Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead, near the Columbia River Gorge in Washington, offers a unique camping experience in a stunning desert landscape. This area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, with plenty of space between campsites and a laid-back vibe.

Visitors rave about the easy access to several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes, making it a great spot for a first backpacking trip. The hike in is straightforward, and once you’re there, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of basalt cliffs and nearby waterfalls. Just remember, the lakes aren’t safe for drinking due to agricultural runoff, so pack in your own water.

Campers appreciate the freedom to have fires, but be mindful of fire bans during dry spells. The scenery is a mix of sagebrush and interesting geological features, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. As one reviewer noted, “You can get super close to several waterfalls,” which adds to the charm of this location.

While there are no facilities at the lakes, a port-a-potty is available at the trailhead. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning sunsets and a chance to disconnect, Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead is worth checking out. Just be prepared for the elements and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Quincy, WA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Quincy campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Quincy, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Quincy

The Best Camping Near Quincy, Washington

2 mile backpack into box canyon and 2 night campout. Surrounded on three sides by tall basalt column cliff walls. Small water fall at northeastern corner. Incredible hiking up to top of rim and around to secondary canyon with a larger lake. You can also hike down towards the Columbia river where there is some additional camping available. Go in early spring for the green and cooler temps. You will want to bring a sleeping pad and tarp since ground is rough. Make sure you bring your own water! Even though there are lakes in the canyon, none of the water is safe for drinking due to the agricultural run off. Filtering will not work.

Amazing Geology!!

This is a good early season hike while its still rainy in Seattle it can easily be sunny and warm on the other side of the mountains. There are at least 5 good campsites at the lakes that will each hold multiple tents no problem. Some people do light fires but I’d like to discourage it, fire danger is pretty real in these scrublands. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls. Past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the WTA description for more details. Note that there is no potable water, you have to haul it it. The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off. 

[WTA Ancient Lakes](http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ancient-lakes)

Great Early Season Hike

This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.

The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!

Hidden Gem

Lots of campgrounds to choose from. Some are dustier than others. Plenty of space between campsites. Fire pits available for use but check for burn bans.

Gorgeous desert oasis

Really easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains. Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun.

This place is awesome. 

Camped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.

There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.

Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.

Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.

No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.

Need Discover Pass to park here.

Photos of Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

Real photos from real campers