Ancient Lakes
Central Washington
As of May 2, 2026, Ancient Lakes offers excellent conditions. Waterfalls are flowing well, and the area is dry with minimal bugs reported in late April. Wildflowers are blooming, particularly higher up and in meadow areas. Several trailheads are accessible, including the North Trailhead and the Upper Trailhead from the north, with good parking availability. The lower Ancient Lakes trailhead adds mileage.
The main trail to the falls can be indistinct, with one report noting a rock slide impact. Expect steep, dry sections with loose rock and scree on descents and ascents, though trails to Dusty and Ancient Lakes are generally clear. Bear canisters are recommended for overnight stays near the Columbia River due to bear evidence. Water is limited away from the river, and lake water may have agricultural runoff.
generated from 30 reports
Conditions at a Glance
Trail
Trail in good condition
1 of 1
Snow
Snow free
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Road
Road suitable for all vehicles
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Bugs
No bugs
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Sources
I started from the North Trailhead and hiked to the Columbia River. Expect for the rough section by the waterfall it was an easy trail. The isn't many trail signs so bring a good nap with you. The onl...
We parked at the Ancient Lakes Lower trail head and it is further away from the trails so be aware that it’ll add about 2.5 miles to your trip. There is other parking on the other side of the lakes.Go...
Ancient/Dusty Lakes Loop OptionMost hikers hike either one of these two loops in a single day as an out and back 3-4 mile hike. Another option to extend the trip to 8-10 miles might be to hike to eith...
Did an overnight backpacking at the Ancient Lakes.we camped near the banks of the Columbia River.The bugs are not too bad, didn't face any ticks issue.Balsam roots are growing, we saw Columbia plateau...
My first trip to Ancient Lakes! We started at the Lower Ancient Lakes Trailhead. We stayed just one night at the smaller round lake just south of the main Ancient Lake.The trail is in good shape. Ther...
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! Backpackers were out it’s clearl...
Completed a short, clockwise lollipop loop, starting at the unsigned upstairs parking lot just north of the Dusty Lake trailhead.Road Conditions.The final two miles were unpaved and dusty, but smooth....
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. I made i...
The gate from the north is open and permits direct entry to the upper trailhead. No issues with parking. We hiked about a mile each way from this trailhead past Judith Pool, past the upper and lower f...
Spring has arrived and the weather looked good, so decided to get out to Ancient Lakes to do my first overnight of the year. I'm not set up for backpacking in the snow, so this was a safe choice for m...
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