Quincy, Washington

All around you, waterfalls pour over cliffs as you gaze upon colorful lakes. If you're lucky, a coyote scampers by through a patch of wildflowers – it's just another beautiful day in the Ancient Lakes basin, a gem tucked along the Columbia River Gorge in Central Washington. From the parking lot,...

On the hunt for a dry, scenic backpack during a weekend of dreary, wet, early September weather in the mountains, we decided to head toward the high desert outside of Quincy, WA. After a short hike in, we found a site seldom seen - waterfalls and lakes in the midst of the desert - an area known a...

Occupying a cluster of desert canyons and mesas perched atop the cliffs overlooking the eastern bank of the mighty Columbia River, the Frenchman Coulee is a rock climber’s paradise. Featuring dozens of world-class sport and trad routes, both single- and multi-pitch, the climbing around Vantage li...

I had never been outdoor rock climbing before, but when I heard my school was offering a trip out to Vantage, Washington over the weekend I couldn't pass up the opportunity!Vantage, Washington is smack in the middle of Washington's two largest cities, Seattle and Spokane. With its close proximity...

If you're traveling along Hwy 90 in the middle of Washington State, the Wild Horse Monument is a fun and rather quick area to explore. Located 30 miles east of Ellensburg and 60 miles northwest of Yakima, the monument is located just across the Columbia River as you head east. As you drive, there...

Starting from the south end of Wenatchee, hike straight up the obvious wide trail to the south side of Saddle Rock. You'll wind around the iconic rock feature and approach it from the back. A short and steep hike will reward you with wide open views of the Wenatchee Valley as you crest the hill...

Have you ever explored the ancient caves of the Washington Palouse? Just off of highway 17 near Coulee City the Lenore Lake Caves are a perfect day hike experience. These caves were formed when the area was flooded 12,000 years ago by melting ice. You have to see them for yourself!The trail im...

This is a great place to take a stroll and stretch your legs. With waterfalls and other beautiful scenery, definitely make a stop here if you find yourself in the area. No pets allowed. 

At the north end of the Wenatchee Valley, drive up Burch Mountain Road until it turns into dirt. It is closed in the winter and early spring due to snow, so make sure it's open before you go. Once you start driving, the mountain is your playground. Go all the way up to the trees or stop just h...

While you probably won't accidentally find yourself out here, this is definitely an area to become acquainted with. This otherworldly landscape sits at roughly the halfway point for a fifty-mile stretch of the earth referred to as the Coulee Corridor. This land is a prime example of the sheer pow...

Wenatchee Crest Trail is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Cashmere, Washington.

Manastash Ridge is a popular hike in Ellensburg, Washington, attracting many locals and students of Central Washington University. While attending school, I climbed the Ridge a handful of times, always with struggle. After making my resolution of 40 hikes in 2015, I decided to tackle this hike fo...

Starting at an elevation of 2050 feet and immediately off the gravel parking lot to the side of Canyon Road, begin the uphill charge on the vast, empty Rattlesnake Dance Trail. A few steps in, the tone will be set as to what you are up against.Although less than a mile and a half in distance, do ...

Park your vehicle at the Umtanum Creek Canyon Recreation Area. Be aware that from mid-May to mid-September there is a $5.00 per vehicle, per day parking fee since the land is owned by Bureau of Land Management.Grab your gear and head for the swinging suspension bridge that will lead you over the ...

As attempting to find a good overnight spot, I stumbled upon the mostly overlooked Ingalls Creek trail. Seemingly easy to get to, this seemed like a solid option for Spring camping. When we arrived, there were about four other cars in the parking lot, and my guess is that was about how many cars ...

Chelan Butte provides sweeping views of Lake Chelan and the Columbia River and is actually located within the limits of the City of Chelan, with the trailhead sitting just outside the downtown area. While Chelan Butte is typically covered in snow during the winter providing a nice snowshoe, most ...