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8 Scenic Hikes You Need To Take In Eastern Washington

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Eastern and Western Washington are almost like two different worlds. Not only is there a big difference in culture, but the landscapes on each side of the Cascades have just as much contrast. Western Washington is better known for Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific coastline, but Eastern Washington has its own share of diverse hiking opportunities through canyons and along beautiful lakes & rivers. These eight hikes of various lengths are some of the most scenic adventures you can take on the eastern side of the mountains.

1. Umtanum Creek Canyon

Umtanum Creek Canyon makes for a pleasant, six-and-a-half-mile hike just south of Ellensburg. The trail kicks off by crossing a bouncy suspension bridge, then leads through open fields dotted with colorful wildflowers in the spring.

2. Lake Lenore Caves

The Lake Lenore Caves formed thousands of years ago when Ice Age floods ripped out chunks of rock from the walls of the coulee. You can still see all seven of the above-ground caverns by taking a mile-and-a-half trail that leads along Lake Lenore, just off State Route 17 near Soap Lake.

3. Riverside State Park

You can’t go wrong with any of the trails here just outside of Spokane. Set in Nine Mile Falls, this huge state park is actually the largest in our state, with two campgrounds, miles of scenic trails, picnic areas, and a swinging bridge in the Bowl & Pitcher area.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you can take trails in almost every direction. If you follow the river downstream, you’ll pass by major rapids, an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and a basalt rock bench with panoramic views of Mica Peak, Mount Spokane, South Hill and the West Plains.

4. Quartzite Mountain

A short but steep climb, Quartzite Mountain may seem daunting at first, but the wide open views from the summit are worth the challenge. A well-maintained trail will lead you to the top, where you’ll get unobstructed views overlooking the town of Chewelah. The hike up passes through beautiful wildflower meadows and forest, with wild strawberries growing along the way during the summer.

5. Twin Sisters, Wallula Gap

Science suggests these basalt rock pillars were formed from erosion thousands of years ago, but some argue they came from an old urban legend. Whatever the case, it’s worth stretching your legs and walking the short mile to see them. Especially with the beautiful Columbia River as the backdrop! You can find the trailhead just off Highway 730, near the Tri-Cities.

6. Icicle Ridge

Icicle Ridge isn’t an easy trek, but it will give you panoramic views overlooking Leavenworth and Tumwater Canyon. The photo ops just get better and better as you climb, and you’ll even see lovely, vibrant wildflowers as you make your way up.

7. Palouse Falls

Our state’s official waterfall, Palouse Falls, is actually hidden out in the middle of nowhere, northeast of the Tri-Cities. There are two trails you can take for different viewpoints: one leads you the top of the cascade, while the other steep (and much more difficult) route leads to the bottom.

8. Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Hop on the ferry to Stehekin in the North Cascades and try this classic hike along the shores of Lake Chelan. It runs for about 17 miles between Stehekin and Prince Creek (though you don’t have to go the entire length, if you don’t want). But the views are marvelous – with every step you’ll be greeted with vistas of the largest natural lake in our state and the surrounding mountains.

I can’t wait until spring rolls around in a couple of months and I can start marking some of these off my list.  So tell us, what are some of your favorite hikes in Eastern Washington?

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