Columbia Plateau Trail State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WA

Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Columbia Plateau Trail State Park offers a unique outdoor experience with its extensive rail-trail system across the eastern Washington plains, showcasing the region's geological and ecological diversity.

State Park4,1091+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

4,109

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Columbia Plateau Trail State Park offers a unique outdoor experience with its extensive rail-trail system across the eastern Washington plains, showcasing the region's geological and ecological diversity.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in eastern Washington, Columbia Plateau Trail State Park spans across 130 miles, transforming an old railroad corridor into a multi-use trail ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail traverses through the striking landscapes of the Columbia Basin, covering diverse ecosystems ranging from grasslands to rugged cliffs. Historically, the trail follows the former Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway, providing a historical insight into the region's evolution. Recreational opportunities abound, with popular activities including bird watching, particularly in the channeled scablands formed by Ice Age floods. The park's appeal lies in its serene vistas, the chance to encounter local wildlife such as deer and hawks, and the ability to explore sections of trail that offer remote beauty away from urban distractions.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Hole-in-the-Ground overlooking Cow Lake✦ The impressive Tucannon River bridge✦ Spectacular views of the Palouse Falls✦ Remote trail segments with solitude and wildlife viewing
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Discover Pass required for vehicle access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Moses Lake, Washington
⌖ 14.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moses Lake, Washington

Moses Lake, Washington offers a laid-back outdoor playground with calm waters ideal for paddling and fishing, gentle trails for biking and running, and nature spots perfect for birding and camping from late spring through early fall.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Warden, Washington
⌖ 14.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Warden, Washington

Warden is a quiet town in Washington’s Columbia Basin, offering access to desert hiking, bird watching, and water activities at Potholes Reservoir. Ideal for travelers seeking relaxed outdoor adventures away from crowded parks.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Othello, Washington
⌖ 25.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Othello, Washington

Othello offers outdoor lovers a quiet desert landscape with access to hiking, biking, paddling on irrigation canals and Potholes Reservoir, plus excellent birdwatching and some of the darkest night skies in Washington State.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Soap Lake, Washington
⌖ 27.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Soap Lake, Washington

Soap Lake is a small, quiet town known for its alkaline lake with healing waters. Outdoor lovers enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, bird watching, cycling, and camping in the area's scenic desert landscape.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Ritzville, Washington
⌖ 28.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ritzville, Washington

Ritzville is a peaceful eastern Washington town ideal for exploring expansive wheat fields, quiet trails, and wildlife areas. It offers gentle hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities with a laid-back rural vibe.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Ephrata, Washington
⌖ 28.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ephrata, Washington

Ephrata offers outdoor lovers access to desert hiking, calm paddling lakes, bird watching, and camping. Its unique shrub-steppe environment and nearby reservoirs make it a peaceful year-round adventure spot.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Slow-rolling Summers: Multi-Day Pontoon Rentals on Moses Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Moses Lake, Washington
Boat RentalADV Bookable

Slow-rolling Summers: Multi-Day Pontoon Rentals on Moses Lake

Multi-day pontoon rentals for up to 10 people on Moses Lake and Potholes, featuring a sundeck, MP3 hookup and optional tubing—this guide orients you to the logistics, on-water features and operator policies.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
23' Tri-toon on Moses Lake — 150HP Power for Up to 12
ADVEXPEDITION
Moses Lake, Washington
Boat RentalADV Bookable

23' Tri-toon on Moses Lake — 150HP Power for Up to 12

A Cascade Marina tri-toon rental with wrap-around seating, fishing chairs, stereo and a Bimini top offered as half-day, full-day and multi-day bookings—this guide collects the practical facts you need to plan.

Boat RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip