Desert Wildlife Recreation Area

Attractions - This area includes Winchester Reservoir, Winchester Wasteway, Frenchman Hills Wasteway, and numerous small ponds and marshes. Fishing is year-round for yellow perch, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout. Access is limited in some areas. Boat motors are prohibited seasonally on Winchester Wasteway. Some sites have restrooms and boat ramps.

Recreation - Fishing and boating are the primary activities at this recreation area.

Climate - The climate of Washington varies within each region. The Cascades split the state and alter the weather patterns. The mountains receive large amounts of wet, heavy snow from October through May. These peaks remain snow covered throughout the year. The terrain east of the mountains receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall per year, generally much less than west of the mountains. Since the area east of the mountains is landlocked, temperatures in this region are lower during the winter months. Frequent winds coming down from the mountains also contribute to the low temperatures of eastern Washington.

Due to the coastal geography, western Washington is primarily temperate. The proximity to the ocean stabilizes the climate, making extreme temperatures very rare. The area receives large amounts of precipitation from Pacific rain and snow storms.

Location - The Desert Wildlife Recreation Area is located around Ephrata, Washington.