Rocks and water - Ancient Lakes

Long time no write! I've been busy working two jobs. I've been hiking, just not writing. So here we go for a late start to the hiking season!

Back in February I was single, so I took myself and the dog out for a Valentine's Day hike to coulee country. Winter is the time for desert hiking in my opinion. It's cool and there are no rattlesnakes out!

Ancient Lakes Loop
Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Parking permit: Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year)
Distance: 4.6 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 278 feet

To get to the trailhead, take I-90 exit 149 if coming from Ellensberg or 151 if coming from Moses Lake, and head north on SR-281. After about 5 miles, turn left onto White Trail Road (Rd 5 NW). Wind through farmlands for 7.8 miles and take a left on Rd 9 NW. After a couple miles and a steep downhill grade, the pavement ends and the road becomes Ancient Lakes Road. Follow the road all the way to the end to the trailhead parking.

Even though there are lakes and waterfalls, most of the water is agricultural run-off from all that farmland you drove past earlier. You'll want to pack all the water you'll need for your hike. The valley is a popular backpacking spot; if you decide to camp overnight, make sure you bring plenty of H2O!

As you can see from the satellite, there are several trails that braid off the "official" trail. I ended up following the northernmost one and dead-ending at the lake, then working my way around until I joined the "official" trail. I don't recommend this. The path I took around the lake dwindled to nothing and ended up costing me a lot of energy to finish navigating. 

Otherwise, it was a beautiful hike. There had been a light dusting of snow the evening before. For most of the hike, the sun stayed behind a cloud and gave off some fantastic lighting.

At the easternmost lake, a waterfall in the distance can be seen. There's another trailhead above that waterfall somewhere, with a hike down the cliff. Someday I'll find that trailhead and hit the valley from that angle.

There's also supposedly a route that leads up the blade that separates this coulee from its next-door neighbor. I think I saw the route but couldn't get to it this time, so next time I'm gonna give it a shot.

In the summer, I imagine the heat is sweltering out here. For a February hike, it was nice and cool. I took off my jacket when I hit the sunny spots.

This is a great off-season hike (just check the road conditions, as there's a steep curve to contend with that I wouldn't want to attempt when icy). I'll definitely be returning to this area to access it from the other trailhead and check out Dusty Lake coulee to the south.

Umtanum Creek Falls

This one was especially fun for me because there was actual tree cover on this hike, something that's been lacking since I moved over to the east side.

From Ellensburg, take I-82 exit 109 and hang north on Canyon Road toward Ellensburg. Take a Left on Umptanum Road and follow for 9 miles. You'll eventually run out of pavement. The well-marked parking area is on the left.

Umtanum Falls Trail
Washington State DNR
Parking Permit: Discover Pass ($10 per day/$30 per year)
Distance: 2 miles (round-trip)
Elevation gain: 235 feet

Take the left trail from the parking lot; the right trail leads you up in the wrong direction. Follow the creek, taking care on a few slick creek crossings.

You'll alternate between forest and meadow. Make sure you bring bug repellent!

After a mile, the trail abruptly ends atop a large basin as water cascades down.

I had a friend who hiked up the forested side of the hill and went around that way to get across the basin for a good view, but she said it was nerve-wracking. Indeed, I attempted it and backed off. Instead for a view of the falls, I crossed the creek and climbed up toward the chimney-esk basalt formations and descended along a rough trail by a talus field. It was steep and required all four limbs to navigate, but I managed to climb down into the basin.

Hiking buddy!

There appeared to be a trail that lead to an area where someone had camped recently (and left their trash, unfortunately). Here I decided to turn around and head back. It's a lovely short jaunt, with cool water and tree cover making it a great warmer-weather hike!

Frenchman Coulee (and a stop at Wild Horses Monument)

Last month I set out to Vantage, WA, to check out a hike with a seasonal waterfall. It was across a desert basin with no shade or cover, so best reserved for spring or fall during cooler weather.

First, I took a quick stop at Wild Horse Monument, which is accessible at a pullout on I-90 E just outside of Vantage.

Wild Horses Monument
Grant County

Parking permit: none needed

Distance: 0.4 miles round-trip

Elevation gain: 150'

The official name of the artwork is actually "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies", and was envisioned to be larger, but funding fell short. You can see the horses along the ridge from the highway, and if you are heading eastbound you can pull into the scenic turn-out for a closer look.

That trail that goes straight up is the proper way. That is the way you want to go. I followed the old jeep road along the side, thinking maybe there was another way...

It's worse on the other side.

 I went up that way, but barely made it, at the rock is loose and steep. Go up the front way. It's also steep, but it's more manageable.

The top of this very short hike affords a closer look at the horses...

...and the graffiti coating them. Still, it's a pretty damn scenic view, with the town of Vantage in the background.

Back on I-90 takes you on to Frenchman Coulee.

Frenchman Coulee
Washington State Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Parking permit: Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year)
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: negligible

From Vantage, take exit 143 and hang left (west) on Silica Rd. In a short distance, take a left on Vantage Rd. Follow the road past scenic cliffs and campgrounds that are a rock climber's paradise. Near the bottom, a small parking area bordered by concrete barriers marks the trailhead. There's room for four or five cars in the parking area as well as extra shoulder parking. The trailhead is at the end of the parking area.

I saw horseback riders, mountain bikers, and lots of climbers, but I was the only hiker on the trail. The trail hugs near the road for a bit before veering off and heading across the distance. I could see my destination waterfall slowly get closer as I approached.

The first mile of trail is rocky. The second mile is sandy, which added a little bit of challenge to the otherwise flat terrain. I saw some snake tracks in the sand, but did not come face to face with any reptiles while I was on the trail.

Eventually I reached the waterfall.

This hike was short and sweet. I think the next time I attempt it I will lengthen my hike and hit up Frenchman Spring, which is almost directly north of the trailhead on the other side of the basin. Based on Google Satellite, it looks like there is an option for a loop trail.

Snoqualmie Falls and Moving Across the State

So I've been busy relocating. I'm saying goodbye to the islands and mountains, and hello to the desert! I start my new job tomorrow and will be moving into a house in a couple weeks! It's a new chapter in my life. That's why there's been a distinct lack of posts. I'm going through big changes, so my energies are taken up.

On my way over the mountains, I did stop briefly to hike at Snoqualmie Falls, though.

The falls are just a short detour off of I-90.

From the upper lot, there's a short hiking trail that is about half a mile long and drops around 200 feet to the river.

It's short, but fairly steep. Along the way, you can read about various native flora, including their Snoqualmie names and what their traditional uses were.

At the bottom, the boardwalk will take you past some more modern hydroelectric utilities.

The lookout from the bottom is truly gorgeous. I prefer it over the more crowded upper lot lookout. 

Of course, the climb back is a bit of a workout, but again, it's short.

I do hope to explore more trails in the central Cascades now that I have moved down here. I am going to miss the trees and the ocean. I will make it back when I can, but I also have lots of new area to explore in my new home. Once I am finished resettling, I look forward to exploring as much as I can!

For now, here's a preview of a short hike I did today. Welcome to the desert!