What to Do
Columbia Bluffs is surrounded by all the best that Central Washington has to offer.
Imagine a place where the rhythm of daily life is harmonized with the melody of live music from a renowned historic venue. Picture a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where the Columbia River Gorge anchors your days with breathtaking views and endless waterside adventures. Here, sunny days prevail year-round, allowing you to savor every season's unique charm.
Living here is unlike anywhere else. It's a place where nature's beauty and an active lifestyle blend seamlessly, creating a truly unique and captivating environment. Come discover a life where every moment is an opportunity to explore, dream, and experience the best of what this remarkable region has to offer.
Spend the Day on the Water
From taking a boat out on the Columbia River to visiting various aquatic centers across Grant County, water activities make up a large portion of the recreation fun in this area. Many local campgrounds have direct access to lakes and rivers, offering the perfect opportunity for a rustic staycation. Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, rowing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving—the options are endless and the setting for your water-based adventures has never been more stunning.
Explore the Outdoors
The Grant County area boasts numerous hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, so you can challenge yourself with a strenuous and rewarding all-day hike or a scenic stroll that is fun for the whole family. For those who seek thrills, there are ample off-roading trails and climbing areas abound near the Columbia River.
If you’d like to connect more with local history, several interpretive centers and museums offer something new to do on the weekend. Learn more about what makes this area so unique with exhibits on petroglyphs, the Ginkgo petrified forest, why there is a replica of Stonehenge in Maryhill, and other fascinating topics.
Fishing and Hunting
Nearly 250,000 surface acres of water surround Moses Lake. Spend a quiet early morning catching Walleye and Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout. Fish year-round, with ice fishing available during the winter when the lake freezes over. The state of Washington has programs that encourage preservation of our wonderful ecosystems, and the Columbia
River is certainly no exception. Many nonprofits actively work on rebuilding habitats and restoring natural supply. The same is true for hunting in the area. Grant County has some of the best upland bird and waterfowl hunting in the nation. As always, be safe, obtain the correct permits, and check state regulations for the most current information. This area presents a unique opportunity to connect with nature right in your own backyard.
Experience Music Like Never Before
The Gorge is one of the most scenic outdoor venues in the nation, and it’s drawn some of the biggest names in the world, including Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Nickelback, and The Police. Nine miles west of George, this venue is close by, making travel to your favorite shows and festivals a breeze.
In addition to The Gorge, the Grant County Fairgrounds also hosts its own concert series. If you’re looking for a more symphonic type of concert, the Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Moses Lake Community Orchestra aren’t far away.
Queue Up for Tee Time
Golfing is a favored pastime of Grant County. Some courses are partnered with campgrounds and wineries, and some are stand-alone, offering a wide variety as you plan your day. Some of our favorite (and nearest) recommended golf courses are Crescent Bar, Desert Aire, and Moses Pointe.
Enjoy the Perfect Beverage
With excellent sun and soil, vineyards and wineries have taken off in the Columbia River region and attract visitors from far and wide. The same is true of brewing; with a nearby source of hops, niche microbrews are quickly becoming one of the region’s biggest pulls for both residents and tourists making a weekend trip to the area.
One of our favorite venues is the Cave B Estate Winery. Most of these venues feature tours, tasting rooms, and special event calendars, allowing you to make a full day out of the winery festivities. Because this industry is so closely tied to other local agriculture, most wineries and breweries also feature excellent farm-to-table menus to complement their beverages.
Eat Farm Fresh Foods
Washington has some of the most superior agriculture in the nation. Grant County is no exception. Farmer’s markets boasting delicious local produce are everywhere. Most towns—including Ephrata, Mattawa, Quincy, and Moses Lake—have at least one market. Shop for everything from wheat and hay, to fresh produce, and even herbs like mint and lavender. Agrotourism is also a specialty of this region, and you can visit many farms in addition to touring wineries and breweries to see firsthand exactly where and how the items you enjoy are sourced.