Great Camping In Spring
Q: Can you suggest some spring camping locations in Eastern Washington? - G.V., Spokane.
A: Some of the best spots are lowelevation areas in the “potholes” or “scabland” region around Odessa, Moses Lake and Othello. I like these areas because of the spring wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities found at the many Wildlife Management Areas (though campers are reminded that overnight camping is not permitted in the management areas).
Two possible camping choices would be the BLM Lakeview Ranch (509-536-1200) near Odessa, which offers free camping. This site puts you in the heart of Washington’s coulee country. A self-guided geologic driving tour through the coulees is available. The tour includes a stop at the information center at Record Square Mall, located at 3 West First Avenue in Odessa, which offers a tour map and a twelve-minute video that explains the formation of the Odessa Craters and Channeled Scablands. The other choice would be Potholes State Park (509-346-2759), located about 25 miles southwest of Moses Lake on Highway 170. This camping spot is near the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and several Washington WMAs.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
Odessa Visitor Information, (509) 982-2232.
Moses Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, (800) 992-6234.
Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce, (509) 488-2683.
For wildlife viewing information at Region One Wildlife Management Areas, (509) 456-4082.
Additional camping locations can be found in the regional national forests. For a campground directory covering the Umatilla, Colville and Idaho Panhandle national forests, call one of the following:
Umatilla National Forest, (503) 278-3811.
Colville National Forest, (509) 684-3711.
Idaho Panhandle National Forest, (208) 765-7223.
Q: I am looking for outdoor recreation information and locations in western Montana for wheelchairbound persons. - R.L., Deer Park.
A: Disabled Recreation and Environmental Access Movement (DREAM) is a nonprofit agency that publishes the Glacier ParkNorthwest Montana Accessibility Guide. The guide contains access information on accommodations, businesses, recreation opportunities and annual events. The guide also lists the federal and state agencies and other resources, which can provide information on disabledpersons’ programs, barrier-free nature trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and handicappedaccessible campgrounds. The free guide is available by writing to D.R.E.A.M., P.O. Box 8300, Kalispell, MT 59904, or call (406) 758-5411.
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