FISHTRAP LAKE
FISHTRAP LAKE
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, paddling, mt biking, fishing, equestrian
DISTANCE: 6.5 miles with variations
ELEVATION: Minimal
DIFFICULTY: easy
MAPS: BLM maps, FishTrap topo
GPS: 47°21’64” N 117°49’84” W
MANAGING AGENCY: BLM. 509.536.1200
SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF: CALL 911 FIRST or 509.477.2240
DISTANCE: 6.5 miles with variations
ELEVATION: Minimal
DIFFICULTY: easy
MAPS: BLM maps, FishTrap topo
GPS: 47°21’64” N 117°49’84” W
MANAGING AGENCY: BLM. 509.536.1200
SPOKANE COUNTY SHERIFF: CALL 911 FIRST or 509.477.2240
DESCRIPTION:
WE HAVE ADDED THE AREAS SHERIFF’S EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS FOR EACH TRIP WRITE UP UNDER THE RANGER DISTRICT INFO. IF AN EMERGENCY OCURRS, EVALUATE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND CALL ONLY IF NEEDED.
As with many drives west of Spokane, the terrain looks dry and desolate. But with a little exploring, you find great opportunities for hiking and other activities. The Fishtrap Lake area consists of 9,000 acres to explore.
As you get closer to the lake, well maintained trailheads and trails appear. Fishtrap Lake sit about 30 or 40 feet below the lay of the land. On the north end of the lakes is the Fishtrap Lake Resort and a public boat launch.
In 2016 thru 2018, the Spokane Mountaineers and the Washington Trails Association, have built new trails and redone sections to enhance visitors experiences. On the west side of the lake, the trail runs from Farmers Landing in the south to beyond the north shore line, and the Fishtrap Lake Resort. Stop by a kiosk for a brochure with current trail routes.
For paddlers, put in at the public launch near the Fishtrap Resort, and paddle SW to see the entire lake about 3 miles long. At about 2 miles down lake, look for a protected cove on the west side of the lake. Find a place to beach your boat and climb up onto the high shore line.
Here the views of the unique cove are great. Just north about 200' is a deep pothole created during the Glacier Lake Missoula Floods.
As with many drives west of Spokane, the terrain looks dry and desolate. But with a little exploring, you find great opportunities for hiking and other activities. The Fishtrap Lake area consists of 9,000 acres to explore.
As you get closer to the lake, well maintained trailheads and trails appear. Fishtrap Lake sit about 30 or 40 feet below the lay of the land. On the north end of the lakes is the Fishtrap Lake Resort and a public boat launch.
In 2016 thru 2018, the Spokane Mountaineers and the Washington Trails Association, have built new trails and redone sections to enhance visitors experiences. On the west side of the lake, the trail runs from Farmers Landing in the south to beyond the north shore line, and the Fishtrap Lake Resort. Stop by a kiosk for a brochure with current trail routes.
For paddlers, put in at the public launch near the Fishtrap Resort, and paddle SW to see the entire lake about 3 miles long. At about 2 miles down lake, look for a protected cove on the west side of the lake. Find a place to beach your boat and climb up onto the high shore line.
Here the views of the unique cove are great. Just north about 200' is a deep pothole created during the Glacier Lake Missoula Floods.
DIRECTIONS:
North trailhead
Drive west on I-90 to about 25 miles to the Fishtrap exit #254, and turn left over the freeway on the Sprague Highway. At 2.5 miles turn left onto Fishtrap Road to a trailhead for several trails.
South trailhead
After exiting I-90, drive south on the Sprague Highway for about a mile past the Fishtrap Road, and turn left to the BLM Ranch House, and turn right for less than a mile to the trailhead.
Drive west on I-90 to about 25 miles to the Fishtrap exit #254, and turn left over the freeway on the Sprague Highway. At 2.5 miles turn left onto Fishtrap Road to a trailhead for several trails.
South trailhead
After exiting I-90, drive south on the Sprague Highway for about a mile past the Fishtrap Road, and turn left to the BLM Ranch House, and turn right for less than a mile to the trailhead.
HAZARDS:
Rattlesnakes, wood ticks, heat, and dust. There are ankle sleeves you can buy to avoid snake bits.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Fog Canyon, Lake & Falls, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Bonnie and Rock Lakes, and Escure Ranch & Towell Falls.
R & P:
Lenny’s in Cheney.
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
PHOTO GALLERY
A SECLUDED COVE JUST SOUTH OF MID LAKE
SHADOWS OF SPOKANE MOUNTAINEERS ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT HIKE
