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Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack

Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Ancient Lake

This field trip will give B3 students the opportunity to try out gear and new skills on an easy overnight backpack with an experienced mentor. Students in Susan and Aisa's group have first dibs until April 4. Any B3 student may sign up beginning April 5.

Contacts

Susan Conbere
Susan Conbere
Primary Leader
  • Easy, Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 200 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph
  • 2 (2 capacity)
  • 7 (8 capacity)
  • Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Thu, Apr 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Ancient Lakes is an easy backpack with incredible geology, a lovely lake, and a desert waterfall. It’s just 2 miles and little elevation gain to where we will make camp. After setting up camp, we will explore the area with day packs. There are multiple interesting options ranging from 4 to 10 miles, most of it flat.

Ancient Lakes has no drinkable water, so you do not need to bring a water filter, but you do need to carry at least 3 liters of water per day.  Bring another liter to leave in the car.

Learn the geology! On day 2, we will check out the Interpretation Center at the Gingko Petrified Forest, which is 30 minutes south and on our way home. 

We will meet in Issaquah by 8 a.m. We should arrive at the trailhead around 10:30 a.m. A Discover pass is required to park. . 

Please write down the following directions, as Google maps gets wonky out here:
  • Take Exit 149 off of I-90, turn left and drive 5.6 miles north on SR-281 toward Quincy. 
  • Turn left onto White Trail Road (Road 5), drive 7.8 miles, turn left onto Road 9-NW. 
  • Drive 5.9 miles as the road descends steeply down to Babcock Bench at the road's end. This is the Ancient Lakes/Dusty Lakes Trailhead. Do not block the gate, which provides access to a private driveway.
Route/Place

Ancient Lake

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials, plus overnight gear as specified by the trip leader.

Trip Reports