Colockum Wildlife Area

A beautiful desert area along the west side of the Columbia River south of Wenatchee and northeast of Ellensburg. There are few to no official trails, and travel is cross-country and/or on jeep tracks. Enjoy the many wildflowers that bloom in spring, and maybe even spot Bighorn Sheep.

Getting There

The area is accessed from the north on Tarpiscan Road and Colockum Road off of the Malaga/Alcoa Highway, and from the south from the Old Vantage Highway and the Colockum Pass Road.

On the Trail

This desert area encompasses canyons, sagebrush hills, and mountains with wildflowers in spring and the potential to view Bighorn Sheep. This is a "create your own adventure" with many possible itineraries. Water is available from the Columbia River, where accessible, and seasonally along major streams, usually through early May.  There are few to no official trails or camps, but many jeep tracks that provide access up valleys, over ridges and down to the Columbia River. Good off-trail skills are essential to plan the route, route find on the go, and determine suitable camping spots. 

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: March, April, May, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: *Varies*
  • 3,000 ft
Map
  • Green Dot Maps (wdfw.wa.gov)
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