Moses Coulee

Moses Coulee is a deep canyon that cuts through the Waterville Plateau, extending roughly 30 kilometers west from Grand Coulee toward the Columbia River. The landscape features dry shrubland and sagebrush vegetation that dominate this section of the Columbia Plateau.

During the Pleistocene epoch, colossal floods from glacial Lake Missoula carved this channel, creating the second largest canyon system in the Channeled Scablands. This ancient geological event shaped the landscape structure that remains visible today.

The Nature Conservancy manages the Moses Coulee Preserve, protecting 3,588 acres of shrub-steppe habitat and native species of the Columbia Plateau.

Visitors can explore the designated trails year-round, with spring being the best season for viewing wildflowers and spotting local wildlife. Sturdy footwear is recommended when navigating the uneven terrain.

A massive gravel deposit within the canyon rises about 74 meters high and extends several kilometers in a pendant-shaped formation. This distinctive feature was created by the same floodwaters that carved the entire canyon system.

GPS coordinates: 47.45833,-119.80000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45