Ancient Lakes Trail
Quincy, Washington
Details
Distance
4.34 miles
Elevation Gain
213 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Jason Zabriskie
Great early season, late season or rainy-in-the-mountains hike. Short 2-mile (4-mile roundtrip), minimal elevation gain hike. You're in the desert - but wait! There's Lakes! Waterfalls! Wildflowers! Stunning basalt cliffs! A few established campgrounds in between the three lakes. Best hiked during spring or fall seasons. In the hot summer months, beware of rattlesnakes.
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 as Ancient Lakes.
During our research, we had read that there was only room for 7-8 cars in the parking lot, but when we arrived, we found the lot could easily could fit closer to 20 vehicles. We shed our rain gear, loaded up our packs and began the hike into the Quincy Wildlife Recreation area.
After 1/2 mile on the jeep track, take a left and head into the coulee. The trails will seem to meander throughout the yellow field, but we learned that all paths led to the same ultimate location. Choose your route - you won't get lost.
On your route you'll pass a number of smaller waterfalls trickling off the surrounding basalt cliffs, with contrasting greenery surrounding it. After 2 easy miles of hiking, you'll arrive at the first of three lakes - ancient potholes filled by the irrigation water from the surrounding area's farmlands.
Hike up onto the large knoll and drop down the other side to the remaining two lakes. Stay left to explore the waterfalls. If you're backpacking, stay right to find your camp spot. The daring camper can also scramble up the left of the waterfall and pitch a small tent on the little outcropping overlooking the lake. You'll need to be creative in how you stake your tent down as the ground is all solid rock.
Above the initial waterfall are two other smaller falls, easily explored by scrambling left of the lower falls and following the bootpath through the high grass in the upper coulee. Or simply jump in one of the lower lakes, cool off, and soak in the unique surroundings.
It's an unexpected oasis in the midst of the desert, and one worth visiting when the mountains are no longer easily accessible.
For more info on the day hike, check out this adventure.
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Ancient Lakes Trail Reviews
One of my favorite spots to hit during the shoulder season when I’m ready for a break from the rain and grey of Western Washington, especially during a such a sad snowpack winter season in the mountains. I just couldn’t bring myself to do another wet hike in the rain, or dodge more “sharks” in the middle of ski runs. So this past Saturday some friends and I made our way over to the amazing Ancient Lakes. Parking at the upper trailhead we made our way over to Judith Pool and our first glimpse of the basin out in front of us. I had seen this breathtaking view before, but everyone else in my party was experiencing if for the first time, and they were speechless. Such beauty and a unique landscape just an hour away from the mountains we had driven over on our way here was just another reminder that we live in one of the most beautiful states. Making our way down the steep, rocky, talus slope was a bit of adventure. I had forgotten to pre-warn my friends about this part of the hike that I promised was supe easy! But taking our time and enjoying the sun and views we all made it down and across back to the dirt trail no problem. We spend a couple of hours hiking around the various trails in the basin, taking our time, just enjoying our company and the nice weather. In no hurry, no set milage goals, and without any specific destination other than back to the trailhead at some point. We wondered among ourselves why the large group of backpackers that had set up their tents at one of the highest points of the basin hadn’t moved, as the winds were whipping and beating the heck out of their tents. It wasn’t like they were off day hiking and didn’t realize it was so windy, we knew that based on the person we say napping in their completely collapsed tent, right next to another collapsed tent. Other than the wind, you couldn’t ask for a better day out there. Sun out, but moderate temperatures. No rattlesnakes. And while we saw other hikers (and bikers, and horseback riders), the area is large enough that we were all able to enjoy some peace and solitude out there.
5.0
I'm headed here tomorrow morning, and have a question. It's suggested you not drink the water due to farm runoff, but swimming in it is okay?
5.0
Backpacked Ancient Lakes in mid March, weather held up, and it was a pretty easy backpack, with a little scramble involved to get down to the lakes. Don't use Google Maps to try to locate the trail head, it took us to some private agriculture area, so use the WTA directions, they worked. Basically find the Public Fishing sign off the highway. Once you get onto the road, there is a lot of options of areas to go, so take the first right, and you will see a parking lot, and a metal sign that says Ancient Lakes. If you continue on, there are other turns to other lakes, and RVs and bathrooms. There are clear areas to camp throughout the hike, and there are lots of areas to roam around, and adventure around. I didn't filter any water, I took all the water in with me, which is a bummer, but since everyone suggests to do so, I followed.
4.0
Because the water in the potholes are runoff from the irrigation of nearby farms, the water in them is likely not safe to drink. We love this hike, but when we do it, we always pack in our own water.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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