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Columbia Plateau Area Hikes

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Interpretive Trails

Parent Category: Hiking
in Columbia Plateau Area
Created: 04 June 2015
Location: Eastern Washington
Roundtrip: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Highest Point: 2600 ft
GPS Coordinates: N 46 56.862 W 120 2.148
Visitor’s Information:

Discover Pass Required

Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour through the unusually beautiful forest!

Photo from Washington State, Eastern Washington
General Information:

Washington State is home for one of the most unusual forests on the planet. This area is considered to be a national landmark that represents the history of the region. The Ginkgo Petrified Forest is one of the largest petrified forests in the world.

Photo from Washington State, Eastern Washington

These old, it even better to say ancient, representatives of flora were mineralized during the Great Lava Flows lots of years ago. Here you will find not only old ginkgo trees, but also spruce, walnut, elm and Douglas fir.

There are several theories on how this forest was mineralized. Some of the professionals agree that such kind of the forest existed in this region years ago and others think that these trees were brought to the region by the tides.

Photo from Washington State, Eastern Washington

It should be mentioned that there are two variants of exploring the forest. The first option is the Ginkgo Interpretive Trail – an easy route that takes hikes along the beautiful and unusual exhibits of “rock” trees.

Spring is probably the best time for hiking in the region. In addition to the unusual exhibits, hikers have the opportunity to enjoy fabulously beautiful spring flowers: mariposa lily, yellow bells, prairie star flower, desert parsley of different kinds, buckwheat, buttercups, etc.

Photo from Washington State, Eastern Washington

The other variant is exploring the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Backcountry. It is more difficult trail, but provides wonderful views.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com./eastern-washington/hiking/columbia-plateau-area/370-ginkgo-petrified-forest-interpretive-trails.html#sigProId1476554b3b

These pictures were taken in April, 2015

Directions:

From I-90

Exit 136 for Huntzinger Road. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and head north for 2.3 miles past Vantage on the Old Vantage highway to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trails parking lot near the park ranger building.

GPS Coordinates: N 46 56.862 W 120 2.148

In order to get directions click on the map below:

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Alex Mandryko

Information: Marina Petrova

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