Hog Canyon Dayhike
CHECK IT OUT
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking time: 1 - 2 hours
Season: March through November
Maps: Fishtrap Lake-Miller Ranch “map sheet one” available from U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Info: BLM, Spokane District, 536-1200
DAYHIKING TRIP NOTES
Access: From Interstate 90 east of Sprague, WA, take Fishtrap Exit 254. Turn south, crossing over I-90, and drive 2 miles. Turn left on first road after passing below railroad underpass. Drive 1-1/3 miles on gravel road. Turn south (right) at BLM access area. Drive 1-3/4 miles on rough road. Park and drop down sharply to parking area at Washington Fish and Wildlife Department public fishing access site.
Attractions: Short but scenic scablands tour overlooking mile-long Hog Lake. Stair-stepping waterfall highlights trek during wet spring months. Also during spring, area comes alive with wildflowers beginning in late March and running into May. Expect to see hawks and waterfowl. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout can be excellent at this special winter fishing lake, which is open to angling Dec. 1-March 31. No motors allowed on lake.
Hazards: Rough, rocky terrain. Rattlesnakes.
Comments: Scabrock benches overlooking Hog Canyon custom-made for wandering. One could make nice 2-mile hiking or mountain-biking loop by following old dirt road closed to vehicle traffic. Featured route goes for best continuous views and does not follow any continuous road or trail.
From public boat access area near earthen dam, begin hiking along informal “anglers trail” on northwest side of lake. Just before trail fades away, carefully scramble up through intermittent scree to rim.
Don’t worry about finding dirt road. Simply follow along rim heading northeast for almost constant views of lake. Bluffs near north end of lake gives good view of falls. Contour away from lake, crossing intermittent stream, for even closer views of falls at overlook near boundary of public and private land. Note: In normal year, falls and streams dry up in spring and early fall.
To see more of this area, don’t just retrace route back to trailhead. Climb slope to join dirt road and follow it counterclockwise, through scattered ponderosa pines and past marsh. Cross through fence and walk along main access road back to trailhead.
In cases of soggy roads, fire danger or construction, main gate at county road could be locked, adding 2 miles to round-trip. Call BLM for updates.
Area open to many uses, including hunting. Most hunting seasons open in October.
Mountain bikes required to stay on established roads or trails. Camping by permit only. No campfires allowed.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map: Hog Canyon Dayhike
The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic Trips in the Inland Northwest