Hiking opportunities in the Quincy, Washington area!
Explore the beauty of the High Desert!
Are you looking for some outdoor adventures near Quincy? There are many hiking opportunities available in our lovely Quincy Valley. Please keep in mind that hiking in central and eastern Washington comes with some necessary reminders regarding safety due to our high desert climate.
Safety precautions for hiking in this area include:
💧 Water: Bring more than you think you need (no reliable water on most trails)
🧢 Sun: Hat + sunscreen are essential—shade is rare
🐍 Wildlife: Rattlesnakes are present in warmer months
📶 Cell service: Spotty or nonexistent in many areas
👟 Footwear: Loose rock and basalt are common
Here is a list of nearby hiking trails:
Monument Hill Trail * Moderate * 1.2 miles * Out and Back * 134 feet elevation gained * A short but iconic Quincy hike offering sweeping views of the entire valley and wide-open skies.
The Quincy Lakes Wildlife Area is home to over 9 different trails ranging from less than a mile to over 10 miles. A Discovery Pass is required for parking.
Ancient Lakes Trail (from lower trailhead parking area) * Easy * 4.6 miles * Loop * 295 feet elevation gained * Seasonal road to trailhead. Popular trail in warmer months.
Ancient Lakes Trail via Judith Pool (trailhead from Quincy Lakes Wildlife Area) * Moderate * 3.6 miles * Out and back * 433 feet elevation gained * Sturdy footwear is recommended due to rocky terrain.
Dusty Lake to Ancient Lakes * Moderate * 5.4 miles * Loop * 574 feet elevation gained * Gorgeous views. The trail is not well marked in some areas, it’s recommended to download an offline map ahead of time. Be prepared for loose rock in some areas. Keep an eye out for beavers.
Dusty Lake AND Ancient Lakes Trail * Moderate * 8.3 miles * Loop * 567 feet elevation gained * Expansive desert views covering a variety of terrain.
Columbia River, Dusty, and Quincy Lakes Loop * Moderate * 11 miles * Loop * 1,158 feet elevation gained * This outer loop has it all! Stunning Columbia River views, waterfalls, several lakes, and beautiful desert vistas.
Quincy Lake to Burke Lake * Easy * 2.2 miles * Out and back * 91 feet elevation gained * A nice lakeside stroll for getting in a quick walk in the desert.
Dot Lake Loop * Easy * 0 .6 miles * Loop * 22 feet elevation gained * A quick oasis walk around the lake through lush wetlands.
Cascade Lake, Cup Lake, and Spring Lakes * Easy * 1.8 miles * Out and back * 278 feet elevation gained * Popular trail that is open year round. A favorite for bird watchers.
Burke Lake Trail * Easy * 2.7 miles * Out and back * 95 feet elevation gained * Another trail for a quick lakeside stroll to soak in some sun.
Frenchman Coulee has several trails to enjoy.
Frenchman Coulee Trail * Moderate * 4.6 miles * Out and back * 255 feet elevation gained * Relatively flat terrain until close to the end. Offers stunning views of dramatic rock formations with a waterfall at the far end of the gorge.
Echo Basin Loop * Easy * 2.6 miles * Loop * 137 feet elevation gained * A short hike to a sand dune, it is best visited from February to June before the weather gets too hot.
Planning tips:
Best for families: Dot Lake Loop, Burke Lake Trail
Best views: Monument Hill, Ancient Lakes
Longer adventures: Columbia River–Dusty–Quincy Lakes Loop
Quick evening hikes: Echo Basin Loop
Central Washington hiking is very seasonal, here are some helpful notes:
Best months: March–May and September–October
Summer note: Midday heat can be dangerous; hike early mornings or evenings
Winter note: Snow and ice can linger on north-facing slopes
Also, do some research on the sources of water for whichever lake you want to use to cool off as some lakes are not safe to swim.
Some lakes are irrigation-fed
Water quality and depth can change seasonally
Cold water shock is real—even on hot days
Please pack out what you pack in, stay on established trails, and help keep these spaces beautiful for the next person. Leave no trace and explore responsibly!