Ancient Lakes Trail

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.