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Frenchman Coulee, Quincy, WA

Updated: Jun 21, 2023

A trail through a series of historic coulees formed several thousand years ago that leads to a waterfall.



How long is the trail?

The trail to the Frenchmen falls and spring is approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip from the parking area.

How difficult is it?


Frenchman Coulee is a rock climbing area located near Quincy, Washington. It is known for its unique geologic features, which include towering basalt columns and cliffs that rise up to 600 feet high. The area offers a diverse range of climbing routes, from easy to challenging, and is popular among both sport and traditional climbers. The climbing routes are mostly on basalt rock, and the area is known for its high-quality rock.


The area also features several hiking trails and scenic viewpoints that provide visitors with great views of the surrounding landscape. These trails take hikers on a journey through a series of historic coulees formed thousands of years ago and lead to a beautiful waterfall. The landscape and terrain of the trails offer a varied and diverse experience for hikers of all skill levels. The Frenchman Coulee area is also a popular spot for picnicking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing.


The Frenchman Coulee trail system is a network of well-maintained paths that wind through the coulees, providing hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trails are marked and easy to follow, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The trails are mostly rocky and uneven, but the rocky terrain also offers some unique features like rock formations and deep gorges. The landscape is semi-arid, with unique rock formations and a few cactus and sagebrush that dot the landscape.


There are several trails in this area. Some of them are relatively short, with the shortest trail being about 0.5 miles and the longest being around 2.5 miles. This makes them perfect for a quick hike or a full day of exploring, depending on your preference. The trails also offer plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, as the area is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.


The trail we took was the one that took us to the waterfall. This is the highlight of the trail in Frenchman Coulee, which can be reached by taking the longest trail. This waterfall is a beautiful and serene spot. We visited during the winter month so the base of the fall was partially frozen. The water cascades down from a high cliff, creating a misty spray that refreshes hikers as they take in the stunning scenery.


It's worth noting that the area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open year-round, but it's recommended to check the conditions before visiting, as the rock can be slippery when wet and some of the routes may be closed during the nesting season of some birds.


 


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