Explore Beautiful And Rugged Eastern Washington Terrain On The Frenchman Coulee Trail

Washington is one of the only states where it's possible to hike through practically any terrain you can imagine. From mountain peaks to waterfall trails and even oceanside treks, we've got it all. And if you've ever hiked on the eastern half of the state, you'll know there are some incredible hidden gems with scenery you won't find anywhere else. The Frenchman Coulee Trail is one of them.

Frenchman Coulee is a gorge that's located in the Columbia River Plateau region.

The main Frenchman Coulee Trail is located near the town of Quincy. Just take Exit 143 (Silica Road) on I-90 and turn left on Vantage Highway.

The Frenchman Coulee Trail spans about 4.8 miles, and it's considered a moderate hike, meaning most Washingtonians who have hiked before can handle it.

The trail is accessible year-round as long as weather permits, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed as well.

The gorge showcases some of the unique beauty that was left behind by the great Ice Age floods.

During the first stages of flooding, water levels between the Quincy Basin and the Columbia River west of Evergreen Ridge reached 700 feet over just a few miles. The rather extreme difference in water levels caused the floodwaters to eat away the underlying rock layers.

The hike is incredibly scenic -- it's just a different kind of scenery than you might be used to.

The sandy earth is surrounded by steep cliff walls, and you'll spot lots of desert brush and possibly even a small cactus or two.

You'll also get close to the mighty Columbia River, which makes the trek worth it.

Depending on the time of year, you might even spot some wildflowers.

Other than the river, the highlight of this hike is definitely the waterfall, which is known as Frenchman Waterfall.

Even in the dry desert, you can still spot waterfalls on our trails.

Summers get hot in this part of the state, so this is the best time to take this trek is in the spring or fall.

However, if you start early in the morning and stay hydrated on your hike, it can be pleasant on a warm summer day as well.

Did you know Frenchman Coulee existed?