Information about this hike provided in partnership with Mountaineers Books.
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Fishtrap Lake - Scroggie Loop

Featured In: Best Desert Hikes: Washington, by Dan Nelson and Alan Bauer.
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The BLM only recently added this land parcel to the original Fishtrap Lake public land tract on the north side of the lake. To protect adjacent private land interests, fences have been placed along the south and west sides of this parcel to prevent you from wandering off the public lands. As you wander through the desert, you'll stumble across a small pond, which hosts an array of ducks and other water-fowl.

Hike out along the wide trail track, going left at the intersection with the loop. In just a mile you'll find a small duck pond set among the sage. Enjoy the scenery around the pond before turning north to follow the trail as it loops around the public land tract. As you near the fence line, the path turns east again. As you get to this area, step off the trail and wander over to the rim of the hill to peer down on Fishtrap Lake.

Hike in an almost straight line along the main trail back to the trailhead, keeping your eyes peeled--this part of the BLM tract is prime habitat for wild turkeys.

Driving Directions:

From Spokane, drive west on Interstate 90, leaving the freeway at exit 254 (Fishtrap/Sprague Highway). Turn south. At 2.4 miles from I-90, turn left on Fishtrap Road. Drive 1.2 miles. After entering the resort area by the lake, turn left onto Scroggie Road--a nice gravel road leading across the end of the lake area. Drive 1.4 miles up Scroggie Road on the south side of Fishtrap Lake and pull off to the right at the signed parking area for access to the highland BLM lands. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit required.