Petrified Ginkgo Forest Near Vantage, WA

Location: Vantage, WA

Features: Petrified Forest, Interpretive Center, Trails

Pass Required: Discover Pass

Adventure Report

• Petrified Wood Forest

• Petroglyphs

• Great Early Spring Trails

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In late February and early March, it can be hard to find good hiking opportunities in Washington. Many trails are still too muddy and the weather a bit too chilly for proper spring hiking. However, the smattering of warm days that begin to come around this time of year make me itch for good weather and the good springtime adventuring that comes with it. If the hikes in the cascades are still too muddy this time of year, I recommend looking a little farther east, where there are several great spots to look around even in the winter and early spring. One such place that is certainly worth a visit is the interpretive sites and trails in Ginkgo State Park near Vantage, WA.

There are a plethora of geologically interesting things to see in the area, but the petrified ginkgo forest stands out as one of the most fascinating. All around the trails in the area, you will have the opportunity to explore over 7,000 acres of petrified forest that formed over 15.5 million years ago. This area is known as one of the most diverse fossil forests in the country.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is comprised of three primary locations. Check them all out!

• Wanapum Recreation Area hosts a campground, boat ramp, and ample day-use area with a swim beach.

• Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center offers day-use picnic areas, informational displays, and an interpretive center.

• The Trailside Museum and Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail include signage about the petrified wood and 1.25 miles of trail that weave through petrified logs in their original setting. A total of 3 miles of hiking trails are at this site.

As soon as the weather is nice enough, you may also consider camping nearby at the Wanapum Recreation Area, where in the summer you can cap off a hot day with a refreshing swim or boat float in Wanapum Lake. Tent and RV camping available.

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