Columbia Plateau Trail Tour
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Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
The Columbia Plateau Trail State Park is a 130-mile railway corridor stretching from Spokane to East Pasco built by James J. Hill the Empire Builder, linking Spokane to Portland and Seattle. It has been converted to usage for Bicycles, Hikers and Horses from Spokane to Martin Road, which is about 8.5 southeast of Sprague, WA. Trail condition varies from asphalt to rough, but mostly a soft gravel surface that is smooth and not hilly. A portion of the scenic corridor passes through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (milepost 355 to 359.5) and offers opportunities to see interpretive panels, numerous wildlife species and associated scenic landscapes. Trail signage indicates key features along the trail, as well as mile markers with numbers referencing the distance from Portland, Oregon as established by the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway in the early 1900's.
This is a 33 mile long Multi-Cache. Although you may not log each waypoint, there is a log I would like you to sign in each. In the “start” waypoint you will find the coordinates for the next waypoint and so on for each of the next 10. In #10 you will find the coordinates for the final cache. The tour is designed to take you from Spokane to Martin Rd. Trailhead. Although the tour is designed to mountain bike, hike or horseback, you may also drive to each suggested parking area and hike to the waypoint or cache. The distance of travel will be about the same as starting from the beginning and traveling from start to finish. Make sure if you bike or hike that you have made arrangements for your return trip. No phone or services at final cache.
Each cache is within the trail right of way. There is no need to venture off the trail onto private property. All waypoints are close to the edge of the trail. There are a few other caches along the trail as well. Most are fairly easy and would be a shame to miss them. Make sure to take proper provisions for this type of outing. No water is available except for the water station at Fish Lake. The City of Cheney is the only other area of services and is about 2 miles north of the Cheney Trailhead. Restrooms are available along the trail. This is a pack it in, pack it out trail. Street parking is available at Lindeke & Lindeke Ct. 1100 South and 2600 West where you can access the trail start.
After waypoint #4 you will exit the trail at Scribner Rd. Beyond this point is a railroad “No Trespassing” sign due to active railroad tracks in the area. At this point you will need to ride or ride or walk along the Cheney Spokane Rd. to the Fish Lake Trailhead.
Waypoint #5 is a short distance north of the parking lot. It is on the west side of the active railroad tracks. There is no need to go near or cross the tracks. If you have children or pets along, please keep an eye on them while in this area.
When arriving at the final cache you will want to have made previous arrangements to be picked up or have placed a vehicle prior to starting, if you are biking or hiking. Remember, no phone, no services and no water at this trailhead.
If you are going try to drive to the waypoints, I suggest the following:
Waypoint #1 Suggested Parking N 47 38.693, W 117 27.081
Waypoint #2l Suggested Parking N 47 37.025, W 117 26.578. Trail crosses the road at this point and is adjacent to state land. You may park alongside of the road here.
Waypoint #3 Suggested Parking N 47 36.265, W 117 26.533. Trestle crosses here. You may park along side of the road. Make sure that you are out of the way of traffic from each direction.
Waypoint#4 Suggested Parking N 47 33.331, W 117 30.055. Scribner Rd. trail entrance. Parking available along the road. Please make sure to obey Railroad “No Trespassing” signs.
Waypoint#5 Suggested Parking N 47 31.331, W 117 30.947. This is the Fish Lake Trailhead. It is a Washington State Parks Dept. Fee Area. A $5 fee will be required for use. Fee is good for other areas that day.
Waypoint#6 Suggested Parking N 47 28.773, W 117 33.633. This is a fee area at the Cheney Trailhead. A $5 fee will be required if not already paid that day.
Waypoint #7 Suggested Parking N 47 22.075, W 117 40.086. Parking area is near the Sterling Rd. trail crossing. Please park off the side of the road making sure not to block any gate entrances.
Waypoint #8 Suggested Parking N 47 20.936, W 117 42.882. This is the Amber Lk. Trailhead and is a fee parking area. A $5 fee will be required if not already paid that day.
Waypoint #9 Suggested Parking N 47 20.237, W 117 44.624. Trail crosses here at Pine Springs Rd. Please park off to the side of the road making sure you are out of the way of traffic from each direction.
Waypoint #10 Suggested Parking N 47 17.784, W 117 47.902. Parking is at Falk Rd. trail crossing. You will need to park alongside the road near the trail crossing.
Final Cache Suggested Parking N 47 17.021, W 117 49.794. This is the Martin Rd. trailhead.
Additional Hints
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