Petrified Forest Loop
4.6(134)google
Hiking TrailOutdoorAdventurousSecluded & UncrowdedFreeGeologyFossils
Overview
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a geologic preserve and public recreation area covering 7,124-acre (2,883 ha) on the western shoreline of the Columbia River's Wanapum Reservoir at Vantage, Washington. Petrified wood was discovered in the region in the early 1930s, which led to creation of the state park as a national historic preserve. Over 50 species are found petrified at the site, including ginkgo, sweetgum, redwood, Douglas-fir, walnut, spruce, elm, maple, horse chestnut, cottonwood, magnolia, madrone, sassafras, yew, and witch hazel.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeSpring (May) and mid-autumn (October) are the ideal windows to tackle this rugged 10.3-km wilderness hiking loop. Because the badlands backcountry trail is completely exposed without any shade, arriving by 6:30 AM is highly advised; long morning shadows beautifully crispen the textures of ancient petrified tree stumps.
Getting ThereLocated in a remote backcountry sector of the South Unit, unreachable from the main park road. Drivers must exit I-94 W at Exit 10 (West Medora), travel north on the unpaved 74th Street NW gravel grid road for roughly 6 miles, and follow brown backcountry trail signs left to the rugged free trailhead parking lot.
Travel Tips
- The trailhead requires navigating unpaved rural roads (CR-11 and secondary gravel routes) outside main park boundaries; these degrade to impassable clay gumbo when wet, strictly necessitating 4WD high-clearance rigs.
- The 10.3-mile wilderness loop features zero canopy shade or treated water infrastructure; carrying four liters of water per person and wearing heavy-soled boots to resist ubiquitous ground cacti thorns is mandatory.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Avoid climbing or leaning on fragile petrified wood stumps scattered along eroding clay washes; federally, pocketing or moving even a pebble-sized fossil specimen triggers immediate felony prosecution.
Reviews
Positive
- A mind-blowing and authentic deep Badlands hike! This 10-mile rustic loop brings you face-to-face with massive ancient petrified tree stumps.
- The petrified wood deposits are dense and raw, with structures distinctly showing ancient bark rings, yielding immense scientific value.
- Hiking here ensures profound wilderness quiet far away from tourist groups; a dream cradle for backpackers seeking solitude.
- The scenery changes dynamically from high grassy plains to colorful eroded clay draws, with trail markers clear at critical forks.
Heads up
- The loop is entirely exposed with zero tree shade, shelter cabins, or hydration water taps, making summer heat hiking exhausting.
- The soft clay paths turn into thick sticky sludge after heavy rainfall, completely packing boot treads and creating slip hazards.
- Cell service drops to absolute zero deep in the draws, and the rugged, steep topography features zero wheelchair access.
- The lengthy multi-hour trek is too strenuous for frail seniors or small kids, and rattlesnakes nesting in tall grasses require constant vigilance.