Not far from Ellensburg, the 90 crosses the Columbia. Just before the bridge is the small settlement of Vantage. I'm wondering if the name stems from 'vantage point' or similar phrase since views abound up and down the river as well as to the East.
Vantage is also home to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. Don't go expecting a mass of trees though - the visitor center has a few samples.
There are some trails a few miles to the west, though given the 100 degree highs you'll forgive me for not exploring... There is some wildlife at the center though, some I saw and some I didn't want to.
Water-sports are obviously popular around here - there are launches in Vantage and further south - the Wanapum recreational area being one example, though on busy days expect to see people just parked up by the side of the road.
Also to the south is a dam
... which led to rising waters, luckily some Petroglyphs were saved.
Finally, if you want your very own petrified wood, don't steal it, get it from the gift shop which of course is marked by...
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