DESERT AIRE, Wash. - The Vernita Bridge Water Access Area, a beloved spot for fall fishing on the Columbia River, is undergoing changes to improve safety and preserve its natural resources.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) plans to phase out overnight camping at Vernita by October 16, 2025, and transition to a day-use only site by 2026. The department is working on developing an improved boat launch, restroom and parking area.

Mike Livingston, WDFW South Central Region 3 director, emphasized the site's importance, saying, "WDFW understands the importance of this fishery both locally and regionally and is committed to providing public access in the area for anglers."

In recent years, the site's usage has become unsustainable due to the lack of sanitation facilities a

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