Dusty LakeThe Quincy Wildlife Recreation Area boasts several sparkling lakes nestled in the long, deep coulees of the area. Hiking around these remarkable desert gems provides an immersion not only in desert ecology but also in the more uncommon desert riparian ecology. The common desert community of quails and chukars is joined by the less common desert population of waterfowl--including mallards, mergansers, and teals. Start hiking along the old jeep road as if heading to the Ancient Lakes. Instead of turning off the jeep track to climb into the coulee holding those lakes, continue on the dirt two-track as it angles southeast toward Dusty Lake. After hiking a total of about 1.6 miles, all the while enjoying amazing views of the towering cliffs that are the coulee walls, look for a road leading to the left. Climb up this track a bit more than a mile as it ascends into the Dusty Lake basin. As you near the basin, you'll slowly come in sight of the sheer beauty of the tall headwall of the coulee towering over the blue-green gem of Dusty Lake.
Driving Directions:
From Ellensburg, drive east on Interstate 90 to exit 149 for George. After exiting, turn left and drive north on State Route 281 toward Quincy. After 5.6 miles turn left onto White Trail Road. Continue 7.8 miles on White Trail Road, then turn left onto Road 9-NW. Continue 5.9 miles on this road (pavement ends at 2.0 miles) as it winds steeply down onto Babcock Bench to the road's end. Seven or eight vehicles can park here. Do not block the gate or the road on the right (marked with a "Snake X-ing" sign): This is a private driveway and not open to the public. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife permit required. Recent Trip Reports
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Wildflowers blooming
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It was a fine spring Saturday when I went down to the trailheid for Ancient Lake and Dusty Lake. Following...
It was a fine spring Saturday when I went down to the trailheid for Ancient Lake and Dusty Lake. Following directions from the desert hiking guide I had no problems in getting there. I was surprised to find at least 20 cars already parked, whereas the guide mentions that only 7 to 8 vehicles can park there. Nevertheless there was still some space available.
I had an easy hike to Dusty Lake, enjoying this - to me - new area. I followed the trail alnog the north side of the lake and found myself in an area with many cars and trailers with people spending the day fishing or riding on horseback. I continued my hike and came to the Ancient Lake coulee. I scrambled along the easternmost lake to get to the falls and then slowly made my way back to the parking site. It is just a pity that there's so much waste along the trail.
Dusty Lake
— Apr 03, 2011
— Weluv2hike.
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We have been to dusty lake before, however we did not walk in this way. It was a nice day...
We have been to dusty lake before, however we did not walk in this way. It was a nice day and there were alot of people out and about.
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I led a Cascadian hike to Dusty Lake today. It was raining when we left Yakima and was cloudy...
I led a Cascadian hike to Dusty Lake today. It was raining when we left Yakima and was cloudy & cool when we started walking. We went in from the Babcock Bench trailhead which is also the usual trailhead for Ancient Lakes. The walking was easy along the road through the sagebrush and by the time we reached the lake it had become partly sunny. We had lunch on the flat, grassy area on the south side of the lake just before the talus. We lingered for an hour & a half or so and then headed back. By this time it was mostly sunny & warm. We saw a couple of other hiking parties on top of the cliffs across the lake and a few bird hunters. A great time was had by all.
Beezley Hills Preserve, Dusty Lake, Ancient Lakes
— May 10, 2009
— austineats
Day hike
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Wildflowers blooming
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The flowers were out in force and will be for a few more weeks. Hedge Hog cactus, Sulphur and Alpine...
The flowers were out in force and will be for a few more weeks. Hedge Hog cactus, Sulphur and Alpine Lupine, Death Camas, Arrowhead Balsam Root, Desert Parsley and others. What we really found cool about this walk was the variations from side to side of the hills. One exposure would be rich enough to lay down on (watch for the cactus) and just over the top edge it would be almost a different eco-system form different exposure to sun, moisture and wind.
One note on leaving the Beezley Hills area. The map we used showed taking the road in and out of Ephrata. The road continuing north from the top of the hill (where the hiking and flowers are) is exceptional. It will take you through wide open plains, some under plow, others not that ramble on mile after mile. Take your gazeteer and just keep heading north to Highway 2. It is a gorgeous stretch of unchanged Americana. We made a loop weekend out of our trip to Eastern Washington. Dusty Lakes trail was sweet at sunrise. A lone beaver and alpine glow-like colorations against the basalt cliffs were our high points there. There are also free camping spots directly on the water within walking distance of the DL trailhead. They are far from pristine or wilderness but they still were nice and at least on our night of stay, free from generators or other's music. Just one noisy Yellow Breasted Black Bird. Ancient Lakes is best appreciated early or late as well. It is wide open and can be quite hot. There are a few waterfalls still doing their thing and many blooming wildflowers. We saw a few Black Legged Stilts wading along the shore and hundreds of Cliff Swallows and their mud nests tucked in up under the overhangs in the basalt. Camping was adequate but the water didn't look very appetizing. Considering the usage of pesticides in Eastern Washington I would bring my own. |
Dusty Lake. Photo by slugman.
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