Port of Quincy Bishop Recreation Area

Located on the cliffs high above the Columbia River, the 85 acre Bishop Recreation Area offers a landing point for nature enthusiasts to access bordering lands owned by Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bureau of Land Management for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. While current amenities are limited, the Port of Quincy is actively seeking water rights and funding to build upon this already incredible place!

For questions regarding the Bishop Recreation Area, please contact Catalina Blancas at cblancas@portofquincy.org.

Camping – There are no reservations taken for the Bishop Recreation Area. Camping at the Bishop Recreation Area operates on a first come, first served bases. There are no designated camping spots on the property, so feel free to pick any spot you see fit!

There is a $5 per person, per night fee for camping. Payments can be made over the phone by calling the Port of Quincy at (509) 787-3715 or by check, made payable to the Port of Quincy and mailed to 101 F St. SW, Quincy, WA 98848.

Horse Corrals – There are two public horse corrals on the property. The “Valley Corrals” and the “Sage Corrals”. Use of the corrals are on a first come, first served basis.

Water – While the Port of Quincy is actively seeking water rights for the Bishop property, there is currently no public access to water.

Restrooms – March through September (weather depending), there are two “port-a-potties” for use.

History of the Bishop Recreation Area

In June 2013, The Port of Quincy was approached by Dave Bishop to see if the Port would be interested in purchasing his property located on the cliffs above the Columbia River; it is bordered by lands owned by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Bureau of Reclamation, and The Bureau of Land Management. Over the years, Mr. Bishop has allowed people to use his property to access the public use properties bordering his place for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding with some great vistas of the area.

Massive basalt cliffs and the lava flows eroded by ancient glacial floodwaters (Ice Age Floods) provide many geological and paleontological educational opportunities.
Flora and fauna – prime wildlife watching areas and shrub steppe and other desert vegetation, including a rare and special cactus of the eastern Washington basalts (Pediocactus nigrispinus).
Fishing opportunities – a pond on the property, and also access to Ancient Lakes.
Bird watching areas – it is in an important waterfowl breeding area and is in the Pacific Flyway, which is a key migratory bird route.
Astronomy opportunities because it is isolated with no light pollution.

Dave was ready to “retire”, but did not want to sell to someone that would no longer permit use of the property for access to the public lands. He passionately believes the beauty of the area should be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

The Port of Quincy entered into an agreement with him to check into the feasibility of taking on the property. Public Hearings were held and a survey was conducted to get public feedback to find out who was using the property and what they wanted to see for improvements. As a result of the feedback, it was determined that current users like the natural feel of the place and want only minimal improvements – specifically, horseback riders would like to have a “high-line” for tethering the horses, water, and more parking; others suggested some type of restroom and water. None of the respondents said the Port should not take on this project.

in 2020 the Port of Quincy officially acquired the property currently known at the Bishop Recreation Area from Dave Bishop.

We value input from the citizens of Quincy and visitors to the Bishop Recreation Area. If you have any comments or are interest in assisting potential development, please reach out to the Port of Quincy.