Columbia Plateau

Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is a 130-mile rail-trail stretching across the heart of Washington's Columbia Plateau region from Cheney to Pasco. This linear park follows a former railroad corridor through dramatic landscapes of basalt cliffs, rolling wheat fields, and shrub-steppe ecosystems. The trail is popular for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife observation, offering an immersive experience in the Columbia Basin's unique environment. Visitors encounter geological formations, diverse wildlife, and agricultural landscapes characteristic of eastern Washington. The trail passes through or near several small communities, providing access points and services. Multiple trailheads allow for day trips or multi-day adventures through remote high desert terrain. Columbia Plateau Trail represents one of Washington's most ambitious rail-trail conversions, providing non-motorized recreation across vast public lands. The trail offers solitude and scenic beauty in a region often overlooked by outdoor enthusiasts.

The trail corridor supports diverse wildlife adapted to shrub-steppe and agricultural environments. Mule deer are frequently observed, especially during dawn and dusk hours in less-disturbed sections. Coyotes, badgers, and occasional bobcats inhabit the surrounding grasslands and rocky outcrops. Raptors including ferruginous hawks, Swainson's hawks, prairie falcons, and golden eagles hunt along the trail. Burrowing owls nest in abandoned ground squirrel burrows in appropriate habitat. Songbirds such as meadowlarks, horned larks, and sage thrashers are common in grassland areas. Rattlesnakes and other reptiles are present in rocky areas, particularly during warmer months. The trail crosses several streams and wetland areas supporting different species including waterfowl and amphibians. Elk occasionally range into the trail area from nearby wildlife management areas. The linear corridor provides important connectivity for wildlife movement across fragmented agricultural landscapes.

The trail passes through classic Columbia Basin shrub-steppe vegetation dominated by big sagebrush and native bunchgrasses. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Idaho fescue, and Sandberg's bluegrass create the native grassland matrix where it persists. Spring wildflower displays include arrowleaf balsamroot, lupine, desert parsley, phlox, and bitterroot covering hillsides and draws. Invasive cheatgrass has altered much of the landscape, creating dense annual grass stands that increase fire risk. Antelope bitterbrush and rabbitbrush provide browse for wildlife and add seasonal color changes. Riparian areas along creek crossings support cottonwoods, willows, and wetland vegetation creating habitat diversity. Rock outcrops and basalt formations host specialized plants adapted to extreme conditions and limited moisture. Adjacent agricultural lands feature wheat, barley, and other crops in a patchwork with native vegetation remnants. The vegetation reflects the transition between natural shrub-steppe and intensive agriculture characteristic of the Columbia Plateau.

The trail traverses landscapes formed by Columbia River Basalt flows during the Miocene epoch 15-17 million years ago. Multiple lava flows created the layered basalt formations visible in cliff faces and canyon walls along the route. The Channeled Scablands, created by catastrophic Missoula Floods during the last ice age, shaped much of the topography. Ice age floods scoured deep coulees, deposited massive erratics, and created the unique landscape features visible from the trail. Basalt columns with hexagonal jointing patterns are exposed in numerous locations where erosion has revealed ancient lava flows. The trail crosses several coulees—steep-walled valleys carved by massive flood waters. Loess deposits—wind-blown sediments accumulated since the ice age—blanket much of the plateau surface. Ancient lake beds and flood deposits reveal the region's dramatic geological history. The landscape provides a window into both volcanic activity and one of Earth's most powerful flooding events.

The Columbia Plateau experiences a continental semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and can surpass 100°F during heat waves, with minimal shade along most trail sections. Winter temperatures range from 20-40°F with periods of snow and ice that can make trail conditions challenging. Annual precipitation averages 8-12 inches depending on location, concentrated in late fall, winter, and spring. Strong winds are common year-round, with particularly intense conditions during spring months. Spring (April-May) offers moderate temperatures (50-70°F) and peak wildflower displays but can be windy. Fall provides comfortable temperatures and generally stable weather ideal for long-distance trail use. Temperature inversions can occur in winter, creating foggy conditions in low-lying areas. The dry climate and extreme summer heat require careful planning for water availability. Microclimates exist in coulee bottoms and north-facing slopes where conditions differ from exposed plateau surfaces.

