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Columbia Basin
Wildlife Area Location
CONTACT INFORMATION
Greg Fitzgerald
Manager
6653 Road K NE
Moses Lake, WA 98837
(509) 765-6641
colbaswa@dfw.wa.gov
 
For more information on
Wildlife Areas, please contact
the WDFW Wildlife Program.

Phone: 360-902-2515
E-mail: wildthing@dfw.wa.gov

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Wildlife Area Search Tools   
     
 Index of Wildlife Areas and Units 
Columbia Basin Wildlife Area
Seep Lakes Unit
The Seep Lakes unit is 4,877 acres of channeled scablands south of Potholes Reservoir. It is mostly rolling countryside with basalt outcroppings forming cliffs, mesas, box canyons and potholes. Many of the canyons and potholes are filled with water that has seeped from Potholes Reservoir to the north. A few lakes are actually wide spots in the Potholes Canal, which borders the west side. A long history of range fire has turned almost all of this area into grassland comprised mostly of Sandberg bluegrass and cheatgrass. A few protected pockets contain big sage and bluebunch wheatgrass or needle and thread grass. Washington ground squirrels are found here. Most of the lakes have steep and rocky shorelines with very little wetland habitat. WDFW maintains many miles of graveled access roads as well as several boat launches and parking areas primarily for public fishing.
Viewing Opportunities

Birds

  • Birds of Prey
  • Shorebirds
  • Songbirds
  • Upland Birds
  • Wading Birds
  • Waterfowl

    		•

    Mammals

  • Deer
  • Small Mammals

    		•

    Other

  • Butterflies
  • Reptiles/Amphibians
  • Wildflowers

    		•
    How to Get Here
    Access Site #1
    Driving Directions
    From Moses Lake, Go south on SR 17, about two miles south of I-90 Exit 179, to county Road M SE. Turn south on Road M SE and proceed six miles to State Highway 262. Turn east (left) on Hwy. 262 and go 1/2 mile the gravel road on the south (right). This gravel road is known as the 'Seep Lakes Road' and it provides public access through the Seep Lakes Unit to the McManamon Road on the south end.
    Parking/Restroom Information
    There are several parking areas in the Seep Lakes Unit. There are outhouses and boat ramps at the Heart Lake, Windmill Lake and Long Lake parking areas.

    See listing of Seep Lakes Access Sites and Facility Information

    Access Site #2
    Driving Directions
    The north end of Warden Lake is accessed via Hwy. 262 about two miles east of the Road M SE intersection.
    Parking/Restroom Information
    There is a WDFW access road and parking area with an outhouse and gravel boat ramp at the upper end of Warden Lake.

    See listing of Seep Lakes Access Sites and Facility Information

    Unique Features
    The Seep Lakes Unit is within the 'channeled scablands' of Eastern Washington, that were created by ice age floods during the Pleistocene Epoch.
     
       OTHER INFORMATION
    • Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Management Plan & Updates
    • Wildlife Area Habitat Conservation Plans
    • Weekender Report
    • Wildlife Area Viewing Guide
    • Accessing Washington's Outdoors
    Find a Water Access Site
       MAPPING
    • Seep Lakes Unit - Detailed Land Ownership & Resource Map
    • GoHunt - Interactive Mapping
    Vehicle Use Permit
    Vehicle Use Permit
    Permit required for use of all WDFW lands.
       OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
    No activities currently listed for this Unit.
     

    If you are Hunting or Fishing, remember to check all current regulations.

    Activities may include restrictions or require permits. Please see Public Conduct Rules for more information.

    Find a bug or error in the system? Let us know about it!
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