description Steamboat Rock Overview
Steamboat Rock is a large basalt butte rising above Banks Lake in Grant County, Washington, within Steamboat Rock State Park. It is a remnant of Columbia River basalt isolated by erosion and the immense Ice Age floods that shaped the Grand Coulee. Trails lead onto its broad summit, while the surrounding park supports hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and observation of the coulee landscape.
help Steamboat Rock FAQ
Can you hike Steamboat Rock at Banks Lake in Washington?
Yes, there is a hiking trail to the summit of Steamboat Rock within Steamboat Rock State Park that offers panoramic views of Banks Lake and the Grand Coulee. The trail climbs steeply from the base to the broad, flat summit area.
How was Steamboat Rock formed geologically?
Steamboat Rock is a remnant of the Columbia River Basalt Group, the massive lava flows that covered much of the Pacific Northwest millions of years ago. The butte was carved into its dramatic shape by the catastrophic Ice Age Missoula Floods that scoured out the Grand Coulee and isolated the rock from surrounding terrain.
How tall is Steamboat Rock above Banks Lake?
Steamboat Rock rises roughly 800 feet above the waters of Banks Lake, with steep cliff faces on most sides and a wide, flat summit. Its imposing scale and prominent position along the Grand Coulee make it one of the most striking geological features in eastern Washington.
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