Potholes Wildlife Area - NorthThe Potholes Wildlife Area covers 32,500 acres, with 20,000 acres of surface water when the reservoir is full of snowmelt each spring. That means several thousand acres of water cover the natural sand dune area, creating hundreds of small islands and seasonally flooded areas that are popular homes for a variety of birds, including pelicans and egrets, and other animals. The marshy areas in the seasonal flood plain sport huge fields of cattail and bulrush, which in turn support great populations of birds and animals. The western part of the Pot¬holes area still has many active sand dunes, especially east of the Win¬chester and Frenchman Hills Wasteways. The first 1.5 miles of the hike rolls along the ruler-straight (closed) road heading due south. Views are lovely across the great sand basin in front of you. You slowly drop in elevation as you walk, entering richer wildlife habitat with each step. Quails, pheasants, hawks, and coyotes are often spotted in the first mile of this desert walk. Pass the first road to the right (it enters private land in less than 0.5 mile, where it is closed to public access). At the next Y, take the road to the right. For the next 2.5 miles, stroll along the western side of the Potholes lakes, where you'll find many opportunities to roam over to the water. Keep an eye on the lake, as the waterways draw a variety of birds: look for white pelicans, great white egrets, Canada geese, and an array of ducks. About 4 miles from the trailhead you reach the end of the gated road. This is a good turnaround point.
Driving Directions:
From Moses Lake, drive west on Interstate 90 and leave the freeway at exit 169/Hiawatha Road. Turn left at the overpass, and on the south side of the freeway, following signs pointing to "Sanitary Landfill," turn left onto the freeway frontage road. Drive 1 mile and turn right at C-NE Road (also signed "Sanitary Landfill"). Drive C-NE Road for 0.2 mile and, just after passing the landfill transfer station, park at the gated road turnaround area marking the entrance to this northwest corner of the Potholes Wildlife Area. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife permit required. Recent Trip Reports
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Desert Wildlife Area, Potholes Wildlife Area - North
— Apr 28, 2010
— SRaySam
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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This walk offers a vast landscape across the Potholes Reservoir to the steppes, fields, and mountains beyond. It holds geological...
This walk offers a vast landscape across the Potholes Reservoir to the steppes, fields, and mountains beyond. It holds geological interest in the form of the pothole lakes,the dark mineral sand dunes above the lakes, and the cobbles of lava and sandstone, left by the gigantic floods that shaped the area.It holds botanical interest in the form of wild flowers and shrubs that can survive in a sand dune,"wild begonia" (rumex) and Western Wallflower being in bloom right now. It offers a good array of waterfowl for the birdwatchers. That being said, the site has some problems. The display of phlox and balsam root in bloom was actually much better along the road coming in than at the site. The parking area has been used for target practice and is littered with broken glass, so tell the kids to be careful where they step. Finally, this time of year, the wind absolutely rips across the land and the lake, leaving ears aching in minutes, so bring earmuffs.
Day hike
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I led my first Winter Walk of the season for the Cascadians on this sunny, cool day. We took...
I led my first Winter Walk of the season for the Cascadians on this sunny, cool day. We took the Potholes Wildlife Area - Dunes Ramble as described in the Best Desert Hikes book (#74). We walked about 2 miles out before having lunch & then walking back. The weather was beautiful, but the hike was a little disappointing in other ways. We didn't see much wildlife (3 deer, 2 blue herons, & a few songbirds) though there were lots of tracks in the sand, large & small. There also was not much attractive vegitation - no cattails, reeds, or grasses to speak of. I think that this is probably a much nicer spring hike. Nonetheless, we all had a good time.
Day hike
Issues:
Bugs
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Backpacked into the Potholes area. The flowers are out in full bloom. Also hike upon several deer, snakes, muskrats, beaver...
Backpacked into the Potholes area. The flowers are out in full bloom. Also hike upon several deer, snakes, muskrats, beaver and three coyote pups. Three hot days and cold nights of backpacking. Lots of small lakes and waterways to hike to. Many mosquito and ticks. Day hike
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Backpacked into the Potholes lakes area. The flowers are out, see image. Also hiked upon several deer, muskrats, beaver, snakes...
Backpacked into the Potholes lakes area. The flowers are out, see image. Also hiked upon several deer, muskrats, beaver, snakes and three coyote pups. Plenty of ticks and mosquitos. The bass were big in the lakes.
Potholes
— Mar 27, 2003
— Esmerelda
Day hike
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We went to Eastern Wa. over my spring break and spent 2 days wandering around Potholes and the wildlife...
We went to Eastern Wa. over my spring break and spent 2 days wandering around Potholes and the wildlife area nearby. The weather is mild, the snakes asleep, and the sage greening up. I've never hiked in the area before, and it is wonderful right now. There are tons of little lakes surrounded by basalt cliffs and mesas, and everything smells like sage! You don't need a trail (although there are plenty of those), just keep an eye on landmarks and go where your heart pleases. We saw (and heard) migrating cranes and geese and songbirds, plus deer and a coyote. |
Hiking in Potholes State Park. Photo copyright Alan Bauer.
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