Palouse to Cascades Trail | The Columbia Passage

A Desert Odyssey
The Palouse to Cascades trail offers a hauntingly beautiful passage through Washington’s high desert, where the mighty Columbia River carves a deep, shimmering ribbon through ancient basalt cliffs. As we hike this stretch, a vast, open terrain unfolds — golden grasses ripple across sagebrush plains that stretch endlessly, and sunbaked earth meets distant cliffs. Everything is still, as if the desert is holding its breath. Geologic drama unfolds in every direction: towering basalt columns rise like sentinels above the river, remnants of cataclysmic ice-age floods and volcanic upheaval.

The trail offers panoramic views that stretch across the Columbia Plateau to the distant silhouettes of the Cascade Range. This is a hike that feels timeless — the land speaks in ancient tones and every step deepens our connection to the raw, elemental beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s desert heart.

Route
We will begin the section hike just west of the Columbia River at the Army East Trailhead, and cross the river on Beverly Bridge - a pedestrian-only span over the Columbia River, providing panoramic views of the Saddle Mountains and the river gorge. We will continue East past the quaint town of Beverly and explore Nunnaly Lake, Beverly Sand Dunes, Merry Lake and Lenice Lake before turning around.

In the evening, the sky becomes a vast dome of fire and lavender, reflecting off the river and painting the cliffs in surreal hues - enjoy a stunning desert sunset over the banks of the Columbia River before [optionally] heading over to Ellensburg for a post-hike meal - a celebration of the miles walked.

About the Trail
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (PTCT) is one of the longest rail-to-trail conversions in the United States. This 287-mile long trail extends from the Rattlesnake Lake area in the Cascades on the West all the way to the Washington - Idaho border on the East and passes through remote areas of Washington state that are rich in wildlife and natural beauty.

Hike Details
🥾 Palouse to Cascades Trail | Beverly Bridge section
📏 Distance: 13 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 200 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Easy (suitable for all hiking levels)
⏱️ Estimated Hiking Time: 6.5 hours
🧘‍♀️ Pace: Moderate
🛤️ Tread Type: Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel
☀️ Trail Weather Forecast: Clear and Sunny with a high of 53°F on Saturday, Nov 15

Itinerary
🕖 0900–0930 – Arrive at the Trailhead
🥾 0930 – Begin the Hike
🏞️ Midday – Nunnaly Lake, Beverly Dunes, Merry Lake, Lenice Lake
🕓 1600 – Return to Trailhead

Links
Trail Map
WTA
Trail Image Gallery
Ten Hiking Essentials

Meetup Location
Palouse to Cascades- Army East Trailhead
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
Huntzinger Road
Beverly, WA 99321
GPS: 46.84313, -119.96412

Logistics
We will meet at the trailhead per the schedule above. Hikers can self-organize carpools from any location, as needed. Use the messaging system and comments below to coordinate rides. If you need a ride or can offer a ride please post a comment below. A Discover Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead.

Disclaimer
By choosing to participate, you accept full responsibility for your safety and decisions. You expressly consent to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the event host from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses.

RSVP Etiquette
All attendees should be registered here. RSVP to this event only if you are committed to attending. Late cancellations and No-Shows are noted and will impact your ability to attend future events with us.