Ancient Lake Falls

Ancient Lake Falls is located in the Quincy Wildlife Refuge between the towns of Quincy and George, north of Interstate 90. From I-90 in George, exit northbound onto Highway 281 and proceed for just over 5 miles to Road 5 NW and turn left. Follow Road 5 NW for 3 miles and turn left sharply on an unmarked gravel road. The trailhead is found another 1/3 of a mile down the hill at a gate. From the parking area, follow the gated road right at the first junction, then follow a path right across the stream in a marshy area and left along a path afterward. Soon the trail reaches the top of Upper Ancient Lake Falls and follows the stream down to the top of Ancient Lake Falls a total of about a mile from the first gate. A good map and a GPS are recommended for this hike because its easy to get disoriented on the maze of trails in the area.The Coulees of the Quincy Wildlife Refuge harbor several lakes fed by various irrigation activities and a few springs to cap things off. While many of the lakes have subterranean outlets, Stan Coffin and H Lakes feed into this modest stream that flows over this pretty, 2-part waterfall and into the well known Ancient Lake basin. The falls consist of a drop of about 25 feet, followed by a bouldery cascade of another 25 vertical feet or so, then a misty plunge of 50 feet before the stream runs into the lake below. The irrigation activities on the plains above the basin feed the drainage for most of the year, just remember to not drink the water - even if you filter it - because the pesticides from the farms above will leach into your system if you do. Parking at the trailhead requires a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife parking permit, which can be purchased anywhere fishing licenses are sold.