Ancient Lakes is one of my favorite, under-appreciated backpacking destinations in Washington. It’s also a great beginner friendly backpacking option in Washington state! At 4.5 miles and 300 feet of elevation gain, this is a relatively easy trail. In spring, you can expect to hike past several lakes, seasonal waterfalls, and wildflowers. In spring and fall you can also watch hundreds of migrating birds. Below we share a full guide to backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington, including everything you need to know about this trail.

Trail tip: There are several trails in and around Ancient Lakes, some of which are longer. We did this hike on AllTrails for our backpacking route, and then added on some additional trails after setting up camp. 

Looking for more backpacking guides? Click here! You can also find more Washington state hiking and travel guides here. Click here to watch our Instagram reel about backpacking at Ancient Lakes.

Beginner friendly guide to backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Central Washington

Below we share all the basics you need to know to plan a weekend backpacking trip at Ancient Lakes in Washington. We cover the geology of the area (i.e. what to expect in terms of views!), how to get to Ancient Lakes, what to pack, and what to expect. 

Everything you need to know for backpacking at Ancient Lakes

The geology of Ancient Lakes in Central Washington

Ancient Lakes is in an area known as the “scablands” in Central Washington. The area is characterized by basalt cliffs, and rolling grassy hills. It’s stark, beautiful, and unique.

Geologists theorize that thousands of years ago, a series of MASSIVE floods originating in Montana tore through Central Washington, creating the scablands. Known as the Missoula Floods, these events created some of the largest waterfalls and river channels on earth. As you hike through Ancient Lakes, you’ll see the remnants of the Missoula Floods as you pass a series of lakes (which are scour pools from the ancient floods) and towering cliffs. You’ll also see enormous boulders and seasonal waterfalls. These all likely formed during the floods eons ago, creating the beautiful landscape present today. 

How to get to Ancient Lakes in Central Washington

Ancient Lakes is located in Central Washington relatively close to Leavenworth, about 2.5 hours east of Seattle, and 2.5 hours west of Spokane. You can find coordinates to the trailhead here, where you can park your vehicle overnight.

Trail tip: The trailhead parking lot is large, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find a parking spot. However, this is also a popular day hiking area, so it can fill up! There is no trash service at this trailhead, so please pack everything out. 

Why Ancient Lakes is a good beginner friendly backpacking trail in Washington

I think Ancient Lakes is one of the best beginner-friendly backpacking trails in Washington! At about 4.5 miles (round trip), this hike is short and has minimal elevation gain. The trail is also relatively easy to follow, and the terrain is not technical. However, the trail DOES have some uneven rocks, so you’ll have to be careful where you step. Because you’ll never be too far from your car, this is a great trail to test out next equipment and get used to backpacking. We used a trip here to test out new gear, since we could have easily returned to our car if things had gone awry on the trail. 

Where can I camp at Ancient Lakes in Washington? 

Finding a campsite is relatively easy at Ancient Lakes, which is another reason this is a beginner friendly backpacking trail in Washington. There are several primitive, flat camp spots scattered around the lakes. These established sites have been cleared of shrubby vegetation, and claiming a camp spot is on a first-come-first-served basis. The backpacking sites are relatively easy to spot in the flat, rolling landscape.

What is the best time of year to backpack at Ancient Lakes?

Ancient Lakes is located in Central Washington, which can get quite hot in summer, and very cold in winter. As such, I recommend backpacking here during fall and spring (“shoulder season”), when the weather is more temperate. 

We backpacked at Ancient Lakes in early spring (March 2025), and the weather was chilly, but perfect. The grasses were green from the recent rains, and the area was full of migrating birds. Snow had melted, except for the mountain peaks in the distance.

Trail tip: This area is known for having rattlesnakes and ticks, but we didn’t encounter either on the trail. I recommend doing a tick check after your hike, being on the lookout for snakes, and not wandering through the tall grasses. 

What permits are required for backpacking at Ancient Lakes?

Permits are not needed to backpack at Ancient Lakes! However, you do need to display a Washington Discover Pass to park your vehicle at the trailhead. I recommend purchasing an annual Washington Discovery Pass, which you will need to buy before visiting the trailhead as there is no fee station there. 

