Dusty Lake
2 weeks ago
Darkling beetles feeding, streams from minimalist falls
1 this month · 10 reports
Ancient Lakes
Central Washington
updated 2 weeks ago
Current conditions for Ancient Lakes in the Potholes Region of Central Washington indicate dry and dusty trails as of June 26. Hikers can expect roads suitable for all vehicles and no significant bug issues as of June 26. Waterfalls are noted as not particularly spectacular, likely due to a lack of recent rain, according to a report from September 6. While trails are generally in good condition, one report from September 6 mentions scree on basalt bluffs that can be unstable and challenging, especially in wet conditions. Birdlife, including raptors and wrens, has been observed, and visitors may encounter darkling beetles.
Generated from 45 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Ancient Lakes
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The waterfalls are not particularly spectacular, likely due to a lack of recent rain as of September 6. There is a pool beneath a section of the lower falls that can be enjoyed.
The road is suitable for all vehicles as of June 26 and September 6.
One report from September 6 mentions that scree on basalt bluffs can be unstable and challenging, particularly if it's wet. Visitors may also encounter darkling beetles.
No bugs were reported as of June 26 and September 6.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
I started at 7:50am at Lower Ancient Lakes Trailhead. My intention was to follow the AllTrails Dusty Lake and Ancient Lakes route of 8.4 miles and 574ft elevation. That massive basalt bluff separating...
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
Spent two overnights. Established camp sites with fire rings near most of the Coulees. Fire burn ban in place so no fires.Trails are dry and dusty.First night at Quincy lake resulted in zero sleep due...
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
Trail was amazing. It was my first backpacking trip ever. It was the perfect trail for a beginner, easy trail, beautiful, and not to windy at night
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
We took this trail from the Dusty Lakes trailhead. So a five mile hike not a 12 mile hike. I’ve probably hiked this trail a dozen times and I have never seen the lakes this full. Some melded together ...
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
did an overnight trip here. i hiked in from the first parking lot (must park here if you want to overnight), when down by h lake and then towards ancient lakes from the trail south across quincy lake....
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
Went out for a one night backpacking trip, started from the Judith pool trailhead. The trail is in great shape, some muddy spots, follow alternate food pass. The Boulder section after the steep descen...
Older4 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
Such a short, flat hike to the campsite it felt like cheating. Heard Coyotes at dusk and that was incredible. Bugs were fine until the trip back in the morning when I was swarmed by a million of them...
Older4 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
Long before modern science recognized the ancient floods, Indigenous oral traditions described massive, cataclysmic floods sweeping through the Pacific Northwest.The Salish and Kootenai people, whose ...
Older4 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
The trail was in great condition. We got to the lower trailhead around noon on Saturday and there was plenty of parking available. The porta-potties in the parking lot were clean and had toilet paper,...
Older4 months ago
Central Washington > Potholes Region
An easy one-day hike for lovers of Martian-like rock landscapes! It takes about half an hour to reach the lake, and then there are several trails around the lake if you want to extend the route. The p...