Description
As of late 2011 the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park has developed 38 miles in two segments between Fish Lake near Cheney and Martin Road near Sprague, and between Ice Harbor Dam near the Tri-Cities and Snake River Junction. It passes through the scenic uplands of eastern Washington and along the Snake River. The middle 92 miles are undeveloped and difficult going.
The trail follows part of the former right-of-way of the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad, and you'll see mile markers with numbers referencing the distance from Portland, Oregon. The 23-mile northern segment (Fish Lake to Martin Road) is paved for the first 3.75 miles, from Fish Lake to Cheney, with parking and bathrooms at both locations. The trail then turns to gravel and passes through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge on its way to the Amber Lake and Martin Road trailheads.
The 15-mile southern segment runs between Ice Harbor Dam and Snake River Junction. You'll likely see much wildlife among the scenic landscape, and interpretive signs tell about key features along the trail. The trail connects to the unpaved Fish Lake Trail on the north, which will eventually reach Spokane. For more information, call Columbia Plateau Trail State Park at 509-646-9218. An access fee is required.
Parking and Trail Access
Fish Lake Trailhead (milepost 365) with parking, a picnic shelter and tables, restrooms and an informational kiosk.
Cheney Trailhead (milepost 361.25) with parking (including equestrian units), restroom, picnic shelters and tables, and an informational kiosk.
Amber Lake Trailhead (milepost 349.25) with parking (including equestrian units), equestrian highline, restrooms and an informational kiosk.
Martin Road Trailhead (milepost 342) with parking (including equestrian units), equestrian highline, restrooms and an informational kiosk.
not ideal for hiking/through hiking
By
cfornia
in
April, 2013
Two of my friends and I set out from Sacajawea State Park in Pasco up the road to the CPT, planning to hike to the town of Kahlotus in 3-4 days. Unable to find much info on the trail beforehand, we had no idea what to expect as far as the backpacker's ...
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Columbia Plateau State Park - Ice Harbor Dam to Snake River Jct.
By
trail53link
in
May, 2012
5/19/12 Saturday
I give the trail surface a 1 and a half stars and the scenery 4 stars. I will probably never ride this trail again and I live 20 minutes from here. There is no potable water available on this trail. If you got desperate I'm sure a ...
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THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL – NORTHERN SECTION, CHENEY, WA
By
toolbear
in
September, 2009
THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL – NORTHERN SECTION, CHENEY, WA
9/19/2009
The Columbia Plateau Trail – a Washington state park – comes in two sections with a long stretch of undeveloped trail in the middle. There is a fifteen mile stretch along the Snake ...
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