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

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 wildlife along the way is encouraged! 

This will be the leader's first time doing this hike, so it will be a new experience for all of us! 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 may follow some old roads and some unmaintained trails. We'll travel along the edge of the plateau above Wanapum Lake, gradually gaining 670 feet of elevation over 2 miles. In the next half mile, we'll gain the final 100 feet of elevation and reach our turnaround point. From there, we'll head back the way we came.

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 parking area! Bring a camp chair and a lunch and socialize with your fellow participants and leaders before the drive home.

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.