Location: | Eastern Washington |
Roundtrip: | 3 miles |
Elevation Gain: | 200 ft |
Highest Point: | 2600 ft |
GPS Coordinates: | N 46 56.862 W 120 2.148 |
Visitor’s Information: |
Discover Pass Required |
Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour through the unusually beautiful forest!
General Information:
Washington State is home for one of the most unusual forests on the planet. This area is considered to be a national landmark that represents the history of the region. The Ginkgo Petrified Forest is one of the largest petrified forests in the world.
These old, it even better to say ancient, representatives of flora were mineralized during the Great Lava Flows lots of years ago. Here you will find not only old ginkgo trees, but also spruce, walnut, elm and Douglas fir.
There are several theories on how this forest was mineralized. Some of the professionals agree that such kind of the forest existed in this region years ago and others think that these trees were brought to the region by the tides.
It should be mentioned that there are two variants of exploring the forest. The first option is the Ginkgo Interpretive Trail – an easy route that takes hikes along the beautiful and unusual exhibits of “rock” trees.
Spring is probably the best time for hiking in the region. In addition to the unusual exhibits, hikers have the opportunity to enjoy fabulously beautiful spring flowers: mariposa lily, yellow bells, prairie star flower, desert parsley of different kinds, buckwheat, buttercups, etc.
The other variant is exploring the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Backcountry. It is more difficult trail, but provides wonderful views.
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https://beautifulwashington.com/eastern-washington/hiking/columbia-plateau-area/370-ginkgo-petrified-forest-interpretive-trails.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=#sigProId1476554b3b
These pictures were taken in April, 2015
Directions:
From I-90
Exit 136 for Huntzinger Road. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and head north for 2.3 miles past Vantage on the Old Vantage highway to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trails parking lot near the park ranger building.
GPS Coordinates: N 46 56.862 W 120 2.148
In order to get directions click on the map below:
Photo: Roman Khomlyak
Photo Editing: Alex Mandryko
Information: Marina Petrova