Stunning! Absolutely stunning! I was alone except for a herd of elk that were much more interested in their grass than me so I could watch them as long as I wanted - which was not long given the spectacular scenery that greeted me as I looked up and down Banks Lake - and all around! I spent three hours on the Rock. I first visited the south trail to its top where a cairn awaited. I then headed north and wished I had started there because the entire northern loop would be well worth the time. As it was I followed the trail to the northern-most point where the view towards Grand Coulee was the best. The only tricky part is at the very beginning where the trail is rocky and steep making the way difficult for younger children and older knees. I was glad I had my poles! If you visit, don't miss stopping at Coulee City's Banks Lake Brew and Bistro (you pass right by if you come from the south)! There are wonderful photos of Steamboat Rock pre-dam as well as great pastries, sandwiches, and desserts - all home-made. Tatti was a friendly and knowledgeable hostess!

The hike up probably took around 40 minutes or so and the heat was a little hard for about a third of the trail even with cloudy skies, so water is obviously a must. There were still flowers blooming, purple aster and pink penstemon along with a white flower I can't identify (I don't think it's a prairie star). I was also lucky enough to spot the tail end of a western skink! I had no idea we had such colorful reptiles in this state.

Managed to hike a total of 5 miles visiting both the East and West ends of the table top. Saw only one doe. No marmots. :( Weather was windy with showers, unusual. Turned out to be great hiking weather! No flying bugs, lots of beetles, watch your step please.

It was already hot by the time we set out to hike Steamboat Rock, but the trek was worth the sweat we worked up as we climbed to the top of the butte. This hike has great views of the state park and Banks Lake, especially on a sunny Eastern Washington day. We also loved the wildlife we saw along the way: two baby deer, a doe, a marmot, and an orange fly that moved rocks and shoveled sand as it burrowed in the ground. Bring your camera! My Vote: Hike this trail for great views! Considerations: - During the summer months, this is one hot hike. Try trekking early in the morning, before the sun has time to heat things up. - If you're allergic to bees, definitely bring an Epipen. There were a lot of bees/wasps on top of the butte. - This trail is very rocky and steep in places—wear good shoes.

Was driving by so thought I would check this out. The trail can be accessed from numerous points along the road across from the campground or boat launch. A discover pass is required. The first part (1/2 mile at the most) of the trail is sandy, then at the picnic table the trail goes up through talus like rock and scree. You'll see a white arrow painted on the rock as the only marking along the way. This section is steep, but much more difficult coming down than up, just keep that in mind. I watched a family pick their way down very slowly with hiking boots and poles, yet I was in Crocs, so it just depends on your comfort with loose rocks and steep climbs. About 3/4 of the way up the trail splits and you get to decide which side of Steamboat Rock to visit. Both have rewarding views and are about the same distance and vertical. The West side has a large rock at the top which is a great place to sit and take in the stellar views. Even on a Sunday when the campground looked full, I had the top to myself. Looks like good snake country, but I only saw a jackrabbit and a buck. Wildflowers are done unfortunately. The round trip with photo stops was around an hour.