QUINCY LAKES, ANCIENT LAKE & DUSTY LAKE
EVENT TYPE: Day hiking, backpacking, mt biking, wondering
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles RT to Ancient Lake. 6 miles RT to Dusty Lake
ELEVATION: 280’ to Ancient lake. 350’ to Dusty Lake
DIFFICULTY: Easy to slightly moderate
MAPS: W.D.OF F. & W., Columbia Wildlife Area. Babcock Bench
GPS: 47°01’38” N 119°59’52” W
MANAGING AGENCY: W.D.F.& W. & Columbia Basin Wildlife Area. 509.765.6641
GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF: CALL 911 FIRST or 509.754.2011
DISTANCE: 4.5 miles RT to Ancient Lake. 6 miles RT to Dusty Lake
ELEVATION: 280’ to Ancient lake. 350’ to Dusty Lake
DIFFICULTY: Easy to slightly moderate
MAPS: W.D.OF F. & W., Columbia Wildlife Area. Babcock Bench
GPS: 47°01’38” N 119°59’52” W
MANAGING AGENCY: W.D.F.& W. & Columbia Basin Wildlife Area. 509.765.6641
GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF: CALL 911 FIRST or 509.754.2011
DESCRIPTION:
There are two trails to Ancient Lakes.
The first skirts the Babcock Bench for about .4 miles to an obscure trail heading left (east) along towering basalt cliffs. The trail follows along these cliffs, and at about 1.5 miles the trail rises and drops down to the second trail and merges to the Ancient Lakes.
The second trail in, and more used, is the main trail to Ancient Lakes. Once at the lakes follow the directions above to Dusty Lake.
You may feel like you are in an old western movie scene.
The trick to hiking in the Scabs, is to observe your surroundings and note all high landmarks and other prominent features . You can use these landmarks to navigate off trail routes.
The first skirts the Babcock Bench for about .4 miles to an obscure trail heading left (east) along towering basalt cliffs. The trail follows along these cliffs, and at about 1.5 miles the trail rises and drops down to the second trail and merges to the Ancient Lakes.
The second trail in, and more used, is the main trail to Ancient Lakes. Once at the lakes follow the directions above to Dusty Lake.
You may feel like you are in an old western movie scene.
The trick to hiking in the Scabs, is to observe your surroundings and note all high landmarks and other prominent features . You can use these landmarks to navigate off trail routes.
OPTION #1:
Once at the Ancient Lakes, we went off trail and chicwacked over to Dusty Lake. Any trail you may pick up will soon fade. But Dusty Lake is only about .8 of a mile due south.
OPTION #2:
If you hike up to the north rim to return to the cars, walk close, but with safety, and look at the massive basalt column tops. Some are starting to tilt, making for an unusual image.
Please do not go out onto them.
Please do not go out onto them.
DIRECTIONS:
The turnoff to the Ancient Lakes Trail is five miles south of Quincy on SR 281. Turn
west off SR 281 onto White Trail Road and continue 3 miles. Turn left (south) at the “public fishing” sign onto a gravel road toward Quincy Lakes. The Ancient Lakes trailhead is located 0.7 mile south of the intersection with White Trail Road. There is no privy at this trailhead.
west off SR 281 onto White Trail Road and continue 3 miles. Turn left (south) at the “public fishing” sign onto a gravel road toward Quincy Lakes. The Ancient Lakes trailhead is located 0.7 mile south of the intersection with White Trail Road. There is no privy at this trailhead.
HAZARDS:
Rattlesnakes. They won’t strike unless provoked, so be aware.
See our RESOURCES...WILDLIFE or TRAIL ETIQUETTE & SKILLS FOR INO ON SNAKES
This area is dry and dusty, and has loose rock on some of the ascents.
A WORD OF CAUTION WHILE HIKING IN THE SCABS
Because the terrain you will be in while hiking, you must be aware of your surroundings.
Note all high points and landmarks. Even those off in a distance.
They can be use to gain perspective of your current location, as apposed to your entry route.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE EACH HIKER IS CARRYING A MAP OF THE AREA.
AND DO NOT ALLOW ANY HIKER IN YOUR GROUP TO WONDER OFF.
YOUR GROUP MUST STAY TOGETHER. There are safety shin guards you can buy to protect from snakes.
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the terrain. Later if you are misplaced, you can refer to the image to gain perspective.
See our RESOURCES...WILDLIFE or TRAIL ETIQUETTE & SKILLS FOR INO ON SNAKES
This area is dry and dusty, and has loose rock on some of the ascents.
A WORD OF CAUTION WHILE HIKING IN THE SCABS
Because the terrain you will be in while hiking, you must be aware of your surroundings.
Note all high points and landmarks. Even those off in a distance.
They can be use to gain perspective of your current location, as apposed to your entry route.
ALWAYS MAKE SURE EACH HIKER IS CARRYING A MAP OF THE AREA.
AND DO NOT ALLOW ANY HIKER IN YOUR GROUP TO WONDER OFF.
YOUR GROUP MUST STAY TOGETHER. There are safety shin guards you can buy to protect from snakes.
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the terrain. Later if you are misplaced, you can refer to the image to gain perspective.
COOL THINGS CLOSE BY:
Ancient & Dusty Lakes, Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, the mighty Columbia River, the Gorge Amphitheater, Vantage, and the Petrified Forest.
R & P:
NA
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