What is the current status of the Vantage road for accessing Frenchman Coulee?

The Vantage road is closed due to a rock slide as of [May 17](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-06-01.174016832625). The reopening date is unknown. This closure significantly impacts access to the area.

Are there any recommended alternative access routes if the Vantage road is closed?

The roads and parking areas further down by the Feathers are noted as being no problem for low-clearance vehicles as of [April 3](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-03.220933117801). However, no specific alternative routes to bypass the Vantage road closure are mentioned in the reports.

What are the trail conditions like within Frenchman Coulee?

The trails are described as more like wandering paths with 'almost Martian landscapes' as of [April 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-19.121235567918). The trail to the waterfall is visible from the start and is considered easy and scenic, with some rocky and sandy sections as of [April 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-19.074946522879). Wildflowers were blooming in April.

Are there any specific obstacles or issues reported on the trails?

No significant trail obstacles were reported in the recent trip reports. One report from [April 3](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-04.095943071790) mentioned seeing a collection of tossed items like vacuum cleaners and tires at the bottom of a cliff, but these were noted as being awaiting pickup rather than an obstruction. No snakes were reported as of April 3.

Frenchman Coulee

Central Washington

updated 4 months ago

{empty line} The Vantage road leading to Frenchman Coulee remains closed as of May 17, with no estimated reopening date due to a rock slide. This closure significantly impacts access to the area. In contrast, the roads and parking areas further down by the Feathers are noted as being no problem for low-clearance vehicles as of April 3. The trails themselves, described as more like wandering paths with "almost Martian landscapes", are generally considered easy and scenic. Visitors can expect dramatic rock formations and views, with wildflowers present but not overwhelming as of April 19. The trail to the waterfall offers a visible destination from the start.

Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Frenchman Coulee

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 months, so everything below is at least that old.

The Vantage road is closed due to a rock slide as of May 17. The reopening date is unknown. This closure significantly impacts access to the area.