You can purchase a Washington Discover Pass online here, or you can find a list of stores that sells them (including REI) here.

What precautions do I need to take at Ancient Lakes?

There are a few extra precautions to take note of when backpacking at Ancient Lakes, which I describe below:

• Pack plenty of water. While tempting, the water in the lakes is supposedly non-potable (i.e. you can’t drink it), even with a water filter. As such, backpackers should carry in all of their water. I recommend at least 4 liters of water per person per 24 hours. 
• Prepare for rain. If you hike this trail in spring or fall you should anticipate and prepare for the possibility of rain. Beyond bringing waterproof gear, make sure you keep your hiking boots and backpack covered at night. We store ours in our tent at night. We also always put on our tent’s waterproof rainfly when setting up camp. 
• Properly store your food. Animals may be attracted to the scent of your food. I recommend storing your food in a “bear vault” which will keep your food safe from critters. Do NOT store your food in your tent – keep it a safe distance from your tent so that animals aren’t lured to your tent. 
• Prepare for varying temperatures. The daytime can feel quite warm, but the temperature drops significantly once the sun sets. Pack plenty of warm layers! 
• Anticipate wind. This area of Central Washington can get windy. As such, make sure you stake down your tent to prevent it from blowing away. 

Do I need to be worried about wildlife at Ancient Lakes?

You may encounter some wildlife while backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington. Migrating birds are common here. At night we heard coyotes howling, but we never saw them! Rattlesnakes and ticks are also common at Ancient Lakes, as they tend to live in or near tall grasses. You may also encounter small rodents. Always be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking through tall grasses, and properly store your food (more on that below).

Trail tip: Grizzly bears do not live here, so feel free to leave the bear spray at home!

Protecting the Environment: Bathroom Etiquette at Ancient Lakes

Ancient Lakes is a delicate environment, and backpackers should be prepared to pack out ALL human waste. I recommend bringing a WAG bag, which I cover below.

Packing checklist for backpacking at Ancient Lakes

If you’re looking for a packing list for backpacking at Ancient Lakes, I recommend checking out REI’s comprehensive backpacking checklist. It’s a great resource for beginners, and we actually rely on it each year to check our supplies at the beginning of every backpacking season!

Below is a link to ALL of our backpacking gear, as well as a FREE backpacking checklist! In the next section you’ll also find a few SPECIFIC items we recommend bringing for backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington.

Basic backpacking essentials for Ancient Lakes

If you’re thinking of backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington, don’t leave home without the following items!

• A rain cover for your backpack. If you backpack here in spring or fall you’ll need to be prepared for the possibility of rain or snow, which can sometimes arrive unexpectedly.
• A tent with a waterproof rainfly and stakes. A rainfly will keep you and your gear dry if it rains at night. This area can also get VERY windy, so I recommend having stakes and tie downs for your tent. The ground is soft and easy to place stakes into.  For tents we like the Big Agnes Copper Spur and the REI Half Dome.
• Plenty of water. I recommend 4 liters per person per 24 hours (carry extra in your car just in case), depending on time of year and cooking plans. 
• A bear canister. These canisters keep your food safe from critters, including mice and other rodents! We like Bear Vault brand canisters.
• Sunscreen. Ancient Lakes does not have much shade, so you’ll want lots of sunscreen and sun protecting layers. Dermatone’s sport sunscreen is a great option.
• A backpacking chair (optional). Aside from sitting on the ground, there aren’t too many proper places to sit at Ancient Lakes. This is purely a “luxury” comfort item, and is totally optional.

Trail tip: Want to test out backpacking gear instead of buying? Many REI stores rent backpacking gear at a fraction of the cost of buying. This is a great way to test out new gear, or see if backpacking is right for you before investing in equipment. If you don’t live near an REI, I recommend calling your local outdoor supply store and asking if they do gear rentals.

Final thoughts on backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington

I hope you found this guide to backpacking at Ancient Lakes in Washington to be helpful! This beginner friendly trail is a lot of fun, and I’d love to hear about it in the comments if you end up planning a trip based on our guide! You can find more Washington state hiking and travel guides here.