The Goose Lakes Unit is within the scenic Drumheller Channeled Scablands offering unique geological features. A long history of range fire has turned almost all of this area into grassland. Two low rock dams were built in the 1950s to create Upper and Lower Goose lakes, each of which has boat access.
The Goose lakes Unit is located just south of Potholes Reservoir in Adams and Grant counties.
The Goose Lakes Unit occurs in the Lower Crab Creek Watershed within the Columbia Plateau.
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking areas
- Boat launches
Fishing
Water access for warmwater fishing is provided at Upper Goose Lake water access site.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes two lakes, cliffs, mesas, box canyons, big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass, and some wetland, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
This unit consists of channeled scabland created by glacial floodwaters, and basalt outcroppings forming cliffs, mesas, box canyons, and potholes. One major canyon is filled with water that has seeped from the Potholes Reservoir north of this unit. Two low rock dams were built in the 1950s to create Upper and Lower Goose lakes. A long history of range fire has turned almost all of this area into grassland. Both lakes have steep, rocky shorelines with very little wetland habitat into Crab Creek on Columbia National Wildlife Refuge lands. Another small lake, Shoofly Lake, is just west of Black Lake and is fed by seepage from the western part of this unit. A long narrow wetland and big sage/bluebunch wheatgrass exist on the west side of this unit. A small stream flows southward from Lower Goose Lake and feeds Black Lake. The outlet of Black Lake flows into Crab Creek on Columbia National Wildlife Refuge lands.
Conservation goals
- Maintain enhanced wildlife habitats and preserve native plant communities and important habitats
- Restore and preserve shallow water habitat and pools
- Manage migrant waterfowl, upland game birds, and priority species
Land stewardship
Most of the Goose Lakes Unit was transferred to WDFW management through a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1969.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.