Frenchman Coulee — Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

We went east to avoid the mud in Kittitas Valley. We drove down the Old Vantage Highway past the Feathers parking area to Echo Basin. Parked near the gate and Discover Pass sign on the right side of the road. Only a couple of cars there. Crossed the road and headed south along the two track toward the dunes, which were visible in the distance. Trail was dry and easy to follow. Walked over the dunes and climbed to the ledge above the main sand slide by hugging the hillside to the right and following a game trail. We climbed to a high point where we stopped for lunch. Turned back and ran down the slide on our return (weee!). Fun, easy excursion close to home. For those coming from further it is easy to extend your hike and explore more of the area including erratics, waterfalls, lakes, and columnar basalt. Total time out: 1.5 hours, distance: 3 miles.