Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a 4,027-acre camping park with 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline at the foot of Dry Falls. Dry Falls is one of the great geological wonders of North America. Carved by Ice Age floods that long ago disappeared, the former waterfall is now a stark cliff, 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide. In its heyday, the waterfall was four times the size of Niagara Falls. Today it overlooks a desert oasis filled with lakes and abundant wildlife. The park's dramatic landscape was formed by Ice Age floods that swept through the area 15,000 years ago. The park and the interesting exhibits at Dry Falls Visitor Center offer many opportunities for people to learn about this unusual landscape. Special programs, hikes, talks and classroom visits are available by appointment, through the visitor center, (509) 632-5214. Other park features, available seasonally, include boat rentals, a nine-hole golf course and a miniature golf course.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.Winter: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year round.Deep Lake is open the last Saturday of April through Sept. 30.Dry Falls Lake is open April 1 through Nov. 30.Dry Falls Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except holidays.

Camping:Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.Check-out time, 1 p.m.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

The park stands at the foot of one of the greatest geological wonders in North America -- a former waterfall that now stands as a dry cliff 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide. When active, this waterfall was ten times larger than Niagara Falls. Carved by ice-age flood and known as "Dry Falls," this natural monument is the site of a staff visitor center. The surrounding area is full of beautiful natural formations.

Originally called "Dry Falls," Sun Lakes was renamed to better describe the area. Victor A. Myers, lieutenant governor at the time, suggested the change.

The park has 152 standard campsites, 39 utility spaces, one dump station, six restrooms and 12 showers. Maximum site length is 65 feet (may have limited availability). Park campsites do not have tent pads. All campsites have fire pits.

Be prepared for the possibility of heavy winds. Reservations are advised for the summer months. To make a reservation, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Group Accommodations:The park provides a group camp for tents only that accommodates up to 75 people. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

The park provides two boat ramps and 20 feet of dock. Water-skiing activities are restricted during certain times of the year. Be sure to contact the park if you have questions about Grant County boating ordinances (509) 632-5583Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.