Day Hike - Ancient & Dusty Lakes

Starting from the Lower Ancient Lakes trailhead, we will do a loop hike, through Potholes Coulee, around the top of Dusty Lake to the Burke Lake West Boat ramp, then we will circle back around, stopping at several viewpoints of both the Dusty & Ancient Lakes Basins.  We will then wind our way through the Ancient Lakes to the Lower and Upper Falls viewpoint and then back to the trailhead for a total of 10.3 miles.  Here is the Gaia route:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/0Vg3iC17azEjJioRekzHsV42/

We will go at a moderate pace (2-2.5 mph) with plenty of rest breaks as needed. You will need to bring all your water, as the water in this area is not safe to drink, even when filtered.  There is also the possibility of rattlesnakes in the area, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.

Bring lunch and plenty of water and dress in layers.  Hiking poles  are recommended. 

For safety we will all hike as a group so please assess beforehand whether this distance/elevation gain/pace will suit you before registering.

Ancient Lakes — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

https://www.gaiagps.com/public/FNgic3yZpuuzzegG3zAtp7n1/

9:00am at the Ancient Lakes Lower Trailhead.   Please note that this is approximately a 3 hr drive from Seattle!

For 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.

*Note that you need to input "Ancient Lakes Lower Trailhead" into Google Maps in order to get to the correct trailhead. "Ancient Lakes Trailhead" will misroute you.

Discover Pass needed to park

Note:  Leader will be coming from Yakima area and can meet participants in Ellensburg (will send info on Hello Hiker email).  Participants may also choose to select a meeting point (North Bend?) to consolidate cars/drivers.

We will plan to stop somewhere on the way back for dinner and milkshakes!