Indigenous peoples including the Spokane, Palouse, and other Columbia Plateau tribes utilized this region for thousands of years. Native communities hunted game, gathered roots and plants, and traveled across the plateau following seasonal resource availability. The Palouse people were renowned horsemen who bred the spotted horses now known as Appaloosas. Euro-American exploration increased in the early 19th century with fur traders and later the railroad surveys. The railroad corridor was constructed in the late 19th or early 20th century to transport wheat and agricultural products from eastern Washington. Small communities developed along the rail line to serve agricultural industries and provide shipping points. The railroad facilitated settlement and agricultural development, transforming native grasslands into wheat fields. Rail service eventually declined as truck transportation became dominant, leading to railroad abandonment. The corridor's conversion to a recreational trail represents adaptive reuse of transportation infrastructure.

Columbia Plateau State Park Trail was created through Washington State Parks' acquisition of abandoned railroad right-of-way. The rail-trail conversion reflected growing recognition of linear parks' value for recreation and alternative transportation. Development progressed in phases as funding and property acquisition allowed, eventually creating the 130-mile continuous trail. Initial improvements focused on establishing trailheads, improving surface conditions, and providing basic amenities. The trail became part of Washington's expanding rail-trail network connecting communities and providing recreation access. Management challenges include maintaining trail surfaces across vast distances, providing water access in arid environment, and managing public use in remote areas. The trail requires coordination with adjacent landowners, many of whom farm or ranch near the corridor. Partnerships with local communities provide trail support and emergency services access. The park represents Washington's commitment to multi-use trails and preserving public access through changing landscapes.

The entire 130-mile trail is the primary attraction, offering experiences ranging from short day hikes to multi-day adventures. Major trailheads include Cheney (western terminus), Amber Lake, Sprague, Lamont, and Pasco (eastern terminus). The Martin Road Trestle is a notable bridge crossing offering views of surrounding basalt formations. Fishtrap Lake area provides water access and wildlife viewing opportunities in a unique desert wetland. Rock Lake overlook offers dramatic views of a deep, spring-fed lake surrounded by basalt cliffs. The trail crosses several coulees with steep walls revealing geological history. Numerous informal access points exist where the trail crosses public roads. Wildlife observation opportunities occur throughout, with raptor viewing particularly rewarding in spring and fall. Spring wildflower viewing attracts visitors to witness vast displays of native blooms. The trail's length and remoteness create opportunities for solitude and immersion in the Columbia Basin landscape.

Multiple trailheads provide access with parking, vault toilets, and interpretive information at major locations. The trail surface is generally compacted gravel suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. No potable water is available along most of the trail—users must carry adequate supplies, especially during summer. Camping is not permitted along the trail except in designated areas, though some adjacent public lands may allow camping. Nearest services including food, lodging, and supplies are in communities near major trailheads. Cell phone coverage is sporadic and unreliable throughout much of the trail's length. The trail is accessible year-round, though summer heat and winter snow create seasonal challenges. Some sections may be closed temporarily due to weather, maintenance, or seasonal restrictions. Shuttle services are not officially provided—users must arrange their own transportation for point-to-point trips. Emergency access exists at road crossings, but response times may be extended in remote sections.

Trail corridor management focuses on protecting native shrub-steppe habitats and wildlife while providing recreation access. Invasive species control targets cheatgrass and other non-native plants that alter ecosystem function and fire regimes. The linear corridor provides important connectivity for wildlife movement across increasingly fragmented agricultural landscapes. Trail maintenance minimizes erosion and protects adjacent lands from impact while maintaining safe conditions. Fire risk management addresses the increased wildfire danger created by invasive annual grasses and human activity. Educational materials promote Leave No Trace principles and responsible use in sensitive desert environments. Water conservation messaging encourages users to plan adequately for arid conditions and extreme temperatures. Partnerships with adjacent landowners address boundary issues, trespass concerns, and shared management goals. The trail demonstrates sustainable recreation in working landscapes where conservation, agriculture, and public access coexist. Long-term management must balance increasing use with protection of fragile desert ecosystems and respect for surrounding private lands.