Frenchman Coulee — Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018

Having hiked the south side of the old Vantage highway many, many times, we decided to try the north side this time, where we've noticed many birders parked. Parked on the right hand side of the road, just across from Echo Basin, though not in the actual parking lot. We saw a track to the east, but thought we'd head towards the water so struck out to the left, passing several large roundish basalt boulders randomly situated amongst the sagebrush. 

In a little under a mile we reached the cliff edge and had to decide between going down to the waterfront, or continue heading north. We continued north along the cliff edge, taking in expansive views of the Columbia River, tall basalt columns along the eastern edge, and the little riverside community of Crescent Bar tucked onto a large sandbar jutting out into the river.

It was a very mild day, 50 degrees, blue skies with interesting cloud formations, a little breezy. We stopped for a spell at a craggy ravine that had a tiny stream with just enough of a trickle for Jazz Dog to quench her thirst. She had been running up and down a couple of ravines that had forced us to detour to the right. 

Continued another mile till we reached a massive gully with a sand dune and decided to turn around since it was getting late. We took the higher route back and had to traverse around the ravines, but enjoyed a different way back. 

A nice, non strenuous stroll across a bench of sage brush and basalt boulders with lovely views up and down the Columbia. Nice especially for Jazz Dog as she could roam unleashed. We didn't see any wildlife, though there were plenty of elk tracks in the mud. Oh and lots of geese heading south. Lunch in the car. A very pleasant 4 miler.