Basalt Gardens supports several communities with different types of flora. The lower elevation consists of active and stabilized dune sands with abundant wildflowers and shrubs that are scattered across the sands. Following the trail to the top of the basalt cliffs, you will see the wildflowers common in lithosols (rocky soils). Just to the south of the sand dunes, you can get up close and personal with striking basalt formations. Field trip length approximately 3 hours.
Meeting Location: Meet at 1 PM in the parking area at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center (630 Ginkgo Ave Vantage, WA 98950) just to the north of Vantage. Leave I-90 taking the Vantage Exit, drive through Vantage to the north going past the Chevron Station to the outskirts of town. Signs will direct you to the right.
Friday Basalt Gardens + Basalt Pillars
Registration link not working? Email cbwnpsfieldtrips@gmail.com and include the name of the hike you’re interested in registering for.
You will receive a confirmation email with any additional instructions for that trip.
Things to Note:
Dates and times for field trips/activities are subject to change depending on weather and access issues. We will always make an effort to contact registered participants regarding any changes.
All participants will need to fill out a WNPS Liability Release form. Folks under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian.
Long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended. Bring water and snacks.
The weekend of April 28 through April 30 offers an opportunity to get out of town and spend time immersed in the local flora. These Wildflower Walks/hikes will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with opportunity to camp overnight near Vantage and share plant stories around the campfire. Spectacular basalt cliffs and colorful blooms await. When registering, let us know what hikes you’re interested in attending and if you plan on camping. For your information, we have listed some of the potential camping options should you choose to stay in the area. All camping arrangements are on your own.
Sand Hollow Campground—operated by Grant County PUD, tent camping is common, but small trailers, vans & campers (less than 20 ft) are permitted if they fit within the campsite parking. October 1 through April 14 reservations are NOT accepted and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground reservations are accepted April 15 through September 30. Reservations can only be made online and must be for the current calendar year. 40+ campsites, $20/night, dry camping with vaulted restrooms—there are 10 walk-in sites (W1 – W10). May be windy up close to restrooms. Sites further down are protected by trees—sites 14 thru 18. https://www.grantpud.org/component/zoo/item/sand-hollow-recreation-area?Itemid=641
Riverstone Resort in Vantage—Tent spaces—$35/night—RV spaces from $45 to $65 per night includes showers and restrooms.
Rocky Coulee Campground—Operated by Grant County PUD near Vantage and the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center— Located less than two miles north of Vantage, offers water access including a hand launch for small watercraft, day-use picnic areas, and dispersed walk-in camping. $10/night—appears to be first come, first served.
Frenchman Coulee Campground—Free camping with Discover Pass—often full of people climbing. No amenities. Vault toilet at the trailhead.
All our activities are volunteer led. As part of the Washington Native Plant Society mission, the chapter hosts field trips and programs about native flora that are open to the membership and to the public. Anyone interested in learning about the plants of the local shrub steppe and the Blue Mountains are welcome to register for field trips and join in on our activities. No special experience or knowledge required!
Interested in becoming a member of our chapter? Learn more about our mission and how to join.