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SUMMARY:Dusty Lake Overnight- Beginner Friendly (BP-1)
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\nTrip Name\nDusty Lake Overnight- Beginner Friendly\n\n\nTrip Start Date\nMay 8, 2026\n\n\nType of Trip\nBackpack\n\n\nRating\nBP-1\n\n\nLeader Name\nVictoria Purkey\n\n\nLeader Email\nvicop_1776@hotmail.com\n\n\nRoundtrip Drive Mileage\n166\n\n\nCarpooling Cost\n$20\n\n\nAdditional Fees\nDiscover Pass\n\n\nTrailhead Name\nLower Ancient Lakes Trailhead\n\n\nLatitude/Longitude\n47.1519, -119.9223\n\n\nTrip Description\nOverview\nDusty Lake is one of the Quincy Lakes, set further in the backcountry, making it a great destination for a long day hike or an overnight. The entire area was carved by the Ice Age Floods, and Dusty Lake lies at the head of the South Alcove of Potholes Coulee, flanked by 200–300-foot basalt cliffs. This dramatic high-desert scenery — big skies, towering basalt walls, and a tranquil lake — makes for an unforgettable first backpacking experience. May is a wonderful time to visit, with mild temperatures and wildflowers beginning to bloom across the Columbia Basin.\nMileage & Elevation\n∙ Trailhead to Dusty Lake (lower trailhead): ~3 miles one way\n∙ Round trip: ~6 miles\n∙ Elevation gain: approximately 350 feet\n∙ Highest point: ~1,000 feet\nThis is one of the gentlest overnight routes in Eastern Washington — nearly flat, with minimal elevation change — making it ideal for first-time backpackers.\nRoute Description\nFrom the lower trailhead, the route follows an old 2-track along Babcock Bench in the direction of Ancient Lakes. Rather than turning off toward those lakes, continue across the mouth of the North Alcove and around the nose of the coulee rib — about 1 mile — to another old 2-track heading left up the South Alcove. Follow this trail up the coulee about a mile to the west end of Dusty Lake. This end of Dusty Lake is much broader than the east end, with plenty of area to explore. Return the way you came.\nItinerary\nFriday, May 8 — Drive to the lower trailhead and hike approximately 3 miles to Dusty Lake. Set up camp and enjoy the stunning coulee scenery. Don’t forget to bring lunch for the trail!\nSaturday, May 9 — Explore the lake and surrounding basalt cliffs at your leisure, then pack up and hike the 3 miles back to the trailhead.\nCampsite & Facilities\nCamping is at Dusty Lake at the west end of the lake, which offers plenty of open space to spread out and explore. There is a toilet at the trailhead. Practice Leave No Trace camping — pack out all waste and leave the site as you found it.\nWater\nWhile there is water along this route, the water in the lakes is runoff from the plateau above and has not been tested. Always filter water before drinking — or better yet, plan to carry in all the water you’ll need for the duration of your stay.\nWhat to Bring\nParking: A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.\nGear: All standard backpacking essentials are required, including:\n∙ Backpack, tent, sleeping bag (rated for 25 degrees or less) & insulated sleeping pad\n∙ Stove, fuel, cookpot, and utensils\n∙ Water filter or treatment tablets (or carry all water in)\n∙ Headlamp and extra batteries\n∙ Sun protection — the Columbia Basin is wide open and exposed\n∙ Wind layers — it can be breezy in the coulee even on warm days\n∙ The Ten Essentials (navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter)\nFood: Pack all meals for the trip. Bring lunch for Day 1 — you’ll want it on the trail or at the lake.\nQuestions?\nIf you have questions or need help with gear selection, reach out to the trip leader. We’re happy to help anyone new to backpacking get set up for a comfortable, enjoyable trip!\nPhoto by David Hagen sourced from WTA.org.\nMax attendees 12\n\n\nApproximate Mileage\n6\n\n\nElevation Gain\n350 ft\n\n\nDeparture Time\n7:00 AM\n\n\nSign up by\nMay 6, 2026\n\n\n\nEach participant is responsible for their own safety and being prepared. Planning ( https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/plan-like-a-park-ranger.htm ) and preparation start with the 10 Essentials ( #ten-essentials-popup ) and staying up-to-date on road and trail conditions, permit requirements, party size limits, snowpack, wildfires, and weather.\nVisit the activity classification page ( #activity-classification-popup )  for detailed information on difficulty rating for I-MAC trip so you can sign up for activities that best match your fitness and comfort levels.\nVisit TRIP COSTS & PASSES ( #trip-costs-passes-popup ) for detailed information about trip costs.\nTo help protect and care for these special places that we enjoy exploring, I-MAC members always practice Leave No Trace ( https://lnt.org ) and follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace ( https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ ). Ask your trip leader if you have questions about Leave No Trace or suggestions for helping to reduce our footprint.\n
URL:https://imacnw.org/events/dusty-lake-overnight-beginner-friendly-bp-1/
ORGANIZER;CN=Victoria Purkey:MAILTO:vicop_1776@hotmail.com
CATEGORIES:Backpacking
LOCATION:Lower Ancient Lakes Trailhead
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://imacnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_05_08_Dusty_Lake_bp_td.jpeg
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