Hiking Coulee Country: Big Skies, Early Spring
In spring, Central Washington's dramatic shrub-steppe, broken up by pothole lakes and soaring basalt cliffs, offers hikers a warm, bright alternative to the snow and rain of the high country in the Cascades and Olympics.
A region unlike any in the world, this area will surprise you with its abundant, diverse and colorful wildflowers; lakes, ponds and marshes full of birdsong; sweeping vistas of mountains and rolling hills; intimate canyons with steep basalt cliffs; and the mighty Columbia River flowing down the middle.
Tips for hiking in coulee country:
- Make sure you have a Discover Pass for your car. Most of the hikes are on state land and require one.
- Take tick prevention measures, and know how to remove them safely.
- Watch for and avoid rattlesnakes on the trail.
- Bring extra water. On a hot, sunny day you can get dehydrated quickly.
- Be sure to pick up after your pups when they poop.
- Heed private property signs and close gates behind you.
- Be careful not to trample the delicate desert plant life.
- Bring a map, compass and navigation skills.
You've probably heard of Washington's iconic coulee hike: Ancient Lakes. But there are loads of other trails in the same landscape waiting for you to visit. Find your next favorite one on this list, or use our Hike Finder Map.
Billy Clapp Lake
Location: Central Washington — Potholes Region
Mileage: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Billy Clapp Lake. Photo by Bob and Barb.
Walk near the shore of this lake that sits in the bottom of a coulee and take in the scenery of narrowing canyons blanketed with sagebrush and wildflowers. Water in a desert ecosystem is something of a treasure and this lake is no different. Wildlife know the importance of water so you are likely to see mule deer and several species of bird hanging around.
> Plan your trip to Billy Clapp Lake using WTA's Hiking Guide
Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park
Location: Central Washington — Grand Coulee
Mileage: varies
Elevation Gain: varies
The closer you get to Umatilla Rock, the larger you realize it is. Photo by caitoh234.
Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park has a variety of hiking experiences on offer. You can visit the striking basalt tower of Umatilla Rock (pictured above) for a 5-mile hike with 100 feet of elevation gain. Or, opt for the 6-mile Park Lake Side Canyon which follows an old roadbed now full of sagebrush and wildflowers.
In addition to these and other hikes, this state park offers magnificent views, abundant lakeside picnic spots (be prepared for bugs) and an interpretive center.
> Plan your trip to Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
> Learn more about the state park amenities and campground
potholes wildlife area
Location: Central Washington — Potholes Region
Mileage: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet
Potholes Wildlife Area. Photo by redfisher80.
Wander through the varied landscapes of this wildlife area. You will be sure to see sand dunes, rolling hills, and many small lakes that give this area its name. The flora and fauna here are also a special treat with wildflowers mixed in among the sage brush and migratory birds stopping over on their long flights.
> Plan your trip to Potholes Wildlife Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Moses Coulee Preserve
Location: Central Washington — Grand Coulee
Mileage: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Clouds over Jameson Lake. Photo by David Hagen.
At Moses Coulee, you'll find the best of this country: steep basalt cliffs, potholes, erratic boulders and a landscape of shrub-steppe alive with wildflowers, grasses and wildlife. One highlight of the area is that the preserve is home to 14 of 15 Washington's native bat species.
> Plan your trip to Moses Coulee Preserve using WTA's Hiking Guide
Crab Creek Wildlife Area
Location: Central Washington — Tri-Cities Area
Mileage: 2.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 40 feet
Crab Creek Wildlife Area. Photo by Lucy.
Broad, rolling sand dunes, emerald-green lakes, a wide, gurgling blue creek, and towering mountains await you in the 17,000 acres of the Crab Creek Wildlife Area. The longest creek in Washington, this area is home to a variety of protected wildlife, a respite from the sloppy spring slopes west of the Cascades.
Large flocks of migrating sandhill cranes use this area during their migration.
> Plan your trip to Crab Creek Wildlife Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Lake Lenore Caves
Location: Central Washington — Grand Coulee
Mileage: 1.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Lake Lenore Caves. Photo by Heffa.
A scenic drive along the Lower Grand Coulee between Soap Lake and Sun Lakes State Park, a short hike and some awesome geology make a trip to Lenore Lake Caves worth it any time of year, in all kinds of weather.
The Lenore Lakes caves dot a basalt wall created during the massive floods of the Ice Age. A fun, short hike allows hikers to visit six or seven of these caves, which also feature petroglyphs.
> Plan your trip to Lake Lenore Caves using WTA's Hiking Guide
Steamboat Rock
Location: Central Washington — Grand Coulee
Mileage: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
A spring-green view from the top of Steamboat Rock in May. Photo by Gerad.
Visit Steamboat Rock in spring, before temperatures rise and wildflowers fade. Follow the steep climb to the top of Steamboat Rock and ramble the butte for dramatic views of Banks Lake and the wide sweep of coulee country. Wildflowers and camping options at Steamboat Rock State Park sweeten the deal.