Priest Rapids was once a nine-mile stretch of fast water on the Columbia River in Kittitas County, Washington. The rapids no longer exist, submerged by Priest Rapids Dam.
The falls
Before the dam, the rapid comprised seven cataracts with a total river fall of 72 feet, including one short section that dropped 20 feet on its own. Priest Rapids Dam, built in the 1950s, flooded the whole reach, and the rapids no longer exist as a runnable feature.
Getting there
Grant County PUD restricts public entry to secured areas around Priest Rapids Dam, and there is no current put-in or take-out for the inundated rapid. The nearest public access is the Priest Rapids Recreation Area, with a three-lane boat ramp, accessible facilities, a swimming beach, picnic areas and a 3.1-mile trail; boat launch and parking there are free.
When to go
The former rapid is submerged year-round. Grant PUD warns that Columbia River levels near its dams can change without notice.
On site
The rapids cannot be viewed or run in their original form, and access inside the secured dam area is prohibited.
History and name
Alexander Ross named Priest Rapids in 1811 for Haquilaugh, an influential Wanapum leader; the Wanapum village at the site was called P'na. Priest Rapids Dam, built in the 1950s, flooded the rapids.
Nearby
Coyote Rapids is about 18.4 miles away, Cabinet Rapids about 36.2 miles, and Horn Rapids about 37.3 miles.
Distances are straight-line.