Get out and about by hiking Steamboat Rock

Fall is a colorful time to hike Steamboat Rock, nearly as iconic an image to the area as the Grand Coulee Dam. Not only does the state park of the same name offer camping and beaches, but you can also climb to the top of this majestic basalt landmark that stands 800 feet above beautiful Banks Lake, which almost completely surrounds it.

In Steamboat Rock State Park, which requires a Discover Pass to park, the trailhead starts in two separate places, both fairly close to each other, across the road from campgrounds, and across from the beach/boat launch area. 

At the trailhead across from campgrounds you'll see a kiosk at this trailhead with further information.

Tips from the Washington Trails Association for hiking during the COVID-19 pandemic include maintaining a safe distance and having a face covering at the ready.

"When you see approaching hikers, look for a spot where you can get off trail and maintain 6+ feet of distance," the WTA website reads. "As long as you're briefly passing one another, risk of transmission is low, and even lower with your mouth and nose covered."

"Let them know if you're coming up behind someone," the website continues. "A polite, 'On your right (or left)!' will do. If you're coming towards each other, make eye contact.T rail etiquette states the person going uphill has right of way, but not everyone knows this. If there's confusion, talk it out."

"Give each other space," is another WTA tip. "Try to step aside in a place where you can get well out of the way of each other without trampling trailside plants. Cover your mouth while you're passing. A wave or a 'thank you' is a nice way to acknowledge each other."

The usual tips of wearing proper shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and watching out for snakes still apply.

As you approach the face of the rock and begin to ascend it, there will be a couple of quite difficult, steep parts to climb up, sometimes with loose rocks; so watch your footing and be mindful of other hikers. 

William Andrews, an early settler in the area, carved his name at the first difficult stretch along the trail in the face of the rock in 1906 in large cursive letters, a feat of stone engraving that must've taken him a great deal of patience to accomplish. 

To get from the trailhead to the top will take roughly an hour, including a fair amount of rigorous hiking, but at the top of the mesa you will find that it was well worth it. 

Once you reach the 640-acre top of Steamboat Rock, the landscape is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Be careful not to stand too close to the edge because the views will take your breath away, and you wouldn't want to faint and topple over. The 360-degree view offers images of beautiful Banks Lake, our beloved coulees, the sagey scabland, forests in the distance, and, on clear days, the snow capped mountains of the North Cascades, miles upon miles in the distance.

When you make it to the top, take the time to explore around the perimeter, which offers the best photo opportunities. Unlike the difficult ascent, walking around the top is a breeze. Once done up top, the hike back down takes roughly half an hour.

The hike is worth taking any time of year, but if you happen to go in the spring, you will be surrounded by wildflowers. In the summer you would want to go early in the morning to beat the heat, while the fall has its signature changing colors to offer.

Carved out by massive flooding at the end of the last Ice Age around 15,000 years ago, Steamboat Rock has a rich history with the local Native American tribes as well as the first white settlers of the area. At one time, the Columbia River flowed through what would become the Grand Coulee before being diverted to its current path after the Ice Age Floods.

A good pair of hiking shoes is a must ... no flip-flops. And always remember to bring plenty of water. An athletic, mid- to large-sized dog can handle the hike, but it's suggested that you leave the shih tzus at home unless you're willing to carry them. Remember to bring extra water for your dogs if you do decide to bring your companions along for the adventure.

Give yourself extra time to make it back before dark. Be prepared for the weather. Feel free to take breaks to catch your breath on the way up!