Cascade Park

Spanning the picturesque shoreline in the city of Moses Lake, Cascade Park is a perfect blend of natural tranquility and outdoor recreation. This 34-acre park is one of the premier recreational areas in Washington state, USA. With direct water access and excellent infrastructure, it attracts both water sports enthusiasts and families looking for a pleasant picnic spot.

One of the park's key features is its versatility. It is home to the popular Cascade Campground, offering 85 well-equipped sites for tents and RVs, as well as the modern Kvamme Soccer Complex featuring professional soccer fields. This is a place where the natural landscape is harmoniously complemented by swimming areas, playgrounds, and convenient boat launches.

For visitors to the city, Cascade Park is more than just a point on a map; it is a true community hub. Whether it's early morning fishing, an evening barbecue under the shade of mature trees, or observing the local wildlife, the park offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the American Northwest.

For details on campsite reservations or event rentals, you can contact the park administration directly. Current contact information is provided below.

There is something for everyone at Cascade Park. Water enthusiasts can use the public boat launch for a lake excursion or spend some time quietly fishing. During the summer season, a designated swimming area opens for a refreshing break on hot days, while well-equipped picnic shelters with grills invite you to enjoy a family lunch outdoors.

For those who prefer team games, the Kvamme Soccer Complex is a fantastic find. It regularly hosts soccer matches for youth and adult teams, as well as seasonal T-ball games. Children will be delighted by the modern playground, while adults can enjoy the peace and quiet of birdwatching along the shoreline, where local fauna are frequently spotted.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in a nature retreat, consider staying at Cascade Campground. This seasonal campground, operating from April to September, provides all the necessary amenities for a comfortable night under the stars. The combination of active sports, water activities, and the chance to simply gaze at the calm lake surface makes a visit here truly memorable.

Reaching this scenic spot in northeast Moses Lake is easy, especially if you are traveling by car. From the city center, the route follows Valley Rd NE—the drive takes just a few minutes. For visitors' convenience, ample parking is provided on-site, including specialized spaces for vehicles with boat trailers.

If you prefer public transportation, look for Grant Transit Authority routes that serve the city's main areas. For travelers arriving from out of state, it is most convenient to rent a car or take a taxi from Grant County International Airport, located just 5–10 minutes from the park. For those already on the water, there is direct access to the shore from the lake.

Travelers from Seattle often include the park in their weekend itineraries. The drive along I-90 East takes about three hours (approximately 290 km) and passes through the picturesque landscapes of Central Washington, making the trip a pleasant addition to an outdoor getaway.

The history of the lands surrounding the lake where Cascade Park stands today is rooted in the distant past. According to the legends of local Indigenous tribes (such as the Kowalchina and Sinkiuse), the lake was formed after a massive storm created a natural sand dam. For centuries, native peoples gathered camas roots and waterfowl eggs on these shores, calling this place home.

Active settlement of the region began in the 1880s, gradually changing the traditional way of life for the tribe of Chief Moses, for whom the city and lake are named today. In the early 20th century, the settlement of Neppel emerged here, and in 1911, farmers built an irrigation dam. This technological solution transformed the arid valley into a blooming landscape: thousands of acres of apple orchards were planted in the Cascade Valley area, becoming the backbone of the local economy.

The city of Moses Lake officially appeared on the map in 1938. The further development of the park area was closely linked to the post-war boom and the implementation of the large-scale Columbia Basin Project. Over time, Cascade Park evolved from a simple shoreline into a modern recreational complex, carefully preserving water access for everyone.

When planning your visit to Cascade Park, consider your interests. For those who simply want to stroll along the shore, enjoy the water views, or have a small picnic, 2–4 hours will be quite sufficient. This is enough time to explore the grounds and appreciate the scale of the local nature.

If your goal is a full day of active recreation, including launching a boat, fishing, or participating in sports matches at the Kvamme Soccer Complex, you should set aside a full day for your visit. Many travelers prefer to stay for the entire weekend, booking a spot at the campground to watch the sunrise over the lake.

According to public information, Cascade Park is open to visitors daily and 24 hours a day. This allows guests to plan their visit at any convenient time—whether for early morning fishing at dawn or an evening stroll under the stars.

Despite the 24-hour access to the grounds, the operation of specific facilities (such as the swimming area or the campground) is seasonal (typically from April to September). Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official Moses Lake Parks and Recreation website to confirm the current administrative office hours and reservation rules for campsites.

After some active outdoor fun, it's worth exploring the surrounding area, which is home to many interesting locations. Just a ten-minute drive away, you'll find cozy gastropubs, family bistros, and entertainment centers that will help make your day in Moses Lake even more fulfilling.