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Washtucna Coulee - Kahlotus Railroad Grade

Featured In: Best Desert Hikes: Washington, by Dan Nelson and Alan Bauer.
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The broad, deep chasm of Washtucna Coulee cuts through the sagebrush flats of the Snake River plateau country, providing a wonderful expose of the power of the Great Missoula Floods that carved Washington's coulees after the last great Ice Age.

As spectacular as Washtucna Coulee is, the most majestic view of this route is found by peering down Devils Canyon. Here, you'll witness the full splendor of the incredible geologic history of this region.

Following the railroad grade from the parking area, stroll through a wildflower garden filled with fragrant sagebrush, buttercups, sage violets, and vast expanses of desert parsley. Just a few hundred yards south, the rail route leads into a cool, dark tunnel that pierces a bluff before leading into the upper reach of Devils Canyon. From the tunnel, the trail rolls down Devils Canyon, but that route is a bit tricky as several important trestles are out of service and some additional tunnels are blocked or closed. Go through the tunnel, enjoy the outstanding views, then head back to the trailhead and hike in the opposite direction, following Washtucna Coulee toward the town of Washtucna.

This coulee is not as deeply cut as the massive trenches of Moses Coulee or Grand Coulee, but the sheer rock walls and solid rock footing provide ample evidence of the awesome power of the Great Missoula Floods, which carved the coulees. Those flood waters rushed through the landscape, cutting channels as the deluge flowed through. Some of the water lingered. As you explore up the trail, you'll pass the now dry basin of ancient Lake Kahlotus. In very wet years, a bit of water still pools in the low parts of the basin, but generally this prehistoric lake is bone dry. At 4 miles from the parking area, you'll find yourself at Fry Road (alternative access point). Turn around and head back to complete the 8-mile hike.

To experience all this area has to offer, plan your hike for late in the afternoon. That way, as you trek along this route, you'll be able to enjoy the vast open views across miles of farmland, listening to the call of coyotes as sun sets. Take another run through the tunnel to peer down Devils Canyon in the twilight as the evening shadows highlight the truly graphic nature of the landscape. Sharp angles, cuts, and bluffs mark the canyon, and the setting sun throws those features into stark relief. Make sure you bring your camera.

If you have two vehicles available, you could park a vehicle in Kahlotus and enjoy a one-way, 13-mile hike from the tunnel back to the town of Washtucna.

Driving Directions:

From Kahlotus, drive south on the Pasco--Kahlotus Highway to 0.4 mile south of State Route 260. Find a pullout on the railroad side of the roadway. Park there and scramble down to the railroad grade. The tunnel heading to Devils Canyon is just 200 yards to the south. Alternatively, hike the other way into the Washtucna Coulee lands, skirting what is known as Lake Kahlotus (now a dry lakebed). A hike is also accessible by driving 3.7 miles east of Kahlotus on SR 260 (or 4.3 miles west of the SR261/SR 260 junction) to Fry Road, turning right, and parking. This makes a nice 8-mile round trip from Fry Road to the tunnel and back.