The Sunland boat launch is an unmarked, open parking boat launch. The launch consists of 2 ramps side by side with moderate room on each side. Unlike most other boat launches on the Wanapum reservoir there is no dock to tie up to. Parking can be a little chaotic and the local Sunlanders don't take kindly to people parking poorly. Be sure to pay attention to where you park and how it affects the overall traffic flow and ability for others to exit.

You'll need a discovery pass to park within the gate. No pass, no problem, there's normally plenty of legal parking along the road. Major holidays can lead to extra long lines if you don't get going early. Watershed is completely insane and don't count on finding parking as every foot of roadway with either be stuffed with cars or chased off by the sheriff. Most weekends and mid week days the lot is next to empty.

*** IMPORTANT HAZARD *** Hidden Sand Bar

Directly across from the boat launch from the southern tip of Sunland to about a mile south there is a very shallow sand bar. When the river Level is down you can see freshwater clams on its sandy surface! Check out google maps for exact locations. It ruins at least a few boats per year, year after year.

Arguably one of the most stunning waterways in the state, you'll rarely find the Wanapum on any of the top lakes of the state. I informally measure the surface area of the Wanapum and found it to be the 5th largest body of water in the state! No other waterway has the sheer 700 foot tall cliffs that guide the channel like the Wanapum. Located in one of the driest areas of the state makes the waterway a perfect summer boating destination.

The infamous Sandbar. This sandbar is an icon of the Wanapum reservoir, renowned for it's majestic beauty nested along the shores of the mighty Columbia, it's massive height dwarfed by the towering shear cliffs that stand hundreds of feet high over it...that and it's known by all on the river to be a HUGE party place on the 3 day summer holidays! It can go from absolutely packed in 2 rows of boats deep around the entire beach, to 2 days later you can likely have the entire place to yourself.

Nested conspicuously is an amazing cave, that when the water level is right you can even navigate a boat into! Ok, a small boat, more like a jet ski, but it's still really cool!