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Swanson Lakes

Featured In: Best Desert Hikes: Washington, by Dan Nelson and Alan Bauer.
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The Swanson Lake Wildlife Area is a magical desert oasis. Between gorgeous expanses of sageland, you'll find fantastic pools of water, sparkling like gems on the desert floor. These jewels not only reflect the glorious beauty surrounding them, but they also draw in another type of beauty: a bounty of wildlife.

The bright lakes are made all the more picturesque thanks to the brilliantly colored plumage of the ducks, geese, and shorebirds that occupy the lakes basin. Deer, coyotes, badgers, rabbits, and other small mammals patrol the desert around the lakes. Wildflowers turn the fertile, moist soils around the lakes and seeps into fragrant displays of color each spring.

You'll find many options for roaming along the northern edge of the huge Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area. Swanson Lakes is made up of two lakes, one on each side of Seven Springs Road. From the parking area, stroll southwest along the shore of the westernmost of the lakes. Hike a mile along the shore of the lake before turning back--you can't loop entirely around the lake because of a small tract of private property on the far shore. On your return, feel free to wander away from the anglers' trails that you followed on your way out. Roam cross-country through the open country around the lake back to the area near the start.

Walk back to the start of the route, cross the road, and head out along the shore for 0.5 mile or so before turning back and returning to the trailhead/parking area. Follow the dirt road to the wildlife area's headquarters buildings. The buildings are at least a mile in behind the lakes, and by walking the road you can enjoy the local desert scenery, the information board halfway in, and great views of the Swanson Lakes. Look for ducks, geese, and swans--both tundra swans and trumpeter swans use the lake as a refuge. The entire region around the lakes is a great place to roam, with its flat, open prairie lands and wonderful views to the horizon.

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 10 miles from Coffee Pot Road (4 miles past signed Reiber Road), reach the intersection with Swanson School Road. Find the parking area here. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife permit required.