Lake Lenore Caves

Lake Lenore Caves State Park Heritage Site sits among the striking basalt cliffs of the Lower Grand Coulee in central Washington. After you pull into the parking area in the valley, climb a trail up to a series of basalt caves, which were formed by ancient lava flows and the Great Missoula Flood. The trail starts with a staircase carved into rock and then loops around to the left and right, with the more maintained trail on the right. Archeological evidence shows that these basalt caves were used by Indigenous people as early as 11,000 years ago as shelter and a vantage point. From the trail, you can reflect on this history as you look down at Lake Lenore, the layered basalt walls, and shrub-steppe landscape that define this part of Washington. You might also come across wildlife like reptiles and birds of prey. This park is only a 10 minute drive south from Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park and makes for a great stop along a longer exploration of coulee country.