Ancient Lakes
2 weeks ago
Waterfalls not spectacular
Potholes Region · 1 this month · 45 reports
Steamboat Rock
Central Washington
updated 3 months ago
Steamboat Rock offers stunning panoramic views of the Grand Coulee and Banks Lake. The primary trail to the summit features a steep, scree-laden section that requires careful navigation, especially on the descent. Trekking poles are highly recommended for this section, as noted in reports from May 31, 2026 and April 15, 2025. While the trails on top are more leisurely and offer incredible vistas, the ascent and descent are challenging, with some suggesting it's not suitable for young children or pets due to loose rock and steep slopes. Balsamroot was in bloom in April 2025.
Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Steamboat Rock
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 months, so everything below is at least that old.
The scree section is about 500 feet long and steep, requiring careful footing. Trekking poles are highly recommended for both the ascent and descent due to loose dirt and rock, May 31, 2026. It can be a bit tricky going up and down this section.
Deer have been frequently observed in the area, with one report mentioning a herd on the way down from the summit April 15, 2025 and another sighting of a dozen deer at the north end of the rock. A rattlesnake was also seen in late May 2026.
The road leading into Steamboat Rock State Park is paved, and the trailhead is located near the day-use area and campground. Bathrooms are available in the campground near the trail.
Ticks were reported to be out in full force in April 2025, with one hiker finding over 10 large deer ticks on their dog. It's advised to check yourself and pets carefully after hiking in the area.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older3 months ago
Central Washington > Grand Coulee
Hike the State 2026!After driving for a good 5 hours from Bremerton to Steamboat Rock SP, we checked into our campsite. We needed to stretch our legs and decided the 4 mile R/T hike up to the top of S...
Older17 months ago
Central Washington
Ticks are out in full force, we found over 10 large deer ticks on our dog after hiking in this area. Check yourself!Otherwise trails are dusty but balsamroot is in bloom.
Older17 months ago
Central Washington
It was a great day for hiking this one. The only things that is slightly scary is going up and down the beginning to get to the top of the rock. Loose rocks and a little stealer of a slope. So BE CARE...
Older17 months ago
Central Washington
I decided to hike this one for golden hour. I camped at SBR campground so I had a site right next to the trailhead. The road in is paved and the TH is also near the day use area. There are bathrooms i...
Older17 months ago
Central Washington
Excellent views, on par with hanford reach imo. The trail north the day use area isnt listed on WTA but hiked that the day prior - nice easy walking with pristine views at the end.This report is for s...
Older17 months ago
Central Washington
As good as expected, but not good if you don't have proper footwear
Older18 months ago
Central Washington
Left the trailhead at 7:10 . Took a right at the junction arriving at the top at 8:00 . Was not expecting the scramble going up but that’s ok . Once at the top it is relatively flat .Walked the outsi...
Older19 months ago
Central Washington
Considering Banks Lake is frozen, I expected the trail to be frosty or snow covered. Nope. No frost and no snow. Mud. Lots and lots of mud. It started at the base of the trail on the flat part. Actual...
Older19 months ago
Central Washington
Arthur Conan Doyle's novelThe Lost Worlddepicts an elevated plateau, surrounded by sheer cliffs making it so inaccessible and isolated from the rest of the world, that it is still populated by dinosau...
Older23 months ago
Central Washington
This really is a gem of a hike, will not disappoint. Hiked earlier this spring and decided to see how the fall season was setting in on the landscape. Both trips were absolutely amazing. Endless views...