Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

The Columbia Plateau Trail offers a varied surface. You'll find a 3.75-mile paved section between Fish Lake and Cheney, which is great for families and inline skating. Other sections include 19.25 miles of crushed rock through a wilderness area, while the majority of the trail is primarily gravel. Cyclists and hikers should be prepared for these different surface types.

Yes, the 3.75-mile paved section between Fish Lake and Cheney is particularly ideal for families, young children, and beginners due to its smooth surface. This section is also suitable for inline skating. For other sections, while the trail is generally flat as it follows an old rail bed, the gravel and crushed rock surfaces might be more challenging for very young children or those new to trail activities.

Major access points with facilities, including parking, can be found at Fish Lake, Cheney, Amber Lake, and Martin Road. These locations often provide amenities such as restrooms and informational kiosks. Horse trailer parking is also available at some of these main access points.

As a Washington State Park, a Discover Pass is typically required for vehicle access to trailheads and parking areas. You can purchase a day-use pass or an annual pass. It's always a good idea to check the official Washington State Parks website for the most current fee information and requirements.

Yes, the Columbia Plateau Trail is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. Please remember to pack out all pet waste to help keep the trail clean and enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is a prime location to witness the dramatic effects of cataclysmic Ice Age floods and 15-million-year-old basalt flows. You can observe unique channeled scablands, basalt buttes, canyons, and ancient flood-carved basalt formations. Notable features include the Cow Creek scabland, Washtucna Coulee, Devil's Canyon, giant current-created ripples, and the Walker Bar. Interpretive panels along the route explain these natural formations.

The trail passes directly through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot over 200 bird species, including trumpeter swans, as well as deer, elk, and even moose. Keep an eye out, especially in the quieter sections of the trail.

While the entire 130-mile trail has varied surfaces, the 3.75-mile paved section between Fish Lake and Cheney would be the most suitable and accessible for wheelchairs. Other sections, being primarily gravel or crushed rock, may present challenges.

Given the trail's length and remote sections, it's crucial to pack essentials. This includes plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as public facilities can be scarce. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), appropriate footwear for varied terrain, snacks, and a first-aid kit are highly recommended. For cyclists, a repair kit is also advisable.

The Columbia Plateau Trail is a long, linear park, so crowding can vary significantly by section and season. The more developed access points and paved sections, like near Cheney and Fish Lake, may see more visitors, especially on pleasant spring or fall weekends. However, much of the trail, particularly the undeveloped middle sections, offers a sense of solitude and wide-open spaces, even during peak times.

As a linear rail trail, the Columbia Plateau Trail doesn't inherently offer many loop options directly on the trail itself. Most excursions involve out-and-back routes from various access points. However, you can plan shorter segments by utilizing multiple access points for drop-off and pick-up, effectively creating a one-way experience for a specific distance.