The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Potholes Reservoir in central Washington, offers a wide variety of geological, botanical, and avian sights and sounds. The central parts of Washington state are so dry (and this area appears dry) that the refuge comes as a surprise when hiking through it. Small lakes are interspersed everywhere, hidden from view by reed-lined banks, many connected by slowly flowing streams. Yet less than fifty feet from a lake’s edge the vegetation will remind you of dessert. In this diverse quilt pattern of ecosystems resides many birds, small mammals, and insects to create a unique biosphere.
The geology is also special just by itself. Ancient scablands of lava flows form basalt cliffs, with flat plateaus interspersed by pothole undulations and dry sagebrush prairies all among the hidden matrix of lakes and streams.
The Frog Lake Trail is an easy 2.5 mile round trip hike that gradually climbs to panoramic views in all directions.
Views while hiking along Frog Lake Trail in Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
At a rock cliff outcropping above the lakes, potholes, and sage brush plateaus below
Reed-lined lakes throughout the lava bed valleys
Lava basalt cliffs forming the sides of plateaus
Flower along Frog Lake Trail