CHS 2 Hike - Ancient & Dusty Lakes

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Ancient & Dusty Lakes

This will be a CHS 2 hike led at ~2.5 MPH. We'll be heading down from the parking lot into the Potholes Coulee and explore Ancient lake and the surrounding area

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 700 ft
  • Pace: 2.2 MPH
  • 1 (8 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Wed, Mar 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
  • Fri, Apr 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

A couple of notes on this early season hike-- while the elevation changes aren't large, the amazing geology in this area includes a lot of broken rock talus slopes which we'll have to cross. Footing will be sketchy at times so hiking poles are advised. And if you're a trail runner person, runners with rock guards will go a long way to preserving your feet. This area has pretty dramatic weather swings, so be equipped and prepared to handle rain, sun, and anything in between.

For folks carpooling Sunday from Seattle: Please meet at 6:15am the Tibbett's Valley Park and Ride (1675 Newport Way NW, Issaquah-- the open air parking lot by the skate park, NOT the multistory garage) and depart at 6:30-- we'll help coordinate rides by email-- it's about a 2 1/2 hour drive (145 miles). One leader will be camping at Crescent Bar, and there's room for another vehicle/tent at the site so email the leader if you're looking to camp Saturday night and want to split the site. Dispersed primitive camping around the Ancient Lakes area is also readily available (and free).

For the hike: meet at 9am at the Burke Lake parking lot (47.13738, -119.93233), where we'll start and end our hike. . Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

Route/Place

Ancient Lake


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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