Ancient Lakes
Central WashingtonBest Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
Desert lakes ringed by columnar basalt walls and a 160-foot waterfall, accessible year-round when the Cascades are buried in snow.
About This Trail
The Ancient Lakes basin sits at the bottom of Potholes Coulee, a massive canyon carved by Ice Age floods that ripped across eastern Washington thousands of years ago. The route drops from the plateau rim into a corridor of columnar basalt, passing a seasonal 160-foot waterfall before reaching a chain of turquoise lakes surrounded by vertical rock walls. Several established campsites line the shores.
Three trailhead options serve the area. The upper trailhead via Judith Pool Trail provides the most direct access and passes the historic diatomite mine site. The Upper Ancient Lakes Trail follows Quincy Lakes Road with panoramic views of both lake basins. The lower trailhead along Babcock Bench offers a flatter approach on old two-track roads.
This is a go-to shoulder season destination. When western Washington sits under weeks of gray rain and the mountain snowpack blocks alpine trails, Ancient Lakes delivers reliable sunshine, open terrain, and wildflowers as early as February. Spring brings sagebrush buttercups and desert parsley. Summer gets hot, so plan for early starts or evening arrivals. The lakes hold water year-round but have not been tested for drinking; carry a full supply or filter thoroughly.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Flowers are blooming but are not prolific like other wildflower hikes, waterfalls are flowing and there are minimal bugs!”
Last report: Apr 13, 2026
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- no potable water
- rattlesnakes in summer
- extreme heat June through August
- loose footing on descent to basin
Getting There
Discover Pass required. Gate from the north opens March 1 through September 30. Winter access requires walking in from the gate. Upper trailhead parking fills on spring weekends by mid-morning.
From I-90 Exit 149, head north on SR 281 about 5.6 miles to White Trail Road, then follow signs toward Quincy Lakes Road. Three trailhead options: Judith Pool (upper, most direct), Upper Ancient Lakes Trail (1.3 mi road walk with views), and Lower Ancient Lakes (flat two-track along Babcock Bench).
In summer, start before 8 AM to avoid midday heat in the exposed basin. Spring and fall allow more flexible timing. Sunset light on the basalt walls rewards late afternoon visits.
Recent Reports
My first trip to Ancient Lakes! We started at the Lower Ancient Lakes Trailhead.
Now is a great time to hike at Ancient Lakes. Flowers are blooming but are not prolific like other wildflower hikes, waterfalls are flowing and there are minimal bugs!
I initially started at the H Lake trailhead, but the stream crossing was too marshy, so I went to the main Ancient Lakes trailhead. Plenty of flowers, including shooting stars and delphinium.
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