Potholes Reservoir

About Potholes Reservoir

The Potholes reservoir was created by a large subsidence of the earth that occurred during a flood in the Pleistocene (prehistoric time). This is the largest earth upheaval in the state of Washington, USA since the end of the last ice age and gives the area the name "pothole."

The pothole dam and Sullivan dam were built as part of the Columbia Basin Project and the water began to fill the reservoir.

Potholes were filled in the 1950s after the completion of the O'Sullivan Dam, and water was then poured into the reservoir for the first time in history.

The O'Sullivan Dam is named after James O'Sullivan, a local lawyer who worked tirelessly to bring water to what was then the driest area in central Washington.

Surrounded by sand dunes and rocky gorges, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The main purpose of the pothole basin is to collect backflow from the irrigation system in the upper part of this project to reuse it for irrigation in the lower parts. The power is generated at O'Sullivan Dam, but the largest fluctuations in the reservoir occur in the water supply of the city of Redmond, Washington, and Washington state.

Along the Pacific Flyway, bird watchers can observe millions of birds that use the area as a resting and feeding ground for annual migrations. Perch, perch and cappie are abundant in the potholes of the reservoir. Mule deer can be observed in peripheral areas where suitable habitat is available, but there is a high concentration of coyotes in areas where they are the most predatory mammals.

Potholes State Park attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year, setting a new visitor record for a US national park.

The Potholes reservoir was built to provide useful water to agricultural land, but has since become a recreational area for thousands. Whether you want to hike, camp, fish or just enjoy the natural beauty of the area, it's worth a visit. The campsite is located next to the reservoir Pothole, and there is also a campsite with electricity. There are also a number of hiking trails, picnic areas, waterfalls and other amenities.