Local Area Attractions Near Starbuck / Lyons Ferry Marina KOA Holiday

If your looking for breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure you have come to the right place. Let KOA set you up for a day of fun on the river!

Joso Bridge

Joso Bridge

Just downstream of the marina, the Joso Bridge is visible over the river.  This bridge is one of the most photographed train bridges.  It is visible from the campground

The Joso Bridge was constructed starting in 1910 and opened to rail traffic in 1914. Competition between rival rail companies spurred the construction of the bridge shaving 52 miles and 4 hours off the route between Portland and Spokane.  At the time it was built it was the highest and longest rail bridge in the world. The bridge is 3500' in length and nearly 180 above the water. Even today the bridge is one of the longest rail bridges in the U.S.  Construction was exceedingly dangerous with divers going down 65' to bedrock in the river. According to some reports one life a day was lost during construction! The Bridge was named after a local sheep farmer, Leon Jaussaud. Today the rail line is still operated by the Union Pacific Company.

Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls

An absolute must if you are in the area! Washington States official waterfall as enacted by the current Governor on March 18, 2014.

Just 15 minutes north of the campground on Highway 261.

Lttle Goose Dam

Lttle Goose Dam

This dam is over ½ mile long and 98' in height. Completed in 1970 this dam is capable of producing 932 megawatts of power. A small visitor center is open to the public from 6am – 5pm. Here you can view fish passage windows as Salmon & Steelhead use the fish ladders. A more extensive dam tour can be arranged by calling Ranger Matt at 509-399-2010 ext. 262. Directions: 20 minutes. Travel South 7 miles on Hwy 261, turn left on Little Goose Rd for 7 miles.

1001 Little Goose Dam Rd

Starbuck, WA 99359

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The Great Starbuck Jail break!

The Great Starbuck Jail break!

In the early 1900's, a jail break and murder of the Sheriff resulted in a large man hunt, capture and trial. The small Starbuck jail can still be visited today in “downtown” Starbuck. Bent window bars are still in place where the gun was smuggled to the prisoner.  Directions: 15 minutes. Travel South on Hwy 261 6 miles to intersection of Starbucks Main St on the right. Turn right onto Main St and travel a few hundred yards and look to your left and see a small, white 1 story building – that's the jail! Don't forget to look for bent window bars!

Marmes Rock Shelter

Marmes Rock Shelter

Along the rocky bluffs to the North of Lyons Ferry Park lies the Marmes Rock Shelter. The shelter was first recorded in a 1962 archeological survey. A large overhanging shelter was used for thousands of years by early man. Up to 11 full and partial skeletons were found within or near the shelter. Artifacts and remains date back 13,000 years making this one of the oldest inhabited sites in North America.  Due to rising water of the areas rivers caused by the lower Monumental Dam an attempt was made to protect the shelter. In 1969 a dike was placed around the shelter, unfortunately it failed to hold back the rising water. Today Marmes Pond covers the area precluding further study. On a side note Marmes Pond has excellent Trout fishing opportunities!  Directions: Follow directions to Lyons Ferry Park Trailheads. Trails are not marked well and wander along river, plan on several hours. Follow trails generally North along the Palouse River.

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Town of Dayton

Town of Dayton

This picturesque farming community has an eclectic collection of restaurants, shops, golf course, wine tasting at Dumas Station, museums and historic homes.  Make sure to check out the Historic Train Depot, the oldest in the state built in 1881. The depot is located at 222 E. Commercial St. Open Wed – Sun, 11am – 4pm Nov through  April and 10am – noon & 1pm – 5pm May through Oct.  

Also Dayton is home to the oldest court house in the state of Washington.Directions: 35 minutes. Travel South on Hwy 261 to intersection of Hwy 12. Turn right on 12 and travel west to town of Dayton.

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Lyons Ferry Hatchery

Lyons Ferry Hatchery

This complex is part of the program involved in rearing of endangered Chinook Salmon and Steelhead. A self-guided tour and visitor center is open to the public. Hours 9am – 4pm  Directions: 5 minutes. Travel North on Hwy 261, after crossing Lyons Ferry Bridge turn at first left into hatchery driveway.

13780 Hwy 261

Washtucna, WA 99371

Website

Pataha Flour Mill

Pataha Flour Mill

The mill was built in 1889 and restoration began in 1988. The mill is home to a gift shop, restaurant (pay what you think the meal is worth, no kidding!) and museum.  A fascinating place to wander, the 3 story mill is chocked full of history and is worth a visit! 

Directions: 40 minutes. Travel South on Hwy 261 to intersection of Hwy 12, turn left on Hwy 12 and travel east to town of Pomeroy. Mill is 2 miles East of Pomeroy off Hwy 12 and is visible from Hwy, turn right onto Hutchen Hills Rd.

50 Hutchen Hills Rd

Pomeroy, WA 99347

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