Shoreline recreation opportunities abound in southeast Washington

By Brook Beeler, communications manager, Eastern Region

Despite a population just fewer than 30,000 combined, Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties have a lot to offer recreationists.

Southeast Washington counties receive more than one million visits each year to public recreation sites for outdoor activities like boating, cycling, hiking and fishing.

The Grande Rhonde River meets the Snake River in Asotin County.

As part of a local shoreline program update, a coalition of local governments has developed a public access plan to connect residents and visitors with southeast Washington’s unique shoreline resource.

The plan outlines existing site locations, amenities and potential improvements as well as possible partnerships and funding sources to make the improvements a reality.

Petroglyphs left by Nez Perce Tribe
indicating their historic use of the area.

You can tell the coalition what you think about plans to maintain and improve existing recreation sites including parking, signage, picnic areas and restrooms.

Comments will be accepted until May 29. You can review 

the plan and submit comments online by visiting www.sewasmpupdates.com.

The coalition includes Asotin, Columbia and Garfield counties along with the town of Starbuck and the city of Clarkston.

More photos of southeast Washington recreation opportunities can be found in an Ecologywa Flickr album.