Skamania County Boat Launchs

Skamania County operates two boat launches which provide access to the Columbia River and tributaries.  Both are located in central and east county areas and require a parking/launch fee be paid for use.

Wind River Boat Launch

Located in Home Valley this boat launch provides immediate access to the Wind and Columbia Rivers.  Camping accomodations are available nearby at Home Valley Park and severl other privatley operated RV Parks or Campgrounds.

The boat launch is open year round and has parking available in a paved lot.  Skamania County is working on upgrading this launch, and future plans include more parking and additional restrooms.

Drano Lake Boat Launch

Drano Lake is approximatley 20 miles east of Stevenson near the Little White Salmon Fish Hatchery.  A partner project with the IAC, Skamania County Dept. of Public Works and Facilities & Recreation, this launch was re-built in early 2002.

Vault toilets, numerous parking spaces and a new launch platform were added to accomodate record fishing enthusiasts that visit this site each year.

Parking/Launch Fees

Users are required to pay a fee to park or launch at Wind River and Drano Lake Boat Launch sites.  Fees are as follows:

$5.00 Daily Fee

(Fee Envelope available on site – cash and checks accepted)

Annual Passes, valid at both launch sites are sold on a pro-rated scale depending on time of purchase.  The fees are as follows and passes are valid for the calendar year in which they were purchased:

$55.00  January 1st – June 30th

$40.00  July 1st – September 30th

$25.00  October 1st – December 31st

Senior Passes are available for Skamania County residents age 70 or older for a fee of $25.  These passes are sold at the same price, year round and also valid at Wind River and Drano Lake launch sites.  Purchasers must show a photo id with a valid Skamania County address to receive passes at the discounted rate.

The following retailers sell Annual Launch Passes for use at Wind River and Drano Lake launch sites:

Home Valley Grocery (Home Valley, WA)

Bridgemart (Bingen, WA)

Main Street Convenience Store (Stevenson, WA)

Hammer’s Outdoor World (Union Gap, WA)

Annual Passes may also be purchased at the Facilities & Recreation office at the Hegewald Center / 710 SW Rock Creek Drive / Stevenson, WA