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Columbia Plateau Trail State Park is a 130-mile corridor on a former railroad grade from Cheney to Pasco in eastern Washington. Much of the trail is currently undeveloped, including this hike along a shallow coulee near the small town of Kahlotus.
During the last great Ice Age, the Great Missoula Floods carved out channels with steep walls and flat valley floors known as coulees. Washtucna Coulee isn’t as deep as some of its cousins, but it offers dramatic views and wide open spaces.
From the pullout along the Pasco-Kahlotus Road, make your way down to the railroad grade. If you’d like to walk through a tunnel before you hike the coulee, turn right. The tunnel is longer than it appears from the entrance (0.4 mile), and it helps to have a flashlight. It emerges in narrow Devils Canyon.
To hike Washtucna Coulee, retrace your steps through the tunnel and head east. You’ll walk past steep basalt cliffs, sagebrush, and a small cottonwood grove. The trail runs along the south side of the coulee, past the topographic low that was Kahlotus Lake when the water table was higher; the lake is now dry. Along the way, spot some splendid plants and wildflowers, like sage violets, buttercups, desert parsley and more.
About 3 miles from the trailhead, you’ll reach a short railroad bridge. You can cross it by walking on the ties if you want to continue. Otherwise, turn around and return the way you came.
WTA Pro Tip: The trail surface consists of angular basalt gravel that can be tough on feet, so wear boots with rigid soles, and keep an eye on your dog's pads as well. You may want to walk alongside the railroad grade where conditions permit, taking care to stay within the park boundary.
Trailhead
