Ancient Lakes Hike (Easy-Moderate)

IMPORTANT: READ THIS FIRST

You MUST sign up for this free event here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchNnIxaNUt5AeQ9V6Whj6JxVXSRRvW8OWstS3QboPnHVjCXQ/viewform

This event is led by me but through the group above. I just wanted to give you guys a heads up in case you are interested in signing up.

I listed the time as 10 am but the group will help decide the final meeting time. It may be as early as 9 am or as late as 11 am.

A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Details:

Ancient Lakes is near Quincy, WA and is a 3-3.5 hour from Seattle ONE WAY. It's a set of lakes that were created by the Missoula Floods during the last ice age and are very interesting geologically. The lakes are set against a basalt-cliff backdrop in the shrub-steppe, high=desert of eastern central Washington.

The hike is relatively flat with some gentle ups and downs EXCEPT if you opt to hike around the lake to the waterfall. That part has large rocks you have to navigate. It's slightly tricky in some spots but most average, able-bodied hikers will do fine (poles may be helpful). It's kind of choose your own adventure out there with meandering trails so we will hike 5-7 miles, depending on the interest of the group.

It's unlikely there will be snow on the trail but if you are coming from Western Washington you will need to drive over Snoqualmie Pass. You should expect winter driving conditions and potential snow. Carrying chains for your vehicle is required.

Expect the temperature at the lakes to be in the high 30s to low 40s. Right now, the forecast calls for partly sunny skies and low wind. Besides dressing in layers, there is no special equipment required. Tennis shoes with descent traction would be fine for this trail.