Frenchman Coulee — Friday, Apr. 7, 2023

I had heard about this area (Old Vantage Highway) as a possible early season camping area.   Thought I would check it out. Super glad I did.

This is a Washington State Park run area.  Discovery Pass needed.

I parked at the camping area that showed as "Echo Basin" TH on my Topo Map. There is a clean and well cared privy at the parking lot.

I hiked up to the ridge from there.  Once up on the ridge, I was able to see a fairly well establish trail system.  I followed the ridge south down to the county park and boat ramp.  This is the end of Old Vantage Highway if one were to drive.  

I then headed east and turned north. This made for a nice loop back to Echo Basin area along a different trail. 

The views of the Columbia River Basin were fantastic. I found the various geological formations also pretty cool. The best view is the Waterfall that can be seen from the trail near the Frenchman Coulee campground.

 I didn't see any flowers along this trail system.

Glad I discovered this area.  I would not drive to it as a destination hike.  If in the region, a beautiful area to check out.

For those wondering about the campgrounds, they were 50% full when I left around 1pm.

I didn't see anyone else on the trails!