March 17, 2013 in Outdoors

Desert delight for paddlers

Photography by Rich Landers

The Winchester Wasteway is an indelicate name for a nifty overnight canoe trip through the Columbia Basin desert southwest of Moses Lake. March through May is a favorite time for paddlers to float the 25-mile stretch to Potholes Reservoir. Spring bird migrations are underway and the sand dunes are full of waterfowl chatter — and the inevitable evening coyote serenade. Follow Outdoors Editor Rich Landers as he and group of friends revisit this little-known canoeing hot spot.