My friend Steve from the Peninsula Wilderness Club had enquired a few times about the Ancient Lake hikes that I sometimes go on. For Steve and me, this trip was a long time coming. Since it gets very hot and dry, Ancient Lake is not usually a place one goes for a hike in the summer. This however was the only good weekend for either of us since we both had major projects going on. We planned this trip well in advance.
Steve and his crew got an early start on Friday and headed over to the KOA in Ellensburg. I met them the next day and we all drove over to Ancient Lake from there. They followed me since none of them had been there before.
We made a stop on the way to check out the Wild Horse Monument that overlooks the Columbia River.
I guess there wasn't enough room in the pack for the wine so it was consumed at the trailhead. This was only the beginning of a fun weekend for us all.
Being the end of September, it was very warm. We decided to go for a swim. I had earlier joked that I would swim in it but I wouldn't drink it, looks like I would get my chance.
Following our swim in the lake, we decided to explore a little and see what the area had to offer. We hiked to the top of the falls that flow into Ancient Lake while a few of us stayed behind at the lake.
Above the falls, there was another small set of falls in the distance so we hiked to them as well.
The view from the top of the falls was pretty nice.
After we arrived back at camp, Paul and I headed back to the vehicles for some supplies we decided we needed but elected not to carry on our initial hike in. The trail is only a mile and a half or so. On the way back to camp we caught the tail end of sunset.
In the morning, Linda made us all an awesome breakfast. Still not exactly sure how she did it but she packed in eggs, ham, bell peppers, onions, and made a scrambled egg, omelett like concoction. This was one of the best back country breakfasts I've ever had. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.
Directions:
From Ellensburg, drive east on I-90 to George (Exit 149). Turn left and drive on SR 281 to Quincy. In Quincy, turn left (west) on SR 28 and drive 4 miles to White Trail Road. Turn left and drive about 7 miles or so until you reach Road 9-NW and drive 5.9 miles to the road's end. You will need an annual permit from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit Or Discover Pass to park here (these are different from the Northwest Forest Pass).
