Hiking is a good way to physically challenge yourself, while taking in some gorgeous natural scenery. The region of Soap Lake is based around a mineral lake in the heart of Washington. The region was made famous in the early 1900s, when visitors from around the United States came to take water, mud and steam baths, as mentioned on the Soap Lake tourism website. The area is also close to a trail that takes hikers through one of the great natural geological wonders in North America.
Hiking Around Soap Lake
Hiking enthusiasts looking for trails near the Soap Lake area in Washington can head toward Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, which is 17 miles from central Soap Lake. The park has 15 miles of hiking trails to explore and walk and is considered a novice level walking/hiking trail, which can be completed by experienced hikers or families doing a day hike, states Hiker Central.
When to Visit
The park is open year-round for hiking in both the winter and summer months, with the visitor/information center open during these months as well. Visitors who come to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park for hiking can begin their hikes at 6:30 a.m. when the park opens. The park closes at dusk, so hikers should give themselves enough time to finish hiking before the park closes, notes Washington State Parks tourism.
Attractions
The provincial park is considered to be one of the great geological wonders of North America because of the former waterfall that existed. According to Washington State Parks, the waterfall that used to exist here was carved by ice age flow and now stands 400 feet high, 3.5 miles wide, and when it flowed it was four times the size of Niagara Falls. The trail in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park takes hikers past this location and is the main draw to the park.
Weather
During the summertime in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, the weather is often good for hiking. Hiker Central reports that the daytime temperature when the sun is out is around 27 degrees Celsius, and drops to around 10 degrees Celsius during the night. Bring a sweater or some warm clothing if the hike is going to last till dusk and pack a light raincoat in case it rains.
Terrain
In addition to the large cliffs left by the waterfall, the park's hiking trails take visitors to a number of different lookouts over a desert oasis within the National Park, as stated by Hiker Central. Visitors can also walk past Meadow Creek and some smaller ponds, as well as observe wildlife that calls the natural park home. The variety of different terrains makes the landscape a pleasant walk and is easy enough to completed by amateur hikers.
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