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This hike consists of both flat and moderately steep descents/climbing., and is a marked trail.

Taking you off the plateau and down into the gorge, this trail brings you to the property’s northern opening to the Columbia River, directly across the water from Quilomene Dune & Bay and Sunset Ranch.

As you descend into the gorge from the main trailhead, please watch your step, as this is the trail’s steepest descent. Soon the trail will head west toward the river.

As the trail finishes its western descent to the gorge floor, it opens to the Columbia River. Here you will find a large rocky beach scattered with tiny seashells and rocks. Just to the south is Bird Island—a popular landing area for migrating birds. You may also be surprised to find in this area the remnants of human presence—namely, a 50+ year old car, and household appliances. These are remnants of a homestead that was back flooded by the creation of the Wanapum Dam.

Return trails to Cave B Inn:

From the northern Columbia River opening there are two choices for return to the Inn; retracing the River Hike Trail, or following the Waterfall Trail.

The footing on this trail is sandy and easy. This is a marked trail which begins at the first marked “Y” off of the main trailhead.

Accompanied by the sound of the water, you’ll make your way deeper into the gorge. Soon you will see your first basalt cave straight ahead. The trail follows along the edge of the bluff, affording you a close up view of the looming immensity of these cliff shoulders, and the plentiful natural outcroppings, holes and caves in the rock face, perfect for sheltering birds and wildlife. Arrowheads believed to be of the Wanapum Indian Tribe have been found along these cliffs, as well as fossils.

Listening Point: Stop and listen closely and you may hear the low cooing of doves from up in the basalt cliffs.

Fitzpatrick Waterfall: Unchanged for many years, this year-round waterfall is a natural beauty in every season. Please be aware that poison oak grows in abundance around the waterfall and stream, and use appropriate caution.

As you continue up and out of the gorge you will pass Cattail Meadow on your left, and view the awe-inspiring Gorge Amphitheater up above, where some of the world’s best musicians come to perform in the summer and fall months.

Driving Directions: To the upper trailheads: From I-90 take exit 149, turn left onto SR 281, and drive north towards Quincy and Wenatchee. In 5.6 miles turn left onto White Trail Road (aka 5-NW) and drive 2.9 miles until the road jogs to the right. In the middle of the jog turn left onto T-NW signed “Public Fishing”. Drive this gravel road 0.5 miles to a large parking area with a kiosk and a yellow gate. From here on the road is known as Quincy Lakes Road. The gate is open Mar 1 – Sept 30.

Driving Directions to the lower trailhead: From I-90 take exit 149, turn left onto SR 281, and drive north towards Quincy and Wenatchee. In 5.6 miles turn left onto White Trail Road (aka 5-NW) and drive 7.8 miles to 9-NW (note: after 4 miles White Trail Rd swings north & may also be signed U-NW). Turn left on 9-NW and drive west. In 2 miles the pavement ends and the road becomes Ancient Lakes Road. Follow it down onto Babcock Bench and drive 4 miles to the trailhead.

Upper Trailhead (Judith Pool Trail):

From the parking area at the gate, drive or walk 0.2 mile down Quincy Lakes Road to a parking area on the right near a grove of cottonwood trees and an old metal sign marked “Ancient Lakes Trail”. Follow the trail behind the sign through the sagebrush, flat at first, then contouring the side of a hill. At 0.5 miles, pass the tailings of a small diatomite and opalized chert mine. In another 0.25 miles, the trail drops down to lovely Judith Pool.

You can follow the route around to where it drops steeply down the upper cataract beside the waterfall coming out of Judith Pool. Once at the bottom, the trail flattens out where a side coulee comes in from the south and makes its way beside the outlet stream through a tall stand of common reeds to the brink of the middle cataract and a second waterfall dropping 160 feet into the Ancient Lakes Basin. From here, a steep trail descends the talus slope beside the waterfall into the Basin. Once on the coulee floor, you can follow the numerous trails or just walk cross country as you explore the area around the lakes.

Upper Ancient Lakes Trail:

From the parking area at the gate, walk 1.3 miles down Quincy Lakes Road to a parking area and outhouses on the right across from the west end of Burke Lake. (From January 1 to September 30, the gate is open and you can drive to the second parking area.) Find the unsigned trail behind the outhouses heading northwest and follow it across flood- scoured scabland 0.7 mile to the brink of the upper cataract of Potholes Coulee. From here, descend a gully to the next lower bench and a fork in the trail.

The left fork takes you up to a notch in the Potholes Coulee Rib with a spectacular view down to Dusty Lake. You can also follow this trail west along the bench to another 0.5 mile to another notch in the rib with expansive views of both the Dusty & Ancient Lakes Basins.

The right fork of the trail descends the middle cataract to the coulee floor 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Once on the coulee floor, you can again follow the numerous trails or just walk cross country as you explore around the lakes.

BONUS: You can connect the Judith Pool Trail and the Upper Ancient Lakes Trail for a loop hike.

Lower Ancient Lakes Trailhead:

From the south end of the parking area follow the old 2-track along Babcock Bench 0.6 miles to a trail junction. Take the left fork and follow it up the coulee 1.5 miles to Ancient Lakes.

Note: there a couple of old 2-tracks as well as game trails that go up the coulee. Any one of them will get you to Ancient Lakes. On your return you can vary your route back up the coulee or just retrace your steps.

WTA Pro Tip: While there is lots of lake water along route it is all irrigation runoff and probably not safe to drink - even after filtering. Plan to carry all the water needed for the duration of hike. Use a GPS or map and compass to help maintain your course up and down the coulee.

Pro Tip: While there is lots of lake water along route it is all irrigation runoff and probably not safe to drink - even after filtering. Plan to carry all the water needed for the duration of hike. Use a GPS or map and compass to help maintain your course up and down the coulee.

Best Hikes in Quincy, WA - AllTrails.com

Pro Tip: While there is lots of lake water along route it is all irrigation runoff and probably not safe to drink - even after filtering. Plan to carry all the water needed for the duration of hike. Use a GPS or map and compass to help maintain your course up and down the coulee.

Hiking Awareness: Please use caution when hiking, as the terrain can be rough. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring plenty of water. During the summer months, we recommend hiking early in the morning, before the heat of the day. Be prepared for windy conditions in the afternoons.

Being Sensitive to Nature: Please respect the environment by not littering or disturbing any wildlife you encounter along the trails. This may include deer, rabbit, bobcats and rattlesnakes. Bobcats and snakes are not normally aggressive, so if you leave them alone they will do the same to you. If you encounter a snake, step away quickly and give it a wide area as you pass. Please keep any pets on a leash for their own safety.

Poison Oak: Watch out for this on the waterfall trail!

Mission Ridge has more than 36 designated runs spread over 2,000 spectacular acres of trails, chutes, screamers and bowls, with a 2,250 foot vertical drop. If you plan on heading out to Mission Ridge, be sure to check in with the ski patrol or on their website.

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Driving Directions