This trail is short, steep and sweet. Dozens of deer in the canyons, lots of birds in the skies and sweeping views all around. The stone steps are really cool and I’m still looking for any information about that vintage aqueduct hanging onto the walls of the canyon. When was it built? By who? For what purpose? Any references are appreciated!

The trailhead for Candy Point is a bit obscure but we found it, located on the west side of North Columbia Ave. As other write ups say, you cross over a lush green lawn, and ahead of you is another trailhead sign. Here it quickly goes up on the many granite steps built by the CCC. It’s a steep trail alright especially if you don’t like steps but because it is so short, it doesn’t seem all that bad. Be sure to turn around often to enjoy the view. It helps take your mind from the steepness.

About a 1/3 of a mile up is an unsigned junction. Right takes you to Crown Point Vista, about 200’ more uphill, then the trail levels and you are almost at Crown Point. The large gravel parking lot gives you great views of the Grand Coulee dam as well as the nightly laser show during the summer months. This is a must see if you have not done so.  

We went left at the junction, steadily climbing up some more on switchbacks, no more steps. The view from up here is even more spectacular. A lovely surprise was all the Lewisia rediviva (Bitterroot) that we saw. This is a perennial herb growing mainly in high altitude deserts and can regenerate from dry and seemingly dead roots

At the top of the plateau, the trail levels out somewhat before heading down through another canyon with more steps and eventually crosses Fiddle creek. The good news is that there is some much appreciated shade in here due to the trees which look like cherry trees to me. I can’t imagine why someone would want to plant orchard trees in this canyon, An old rusted aqueduct is still hanging onto the canyon wall.

This loop trail came out behind the Police station/city hall. We took an obvious sidewalk trail heading to the left taking us back to our car which was parked at a public parking near the trailhead. 1.5 mile loop/670 feet gain according to Gaia. This trail is not on the Gaia app.

A group of us were staying at Steamboat Rock State Park.  I discovered the Candy Point/Crown Point trail in the WTA hiking guide.  It was new to us, so hiked the Candy Point loop trail near Grand Coulee.  You begin by crossing a private lawn, which has a sign that's it okay.  The trail was built by the CCC in 1937 and is composed of large granite steps from the local bedrock.  

When you come to the first junction, there is no sign.  Turn left to go to Candy Point.  Going straight will take you to Crown Point State Park (which you can drive to).  At the next junction we went right.  Going left will take you to Candy Pt., but going right will take you to another junction.  A right turn at this junction will take you on the trail that allows you to make a loop.  For now, go straight and the trail turns left to reach the summit.  You have wonderful views of the Grand Coulee Dam.  Go back to your trail down and follow it as it descends a canyon, taking you back out to the street.  Turn left and walk back to your car.  My GPS showed 1.6 miles and 711" gain.

On the way back we met the owner of the lawn and the house that goes with it.  He was quite friendly and was telling us how his father grew up hiking the trail.  

I was able to find the street parking this time to make this hike a loop. Find the sign, walk through the grass on private property with easement granted and start up the canyon. Soon you will come across the stone steps,  and the climb really starts,  all the way up to the viewpoint over looking the town of Grand Coulee and the Dam. Continue on the trail to head down the other side where you switchback down another canyon and cross a creek before coming out behind a town building. From there I walked the few blocks back to car with a stop at the river with even more CC Era stone work.