Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool

Quincy, Washington

3.6/5

based on 5 reviews

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Distance

4.44 miles

Elevation Gain

558 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mitch Pittman

Ancient Lakes via Judith pool is an amazing trail with scenic lake views. Come at sunset!

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, meander through a valley of sage brush under the hot sun until the whispers of waterfalls become roars. Soon, you will be peering into a basin of lakes. If you can fight the urge to jump in right away, make your way around to the waterfalls in the back of the valley.

For those who feel comfortable, scramble up the talus slope beside the waterfall to enter an upper valley for more solitude – and more waterfalls! But BE CAREFUL going off trail, because rattlesnakes are very active in the area.

Sunsets from Ancient Lakes are known to be spectacular. Another benefit of the location is it usually stays dry when the western side of the state is getting drenched.

If you're planning to head in from the southern trailhead, check out this adventure.

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Lake

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildlife

Swimming Hole

Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool Reviews

Randy Gordon

Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool

03/28/16

We hit the trail just after 4:30 in order to give us just enough time to witness one of the many spectacular sunsets Central and Eastern Washington are renowned for. With an average yearly rain accumulation under 10 inches, Ancient Lakes in Quincy, WA has fairly moderate weather year-round. It was windy so don't forget a sweatshirt and shell! After climbing above the main waterfall overlooking the lakes and watching the sky burst into color, we found our way back via headlamp. A great evening to hit the trail!

4.0

Theresa Halverson

Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool

09/01/15

We hiked here on a Saturday in April and it was so crowded! There were at least three scout troops that backpacked in and were camping overnight in addition to all the other people who were there! We found a quiet place on the shore of the far lake opposite the waterfall to eat our lunch. We then hiked to the waterfall by way of the boulders and came across a rattlesnake (danger!). We didn't go outside the first three lake area to the area beyond the waterfall, but the area is still beautiful and worth the time.

3.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool

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Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Ancient Lakes Trail

Rock Climb 'The Sunshine Wall'

Adventuring in the Frenchman Coulee

Catch the Sunset at Wild Horse Monument

Hike to Saddle Rock

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