Information about this hike provided in partnership with Mountaineers Books.
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Reiber Road Loop

Featured In: Best Desert Hikes: Washington, by Dan Nelson and Alan Bauer.
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This hike is best enjoyed early in the day. Late in the year (or early in the new year), start hiking shortly after sunrise to enjoy the cold beauty of the winter morning--the golden sunshine on the rocks, trees, and desert plants creates glorious patterns and colors along this desert trek.

If you're lucky, a morning frost will have cast a mantle of crystal white over the sagelands so that the sun sparkles magically off the icy landscape. Heading west through the fence behind the sign-in reader board, jump onto the first leg of the loop, which rolls due west for about 1.5 miles. The rich foliage along this stretch shelters a strong population of Hungarian partridges. This first section of the loop is fairly flat and level. At about 1.5 miles, look for a path that heads to the left (south). The trail winds down and around the rocky landscape and past a lovely small lake (seasonal).

About 0.5 mile past the lake, go left. After crossing open desert prairie, cross the main road that enters the Twin Lakes region. Across this road, to the west, is another jeep track that takes you down to the crossing between the two Twin Lakes.

Keeping going past the road for Twin Lake (see Hike 88). For the next 2 miles, pass through very isolated areas dotted with marshes and small ponds. Waterfowl and mule deer thrive around these wet areas. After another 2 miles, turn left and begin the 2.5 miles northward to close the loop.

Driving Directions:

From Vantage, drive east on Interstate 90 to exit 231 for Tokia. After exiting, turn north (left) over the freeway. At 0.2 mile continue straight at the stop sign. This is now Danekas Road. Drive Danekas Road 1.4 miles, and turn right on Hills Road (also known as the Harrington--Tokia Road). Pass the Rocky Ford Wildlife Area access after 6.2 miles, and enter Harrington at 18 miles. At 18.5 miles, in Harrington, turn left onto State Route 23 and continue 0.25 mile to a junction with SR 28. Turn left, and in 0.2 mile turn right on Coffee Pot Road. Drive Coffee Pot Road for 6.1 miles and turn right on Lamp Road. Drive this good gravel road 4 miles, then turn left on Seven Springs Road. You'll come to a number of gravel roads merging at 0.2 mile--go straight here. At 5 miles from Coffee Pot Road find a map signpost at Grant Road (another option for a good road hike into the region). At 6 miles from Coffee Pot Road (1 mile past the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife map signpost), turn left on Reiber Road, signed "Public Lane Access Route." Drive this rough road 1.2 miles to the end of the road and parking area. Check the signpost at the trailhead to view the map showing the closed roads to hike for the 9-mile loop hike. Start hiking on the road behind the signpost. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit required.