Upper Ancient Lakes 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 descends steeply to the base, about 3/4 of a mile from the parking 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 which produces two waterfalls. The upper of the two is a small but notable 20 foot segmented fall, crashing over a small cliff of columnar basalt into a bouldery, brushy mess below. Dainty Judith Pond, located just above the falls, is a great spot to watch waterfowl, but like the bottom of the falls, thick sagebrush prevents easy access up close. Parking at the trailhead requires a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife parking permit, which can be purchased anywhere fishing licenses are sold.