Carving through the heart of Washington’s dramatic channeled scablands, the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway stretches 150 miles from Othello to Omak, revealing one of North America’s most geologically fascinating landscapes. This National Scenic Byway traces ancient flood channels carved by cataclysmic Ice Age deluges, leaving behind towering basalt cliffs, hidden lakes, and sweeping high-desert vistas.

Your journey begins in the agricultural Columbia Basin before ascending into the rugged coulee country. Don’t miss Dry Falls, a breathtaking 3.5-mile-wide precipice that once thundered with ten times the flow of all the world’s rivers combined. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park offers camping and hiking among these ancient formations. Further north, Banks Lake shimmers beneath 800-foot basalt walls, perfect for fishing and photography.

The route climbs through the Colville Indian Reservation, where rolling hills dotted with ponderosa pines lead to the charming town of Omak in the Okanogan Valley. Watch for wildlife—mule deer, eagles, and hawks are frequent companions.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers ideal conditions, with wildflowers blooming in May and golden light in September.

Allow: A full day for the drive, or two days to explore parks, viewpoints, and lakeside stops along the way.

Explore Nearby

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• Tarrytown Light — Lighthouse in New York