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Elevation Gain
Highest Point
East of the Columbia River, the Palouse to Cascades Trail runs straight-as-an-arrow up Lower Crab Creek Coulee beneath the towering escarpment of the Saddle Mountains. The coulee is laced with lakes and wetlands which host hundreds of migrating water birds. One favorite is the walk along the bluffs above Nunnally and Merry Lakes.
From the trailhead, cross the Palouse to Cascades Trail and head north on an old two-track 0.4 mile to the low bluffs overlooking Nunnally Lake. From here, wander east as far as you like on a clear hunter/fisherman/hiker trail. The ground is sandy at first and there are many opportunities to drop down to the lakeshore.
As you walk east, the bluffs get higher and more and more basalt begins to appear — slabs, boulders and larger outcrops all festooned with colorful lichens and mosses. Along the way, there are views to the north across Nunnally and Merry Lakes to the bluffs on the north side of the coulee and south to the dramatic 1,700-foot escarpment of the Saddle Mountains.
You can walk the bluffs all the way to Lake Lenice (2.5-3 miles), but you may prefer to find a nice spot above Merry Lake to stop for lunch. Wherever you stop, when you’re ready to return you can either retrace your steps or make your way over to the Palouse to Cascades Trail and walk the railroad bed back to your car for a nice loop hike.
WTA Pro Tip: There is no shade or water on this hike. If you go on a warm or hot sunny day, but sure to have sunscreen, a shade hat and plenty of water.
WTA Pro Tip 2: Looking for a place to stay nearby? The Grant County PUD Sand Hollow Recreation Area has first come, first served camping.
Trailhead
