty driveway: a well-irrigated grassy park with trees, picnic tables, restrooms and a pavilion, all nestled up against Billy Clap Lake and the waterfall. Note: the only water recreation here is fishing: there is no beach and people have been seriously injured from falling on the slippery rocks of the falls. The falls are, however, very accessible if you have two legs and don't mind the "KEEP OUT" signs. If you are looking for desert hikes, there are plenty nearby (including Sun Lakes/Dry Falls state park), but not at Summer Falls. This park is a pretty sedentary place unless you are throwing frisbee or football in the grassy park. These falls and the depth of Billy Clap Lake they flow into were created when an irrigation canal was built to bring water from Banks Lake (itself a product of water diverted from the Grand Coulee Dam) to what was then dry, rocky, sagebrushy non-farmland further south. There is also a tiny, discrete power plant just up the canal from the falls. So the lake is a coulee that is full of water, and the water coming down the falls is what is leftover from the canal after the power plant takes it's share. It sounds pretty industrial, but it's not: the irrigation and power generating functions of the water are invisible at Summer Falls. Summer Falls is a good place--maybe the only place--to enjoy the relaxing sound of a waterfall amidst the area's desert landscape.

Wow. Extremely hard to find, but well worth the wild goose chase…read more This is a waterfall created by one of the many dams in Washington. There's a nice park and swimming area, a little hut for picnics, and bathrooms. You can swim/hike over to the waterfall and even walk behind it (if you blatantly ignore the signs that prohibit this activity, that is)! It was surprising how many people were here, what with how out-of-the-way it was. Glad we found this little gem! Minus one star for having thistles in the grass. My flip-flopped feet did not appreciate.

Goat heads everywhere in grassy areas. No one to enforce speed limit of guests and campers with…read morechildren present in the playground area especially. No doors or handicap assist on mens restroom. Cannot report any problems as park/campground staff unfriendly and unhelpful. Refuse to talk to you.

this place has always been mine & my family's go to camping spot. there is lots of trees around for…read moreshade which is a huge plus because eastern washington can be VERY hot. the beach is nice, water is cool and refreshing. the restrooms are well maintained for a campground. All the people are friendly in this town, there is a small corner store a few blocks away (walking direction) that has just about all your camping needs incase you might have forgot something. Nobody has ever bothered us, it gets quiet at night, lots of kids for your kiddos to mingle with and GORGEOUS views of the lake all around. Going back soon!

We had a really fun day at Soap Lake, thanks to the great sunshine and perfect temperature. It was…read morealso not crowded at all, but it was a random Wednesday afternoon visit. The park offers amenities: public restrooms in a building and some port-o-potties; outdoor shower to remove the grime (that gets in EVERY crack); covered picnic tables. It also has some grassy areas for recreation and a playground for the kids. Plus, there's a touch of culture, with what professes to be the first human figure sundial. The sand is rocky in and out of the water, and the water is shallow, good for keeping it fails warm and for wading quite a ways out. It was nice to slather ourselves in the clay and let it bake in before rinsing it off. But be warned, the sulfur in the water and clay will keep you and anything you wear smelling even after a thorough washing. So I wouldn't plan a nice evening out after ;-) We look forward to going back for more fun this summer, after we check out some other local beaches.

Soap Lake has 2 public parks on the lake, this one is on the East shore on Highway 17 between…read moreSmokiam Campground and B&B Restaurant. There is a bath house, Beach Access, Picnic Tables and a huge Bronze & Basalt Sundial. It's a great place to stop and play or even plaster yourself in the healing mud from the lake. Swimming is easy as you float easier because of all the minerals in the water. We made a specific trip here during our vacation. Daughter and her kids played in the healing waters while wife read a book in the shade and I took the nap I really needed. Unfortunately, I took too long of a nap and missed laying in the water :( I guess I'll have to go back next year. This is the 3rd time we've come here and it is always worth a repeat visit when you are in the area.

Such a great place to bring your family for a day of fun!! There is a swimming area, a boat dock to…read morelaunch your boat, a fishing dock, and a large park with a playground, frisbee golf course and lots of picnic areas!

This is a big lovely park on the side of I-90 in Moses Lake…read more There are mostly pros, especially in the size (it's huge!) and the variety of things to do here. Even on abuts weekend with a wedding taking place in part of the park, it doesn't feel crowded. There are gazebos galore, 3 buildings with facilities, grills, a playground, a dock, a basketball court, a swimming area and tiny beach, and a disc golf course. You can reach it by the bike path or car. Cons: the freeway is loud in the park proper if you're seeking a quiet place, but I wouldn't call it too obnoxious. I haven't been on a weekday, but on a mid-Sunday in summer, be prepared to pack out your garbage because all cans will be full (and I didn't see places for recycling). If you're an avid disc golfer like S., the course might be a disappointment, say a 2-3 star. There are only nine holes, all par three, and if you are here during a normal summer afternoon, most holes will be obstructed by other park-goers, as it's all incorporated right into the park. But it's a good place to practice, and if you arrive early, especially on weekdays, you can get in a full round. For me, it's great for a summer in-town getaway.

This is a great park right next to the river . The views out here are fantastic. They take really…read moregood care of it .

This is a well maintained park that is obviously a source of pride for the local community. I do…read morewonder about their devotion to hygiene because the park lacks soap in the clean bathrooms. P.S. Where are the falls?

So pretty!! I just…read morecame here for the weekend and I love it. The walks here are stunning. The views of chelan. The mountains! The choppy water. Amazing panoramic views all over. Park is currently open but faculties are closed. Still make it a fun little stop on your walk/ run or even a drive. Beautiful views!

Amazing cute little park in the cutest town. Walking distance from our hotel . We walked to rent a…read moreboat from Shoreline at this park one day. Best service! Walked here and swam wit the fam. Lifeguards are super friendly! And they have life jackets at park to borrow - how kind is that. You can walk into the water and swim. Another plus is there are actual bathrooms and they were clean!

Such a cute neighborhood oasis surrounded by private houses. You wouldn't even know it existed!…read more Green, open space for picnics under the shade of trees, or space to run and frolic and play. Small playground, unfortunately all exposed to the sun, making it hot and hard to keep little ones out long. One bench and one picnic table allow for mini gatherings, but bring a blanket and there is space enough for everyone! Friendly neighborhood as we were kindly and respectfully greeted by a teenage boy walking through, along the one path. Ample street parking! One paved path from the street to the playground, through the grassy expanse, with a fork towards the break in the fence, presumably for the homes/neighbors. Great, cozy spot for a road trip break!

One of the nicest, cleanest campgrounds I have ever visited. Huge sites and pristine landscaping…read more Well done!

This would've been a 5 star review except one huge issue that could cause hospitalization and…read morelawsuits: The shower water temperature situation in the bathrooms. There is a sign on the door that says no hot water. That's fine, whatever, tent campers get cold showers while paying for full hookups like we did so we could have electricity but we get cold showers because we are sleeping in tents. But this was not the issue. The issue is that the hot water is turned on sometimes... and there is no warning and no way to regulate the temp that comes out of the shower head. For whatever reason the faucet, while turning left and right - effects nothing. Now, if the water coming out was a nice warm 105 to 110 degrees that would be fine. But this was so hot it burned my daughters head and she only had it under the shower for the time it took to turn the water on, scream and move away. So, I went and got my meat thermometer and tested it. 167 degrees Fahrenheit. I highly doubt the legal department at PUD is aware of the water temperature streaming out of that shower head. One more thing about that water. We were told they turned on the hot water because the water for one of the RV'ers wasn't working. What? I'm confused on this tidbit. We also bought an RV space. Why the plain discrimination against tenters who are paying full rates? Why not warm water for all? But please, before that, fix the temperature problem first. If my daughter had been 2 instead of 21 her skin would have blistered and there would've been a hospital trip. Other than the hot water issue the campground is very nice, windy like a tropical storm, but beautiful. Be aware, camping has recently changed to reservation only.

Clean up the garbage. Charge a fee to keep the capacity manager. Clean the fn' toilets! Gawd…read morealmighty?

Great local park. Only problem is parking in the summer. There is a relatively small parking area…read morethat is great most of the year. But once the summer visitors roll in, it fills quickly and people park along the highway, and up into the neighborhoods. Locals are okay with that for the most part, but cut them a break and don't block driveways, block off the road, etc. You know what I mean! Nice access to the lake and a nice area for swimming. Lots of trees, so lots of places to picnic. Restrooms are available. And there's a sand-court volleyball setup. Refreshments are just a block away, so no concerns about not having enough water. Operated and maintained by Chelan County PUD, which does an excellent job keeping the park looking good.