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Backpack - Colockum Wildlife Area

A more rugged and challenging desert backpack trip along the west shore of the Columbia River south of Wenatchee, WA. Expect extensive off-trail travel, some road walking, some creek fording and moderate to steeper slopes to ascend/descend. Further except lovely camps, great views, wildflowers and a good chance to see Desert Bighorn Sheep, Elk and Turkeys. This is a Leader's Permission Only trip (see below for details).

Contacts

Rob Erickson
Rob Erickson
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous/Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 28.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 5,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,100 ft
  • Pace: 1.25-1.5 MPH up, 2.5 MPH down
  • 4 (4 capacity)
  • 1 (2 capacity)
  • Wed, Apr 1, 2026 at 12:27 PM
  • Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

This is a more challenging trip to a beautiful area that few Mountaineers trips go.  This trip involves route finding  and the fording of several smaller creeks (could be one foot deep or more) and traveling cross-country up and over several moderate to rather steep grassy ridges (I anticipate no need to use one's hands, but trekking poles would be helpful).  Trekking poles are required to bring along. The terrain is mostly open, rocky and/or grassy with sagebrush and other plants. There are a trees at each of the camping areas if folks desire to hang a food bag.  I will be bring an Ursack. Wildflowers should be prime. If the weather is warm there may be rattlesnakes out.  Bighorn Sheep. Elk and Turkeys inhabit the area.  We will likely be making fires at each camp

Itinerary:

Day 1: Colockum TH to Tekison Creek/Columbia River, 10.0 miles, 2000' gain. Camp at a bay along the Columbia River.

Day 2: Tekison Creek/Columbia River to South Fork Tarpiscan Creek, 10.1 miles, 3000' gain. Camp at establish camp near creek.

Day 3: South Fork Tarpiscan Creek to TH, 8.8 miles, 500' gain.

Here is the Gaia route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/iifgAZjdEoFn2aykgMnrupmk/

This is a Leader's Permission Only trip. Please explicitly answer/address all the concerns/questions listed below:

1) I am in proper condition to enjoyably complete this itinerary.  I can backpack 28 miles with 5500' of gain in a three day trip. Please list backpack trips this past year that demonstrate this approximate distance and gain.  Please let me know what you have been doing over this past Winter/Spring that tells me you are in great condition now for this early season trip.

2) Are you comfortable with and do you have experience in off-trail travel on rocky and/or uneven ground and moderately steep slopes?

3)Are you comfortable with fording small creeks that could be a foot or more deep?  Will you bring fording shoes and trekking poles?

I will carefully review your answers and get back to you.  This should be a fun and truly adventurous trip.  I hope you can join.  Rob

Meet Friday at 9AM in Wenatchee, WA (location TBD)

Discover Pass is required at TH

Route/Place

Colockum Wildlife Area

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister, Ursack or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
  • Fording shoes
  • Trekking poles
Trip Reports