Forum Discussion

a-d-s's avatar
a-d-s
Explorer
May 17, 2018

Lincoln Rock north to Rock Creek

In Early August, we'll be staying 5 nights at Lincoln Rock just outside of Wenatchee, Wa. We are heading North over the border to Kettle River Campround (Rock Creek). Any advice on whether to take the more direct route (Hwy 97) that crosses at Osoyoos or take 155 & 21 up to the Ferry/Midway border crossing?

Just looking for any advice if one drive is more interesting etc. If it's a toss up we'll take the more direct route. Although the pull up Anarchist Mtn outside of Osyoos is a doozy so avoiding that isn't a bad thing.

THanks!
Roads and Routes
  • paulj's avatar
    paulj
    Explorer II
    May 17, 2018
    WA21 is mostly valley driving, with minimal divides between river basins. The side road to Midway is also flat, though less traveled. It follows the Kettle River as it makes a loop in to the States.

    But getting to 21 will involve grades of some sort.

    My guess is that WA20 from US97 will be the easiest, though it's been some time since I've driven it.

    US2 east from Lincoln Rock has a significant grade to the Waterville Plateau. Then there are grades back down to the Columbia River.

    WA 155 from Coulee City north isn't as steep, but still climbs before dropping down to US97. There are a couple paved local roads from 155 to 21 but they do cross a ridge. Check them GoogleMaps Streetview.

    You can also catch 21 at Wilbur (US2), and take the ferry across the Columbia. That's a pretty crossing, and nice campground at the reservoir. The drop at the end is brutal - but I'm sure lots of big RVs take it.

    There's a new ferry on 21. It was assembled from oversize pieces near the Grand Coulee Dam.

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