Packer CreekDucks and blue herons routinely fly around the lake and nearby marshy ponds, while other birds inhabit a grove of old poplars near a small spring along the valley floor in the western part of the tract. Orioles build nests on the branches, and woodpeckers bore holes in the tree trunks. On the ground along the dirt banks at the edge of the coulees, look for badgers, small rodents, and other burrowing animals. At 1652 acres, this area--at first glance--seems a little small for wild land hiking. However, once you step into the desert, you'll find you can roam over all the 1652 acres of this desert playland. Hiking southwest on the old road leading from the trailhead area takes you into the heart of the land. At about 0.5 mile you'll reach Packer Creek. You'll also bump into a pocket of private land tucked into the BLM parcel (a private residence is situated on the private land parcel--respect the landowner's privacy, please). The road turns sharply away from the private property. After rolling east along the property line, the trail turns south. In about a mile you'll reach the area dotted with lovely basalt pinnacles. The road goes all the way to the boundary with the Milwaukee Railroad Corridor. The railroad corridor is the southern boundary of the BLM land, so walk west along the rail line 0.5 mile and then head off northward, back toward the private residence to loop back up to that road and hike out.
Driving Directions:
From Vantage, drive east on Interstate 90 toward Spokane and take exit 245 for Sprague. Turn right off the freeway and drive south 17.8 miles on SR 23. At 0.6 mile past Wagner Road, turn right into small parking area at a gated road. Recent Trip Reports
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