Frenchman Coulee — Monday, Apr. 30, 2012

Central Washington > Potholes Region

We drove out intending to hike up through the coulee, but were enticed by the possible views from the rib to hike out along the rib instead of hiking up the canyon. I believe this was the better choice. There were some beautiful desert flowers, some great hiking, a wee bit of scrambling, and soon we were at the very end of the rib. The view of the Columbia River Gorge from this point was spectacular. Don't skip this if you are planning on hiking out in the coulee. Just stop at the parking lot midway down into the basin (usually a couple of tents and cars from climbers there) and hike up the trails leading up along the cliffs (no climbing skill needed). Wind was stiff, but comfortable as long as we kept moving. Should start to get pretty hot out there soon, so go now before the heat and sun kills off all the flowers and plants!