There are informal fire rings from previous parties both at the parking lot ((47.02305, -119.99205) and at the base of the falls.  The trail is an pleasant flat walk along a closed double track.  No ticks, no snakes, no flowers. Along the way is garbage that has fallen off the cliff side road on to the south slope as well as 2 sizeable piles as you approach the falls - larger than 1 person can carry out.  As the Sierra Club posters proclaim, "This we inherit."

We set out for a big loop in the Frenchman Coulee area. The north side still had some snow, but it will be melting fast in this weather. Some muddy sections, especially near the waterfall, but both snow and mud were easily managed in boots. Beautiful time of year to be in this area - it was cool and quiet all day. You can see the full map of our route here.

https://strava.app.link/PjabR0TOeRb

Generally speaking, taking a shortcut is not recommended (don’t cut switchbacks!), however, taking a shortcut (alternate trail/route) to the Frenchman Coulee Waterfall was a good choice for us on this particular day. We had just two hours before the sun would set as we traveled along I-90 between Seattle and Spokane. This was the perfect leg-stretcher: a short and easy hike with easy access on and off the freeway.

The standard trail to this waterfall is 4 miles round-trip, but the “shortcut” hike is only 1 mile by starting from one of the pull-outs on the top of the bluff (about ½ mile down Vantage Road on the right). Winter is the best time to visit this waterfall because it is cool and the risk of encountering rattlesnakes or ticks is very small.

I spent considerable time researching the location of the trailhead. Google Maps lists "Frenchman Coulee" a mile or so back up the road towards the climbing area. If you look carefully on the satellite image though, you'll see the very small parking lot (about 3 or 4 cars) on the right side after you have descended onto the flats.

Although I would be hesitant to follow the route I took outside of cold months due to the possibility of encountering a rattlesnake in the sagebrush, there are several dirt trails along the base of the northern cliff line. Sometimes the foot path disappeared but it was easily found again. Always much more enjoyable in my book to take a round trip rather than an out and back.

Spectacular at dawn!

This is an easy hike down the middle of the Frenchman coulee. The seasonal waterfall is flowing. Lots of overflow parking along road at the start of the trail. The trail follows an old road bed and is part rock, sand and dirt.  The trail isn't very brushy and very easy to follow.

Honestly I think the views from above the canyon on the old county road are probably just as good as walking along the bottom. While it is definitely quiet along the trail you will hear cars driving along the road.

I didn’t see anyone else the entire time I was on this hike.