Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trails

Just off I-90, near where it crosses the Columbia River in Central Washington is the perfect place to take an hour-long break and stretch your legs. It’s on the “sunny side”, so you won’t have to worry about rain, but it might get a little blustery. Be sure to have your coat with you!

The Gingko Petrified Forest Interpretive Trails offer a trip through time, back to when lava flowing across Washington encased the trees. Gradually, the minerals in the lava replaced the organic matter of the trees. What remains are fascinating specimens of mineralized gingkos, spruce, elm, walnut, and fir trees – a remarkably diverse representation of Washington’s state gemstone.

A quarter-mile long paved loop trail makes most of the tree specimens accessible for all visitors. Those wishing to explore further can go off the paved path, onto a longer, gravel-and-dirt loop that edges the state park’s property line. Along with the venerable tree specimens, huge sagebrush dot the landscape, some towering over your head as you wend in and out of the petrified trees.

Taking a full tour of the area is about a 3-mile jaunt -- just enough time for many visitors to get a good stretch in.

One thing of note: because of previous visitors removing pieces of the ancient trees as keepsakes, the remaining trees have been protected by the state park. Please don’t attempt to touch these specimens, or remove any you may find in your wanderings. As tempting as it may be to take a little piece of nature home, the Interpretive Trails must have intact examples for future generations to appreciate these natural marvels.