At Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, rugged cliffs, canyons, lakes, grasslands, and sagebrush landscapes meet across nearly 30,000 acres. The refuge attracts migratory and wintering visitors: waterfowl include mallards, Canada geese, and tundra swans. The mix of open land and water shapes the natural character of this part of Adams County.
The Rimrock Trail offers a viewpoint over a landscape shaped by floods. Seasonal access to the refuge is also important for visitors: most uses are permitted seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Some areas are open year-round, others are closed year-round; additional areas are open from March 1 through September 30 to protect wintering waterfowl. Before your trip, check current notices about areas and trail conditions.
Experience Water and Agriculture
Potholes State Park lies in a desert landscape on Potholes Reservoir and along freshwater marshes. In summer, visitors can water-ski, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard there. Those looking for water activities will find a different focus here than bird-watching or taking in the view from Rimrock Trail. Othello serves as a base for visiting Potholes State Park; check current conditions for your planned summer activities before traveling.
The Othello Fair also offers a glimpse of the region’s agricultural character. It shares knowledge of the area’s agricultural heritage with the public and showcases farm animals such as cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats, and sheep. Fair food also includes cheeseburgers, corn dogs, elephant ears, spoon tacos, pie, and cotton candy. The event returns every year, but dates vary from year to year; food offerings may also vary. If you’re planning a visit, check this year’s dates and program.
History in Ritzville and Othello
Ritzville lies at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and Interstate 90. Its downtown, covering four blocks and containing the city’s main commercial buildings, is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. The Historic District was listed on the National Register in 1990; most of its commercial buildings were constructed between 1889 and 1920. The building plaques and companion booklet are both part of the self-guided walking tour. Check before your trip to see whether the booklet is available.
Other places and collections offer further historical insights. The Railroad Depot Museum includes a restored Northern Pacific freight car and working telegraph equipment; exhibits may change over time. The Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home dates to 1890 and is a cultural tourism destination. The Old Hotel Art Gallery is listed on the Washington Register of Historic Places. Metal sculptures by local artists depicting the region’s history stand throughout Ritzville.
The Othello Community Museum is housed in a former Presbyterian church built around 1908. The Adams County Historical Society preserves county artifacts and explains the history of Adams County and the communities within its boundaries. Together, these places offer different ways to explore the past: through a former church building, historic objects, and public art.
A Historic Route Through Adams County
The John Wayne Pioneer Trail, also called the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, runs through central Adams County and follows sections of the former Milwaukee Road railway. This historical context complements impressions from the museums and downtown with the story of an earlier rail line. Check current trail conditions before your visit.
Whether you plan your trip around landscapes, water sports, wildlife-watching, or regional history, the places described offer a range of themes without requiring a set itinerary. You can explore the refuge’s natural environment, summer activities at the state park, and historical sites as separate highlights.
Discover more destinations: Stevens County, Grant County, Whatcom, King, Skamania, and Kitsap.
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