Loading map...

2017 Map of Priest Rapids

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Priest Rapids
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Columbia River dominates this landscape, cutting a deep path between the steep western escarpments of Umtanum Ridge and the broad agricultural terraces of the Wahluke Slope to the east. Modern residential and recreational development is centered around Mattawa and the planned community of Desert Aire, which includes the Desert Aire Airport and several lakeside drives. The river's character changes significantly as it moves south toward Priest Rapids Lake, where the water widens above the noted Priest Rapids.

On the western shore, rugged terrain is marked by a series of dramatic drainages including Alkali Canyon, Corral Canyon, and Sourdough Canyon. The map reveals a complex grid of rural routes such as RD 24 SW serving the irrigated lands surrounding the town centers. In the river channel itself, Goose Island sits as a prominent feature, while the eastern flats are drained by Moran Slough, illustrating the varied hydrology of this desert environment.