Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Backcountry — Friday, May. 15, 2020

THIS IS A LEG BURNER!!!!! 

We were skeptical about the "2 star" rating, but after this experience, we can see why. WTA's description of a "steady incline" does not include that the "steady incline" was for about 2 miles straight. Somebody more fit/ comfortable with hiking could probably do this one in no time! That being said, this is a great "conditioning" hike. The trail was also either sand or loose rock, so I suggest strong ankle support. Please bathroom before you go, there is absolutely no where to do so privately and or critter free. Also, considering the current state of the world, Vantage is pretty well shut down so there are fewer options to us a toilet than normal. However, we took out time on this one and we were alone until the last mile of our descent where we saw one person with their dog. And for parking, the shoulder looks a little sketchy, as both sides of the road are a little ravine-y. If you are using Google Maps, it gets confused (at least ours did), so take that right down Recreation RD and you'll see a trail head in need of just a bit of TLC. 

I wouldn't personally suggest this hike for critters (bring socks/ puppy patches, the path is brutal and could wound your pup), or for children (again, rocks absolutely everywhere). Also, if you hate bugs this is not for you. I was hit in the neck and face with grasshoppers and cicada looking bugs. Granted, I am very short in stature and my boyfriend who is over six and a half feet tall did not have this problem. Bring extra water, there is absolutely no coverage here, you will be hot! Luckily the temp wasn't too high today and there was a fabulous breeze!

All of that being said, this hike was actually really lovely. I haven't experienced day crickets before and it was an incredible! If you haven't either, I totally suggest it. The incline is fairly constant, but low grade so you don't really notice it. The only reason we really did was because the rocks were objectively a pain in the rear (but all really pretty and unique). Only once you head back do you  notice how much of an action hero you are for trekking all the way up the hills! We saw so many cool critters and bugs (fire ants, grasshoppers, lizards, birds, etc.), and some deer tracks too! This one doesn't let out at a destination, but you do get to the top of the hills and the sweeping views are absolutely breathtaking. The way up you are so focused on not tripping over rocks, you kind of miss the view, but on the way down- oh, man! In addition to the view, The Blue Angels flew right by us, and that was a fun surprise! Wild flowers were in bloom and the grass was a beautiful shade of blueish in the morning light. We are from Seattle and don't find ourselves on the other side of the mountains too often, and this hike really captured quintessential Eastern Washington. At the end of the day, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves; so don't let the 'two star rating' get to 'ya, it deserves something closer to a 3.5-4 star rating. If you are looking to get away from people, or improve your hiking skills, do this one! If you are looking to get away from people leisurely, don't do this one!