The Ephrata area was used as a Native American summer camp and a trading spot between the Walla Walla and Okanogan Native Americans. Still, no town development occurred until after 1886, making it one of the last areas of Washington to be developed. The town grew to about 75 residents after the Great Northern Railroad arrived in 1892. The town was first planned out in 1901, but it was still known as farming and grazing country because of the cool underground springs. Herds of wild horses could be found throughout the region until the Last Great Roundup was organized out of the city in 1906. During this event, thousands of cowboys rode throughout the Columbia Basin. More than 5,000 horses were rounded up and shipped to buyers in North Dakota and to points further east.
Today, when you visit Ephrata, you will find a city of about 8,000 people. Many travelers come to this region to explore the Grand Coulee Dam. Start your visit at the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center by taking one of the public tours of this dam. The dam's staff often host special events in their auditorium, and there is a fun geocache challenge to complete.
You will find many delicious places to eat in Ephrata. Many people of Hispanic descent moved to this area during the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam in the 1940s. One of the ways they have influenced the region is with great Mexican food, which you can sample at El Agave Mexican Restaurant, Tacos Mi Casa, and Tequilas Mexican Restaurant. If you are in the mood for a great pita, head straight to Pita Pit. Consider starting your day with a hearty breakfast at local favorites Barb & Ed's or The Bookery.
Coulee Dam – This city of about 1,200 people is home to Grand Coulee Dam and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, so you'll find plenty of opportunities for fishing and hiking opportunities. The city lies partially in Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties.
4 Restaurants
1 Gas Station
1 National recreation area
2 Nearby state parks
1 Campground
1 RV dump station
Wenatchee - This city of about 34,000 people is called the Apple Capital of the World because of the variety of apples grown nearby. Learn more by going on a hike along the Apple Capital Loop. Especially in the spring, you will want to stroll through Ohme Gardens. Sample the area's craft beers by visiting Brewer's Row.
18 Restaurants
20+ Gas stations
3 State parks
7 Campgrounds
2 RV dump stations
Soap Lake – This community of about 1,500 residents is home to Soap Lake, where early settlers believed that the mineral-rich waters had healing properties. Today, the community is actively restoring its downtown area to resemble the spa areas that visitors came to in the early 1900s.
12 Restaurants
3 Gas Stations
3 Campgrounds
2 RV dump stations
Sage-N-Sun Festival – Watch the circus and parade, visit food and craft vendors and hear live entertainment during this two-day festival held annually in June in downtown Ephrata.
Anything With Wheels – Join the excitement of this mid-July one-day vehicle show and festival on C Street in Ephrata.
Wine Art Walk – Head to the ERC Lounge in Ephrata in late October for this one-day festival featuring displays by local artists and a range of local wines to enjoy.
You can also find RV storage at many locations in and near Moses Lake. Jolain All Secure Storage offers storage units up to 12 feet by 40 feet in Ephrata. Couley's Mini Storage offers outdoor storage for RVs within their fenced storage area in Moses Lake. Covered and uncovered RV storage is available at three locations in Ephrata operated by Yenney Storage.
Mount Rainier National Park near Tacoma is a fantastic place for a hiking adventure. One terrific option is to hike along Skyline Trail to Panorama Point, where you will love seeing the mountain views. You may also want to hike along the Grove of the Patriarchs Trails to see the 1,000-year-old Douglas fir and red cedar trees. On this trail, you will also hike across a thrilling suspension bridge.
North Cascades National Park near Burlington is a super place for a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway, which is the only road running through the park. Stop at the North Cascades Visitors Center in Newhalem to follow the boardwalk and see stunning Picket Range views. You will also want to see Diablo Lake, which gets its unique turquoise color from the melting glaciers above it.
Olympic National Park near Port Angeles contains the only rainforest in the United States, and you will want to go for a hike through Hoh Rain Forest. Kalaloch and Ruby Beaches are fascinating places to take nature photos as the waves crash into large boulders, and they are also outstanding places to spot marine wildlife.
Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park near Coulee offers over 73,000 feet of shoreline, making it a fabulous place for a fishing expedition. Deep Lake is a popular place to go canoeing and kayaking. While visiting this park, stop at the Dry Falls Visitor Center to see the interpretive displays teaching how floods have formed this landscape.
Potholes State Park on O'Sullivan Reservoir's shores near Moses Lake is another wonderful fishing destination. You can enjoy aquatic activities such as waterskiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This park is also an incredible place to go birdwatching.
Wanapum Recreation Area near Vantage is home to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest, which is considered one of the most diverse petrified forests in North America. Learn more about this location by stopping at the Ginkgo Trailside Museum. Anglers will adore fishing in Wanapum Lake.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area offers numerous boat launches. History lovers will want to explore Mission Point and see the historic church building. Breathe in the scene of pike trees as you hike along this park's many trails.
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area near Stehekin covers more than 61,000 acres. Lake Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in the United States, and you can go fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on it. This park adjoining North Cascades National Park offers numerous hiking trails. This national recreational area has seven campgrounds that are open all year.
Whitman Mission National Historic Site near Walla Walla is the site where workers constructed the first Christian mission in Washington. The Whitman family was murdered at this site after tensions between them and the Cayuse people. Visit the site to learn more about this event.
There are lots of outstanding RV campsites nearby at Moses Lake. There are 87 sites at Sunrise RV Park, which is one popular option. Each site comes with full hookups, and most are big enough to pull a Class A motorhome through.
Sunrise Resort operates Pier 4 Resort on Moses Lake's shores. You can go shoreline fishing in Moses Lake without leaving this campground. Waterskiing, sailing, and paddling are popular activities on this lake.
Cascade Campground is open from May through September and is also on Moses Lake's shores. You can go wakeboarding and swimming near this campground.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ephrata, WA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ephrata?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ephrata from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ephrata?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
