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May Hikes: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain - Ginkgo Petrified Forest

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

May Hikes: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain - Ginkgo Petrified Forest

This unique hike is a bit of a drive, but you'll be rewarded with the final blooms of some wildflowers, interesting geology, and potential wildlife sightings (big horn sheep!). This hike counts toward your monthly required GoHike course May trips.

Contacts

Gabie Norrish (Mathiesen)
Gabie Norrish (Mathiesen)
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 5.1 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 779 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 mph
  • 1 (6 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Fri, Apr 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • Thu, Apr 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Our goal for this hike will be to get outside in a unique part of Washington and enjoy the fascinating geology of this region while returning to the trailhead safely.

We will meet in the parking area of the Rocky Coulee Recreation Area and do introductions and a trip briefing at 10:00 AM. Then we'll hit the trail! My hike style for this trip is social, but destination-focused. We'll keep the group loosely together (everyone within eyesight) at a pace of 1.5-2.0 mph. Pausing for pictures, plant identification, and hopefully some big horn sheep sightings along the way is encouraged! 

You can view our route here and read about the hike and some trip reports here. We will follow a 5-mile out and back route through the backcountry of the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, which follows some old roads and some unmaintained trails. The first part of the trail is pretty steep, gaining 250 feet in 0.5 mile on rocky trail. For the next 1.5 miles, we'll travel along the edge of the plateau above Wanapum Lake, gradually gaining about 400 feet of elevation. The next half mile is also pretty steep on narrow trail with some loose dirt, gaining about 150 feet and taking us to our turnaround point. From there, we'll head back the way we came.

Because of the sometimes loose and rocky nature of the trail, I'm going to require that everyone carry at least a single trekking pole so we can avoid any slips or falls.

We will take breaks every 45-60 minutes for about 5-10 minutes with a longer, 15-20 minute, snack break at the turnaround point. The hike should take about 3.5 hours, including breaks. After the hike, everyone is invited to "trailgate" in the day use area: bring a lunch and hang out at the picnic tables to socialize with your leaders and fellow participants!

10:00am at the Rocky Coulee Recreation Area. A Discover Pass is required for parking. There is a vault toilet at this trailhead.

This is about 2 hours from Seattle, so carpooling is encouraged. 

Route/Place

Ginkgo Petrified Forest

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials: Navigation, headlamp, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, extra food, extra water, extra clothes.
  • Trekking poles (at least one required)
  • Hiking shoes or boots with good traction for loose, rocky terrain
  • A layer for wind protection (ex: rain jacket, softshell jacket, or windbreaker)

Your leader will send out a Hello Hiker email on 4/27 with additional details for the hike and the recommended and required equipment.

Trip Reports