Backpack - Ancient Lake

We will meet at the Ancient Lakes Lower Trailhead on Tuesday April 23 at 11 am.  I'll email carpool suggestions in an email 1 week prior to trip.

Directions: 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.

This will be a casual, moderately pace trip to start off the 2024 backpacking season! We will focus on dialing in our backpacking gear, while enjoying sunshine and spectacular scenery.

Day 1: We will hike an easy 2.5 miles along the southern trail to set-up camp and eat lunch at Ancient Lakes. After setting up camp, we will have an optional 2.3-mile round trip hike to explore the area and see some views.

Day 2: We will break camp, enjoy breakfast, and hike 2.0 miles out on the northern route back to our trailhead.  We will have another optional 2 mi hike leaving from the Upper Trailhead up to Judith Pool and the top of Ancient Lakes Falls (requiring us to drive to the Upper TH). After we are done, another option is to join me for lunch at Tacos Chapis, a recommended taco truck in George, right off the I-90 on our way home.

 Note: There is no potable water available on trail—we will be packing in all of our water for the overnight trip. Students should plan on carrying at least 4 liters of water  and have extra water in the car.