Steamboat Rock Hike: How To Reach the Summit for Epic Views

The Steamboat Rock hike takes you to the summit of a massive basalt butte rising dramatically from Banks Lake in Steamboat Rock State Park. Reaching the top requires a steep but short climb, and those who make the trek are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding lake, canyons, and the rugged Grand Coulee landscape.

Steamboat Rock is a massive basalt butte that rises 800 feet above Banks Lake in Eastern Washington’s Grand Coulee region. Covering 600 acres, this flat-topped monolith was carved by Ice Age floods thousands of years ago, leaving behind a striking geological formation that dominates the landscape.

Today, it serves as the centerpiece of Steamboat Rock State Park, offering a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures including hiking, camping, and boating.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coulees, lakes, and rugged cliffs. If you’re searching for your next challenging bucket list hike, this iconic trail is well worth the effort!

Steamboat Rock Trail Guide

Hiking Trail Overview: The Steamboat Rock hike may be short, but it packs a punch with a steep ascent right from the start. The trail climbs quickly up the butte’s rugged basalt slopes, requiring some scrambling over loose rock before reaching the vast, flat summit.

Once on top, hikers can explore the 600-acre plateau, soaking in panoramic views of Banks Lake, Grand Coulee, and the surrounding desert cliffs. The descent can be tricky due to the steep and rocky terrain, so careful footing is essential.

The hike from the base to the summit is approximately three miles round trip, but if you choose to explore the entire perimeter loop, the total distance extends to about six miles round trip.

Best time to hike Steamboat Rock

The best time to hike Steamboat Rock is in the spring when temperatures are mild, and the landscape is at its most scenic.

Spring (March–May) brings blooming wildflowers and cooler weather, making for a more comfortable climb. Fall (September–October) offers crisp air and golden hues across the plateau, enhancing the panoramic views.

Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot, with little to no shade along the trail. If hiking in summer, start early in the morning to avoid the heat, bring plenty of water, and wear sun protection. Winter (November–February) can bring snow and ice, making the trail slippery and more challenging. If attempting the hike in winter, wear proper traction gear and check conditions before heading out.

Helpful Tip: If you plan to hike in summer, plan a camping trip at Steamboat Rock State Park’s campground so that you can enjoy Banks Lake’s refreshing waters afterwards without having to rush back home.

How to hike the Steamboat Rock Trail

You can start the hike to Steamboat Rock from three different trailheads along the main road through the park, all of which converge at the base of the butte.

From there, a steep and narrow trail cuts through the center of the towering columnar basalt, marking the main ascent route to the summit. This is the tough part!

The steep and narrow ascent climbs over loose scree, making some sections slippery and challenging. This part of the hike is a real workout, so be prepared to break a sweat!

We tackled it in 90-degree heat and were tempted to turn back more than once, but the stunning views along the way provided plenty of motivation to push through—even before reaching the summit.

Keep pushing forward—the steep climb is short-lived, and before you know it, you’ll reach the top. At the T-intersection, you can head left or right; we chose to go right, as this side offered the most scenic and breathtaking views.

At the summit, take a well-earned break and soak in the impressive views of Steamboat Rock State Park and the surrounding landscape.

From here, you can either head back down or explore the entire plateau on a scenic loop. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate, so you can enjoy the views without any additional strenuous climbing.

From the bottom, it’s hard to grasp just how massive the top of Steamboat Rock really is. Once you’re up there, it doesn’t even feel like you’re standing on a rock in the middle of a lake—it feels more like an expansive desert meadow, dotted with fragrant sagebrush.

For an unforgettable view, be sure to walk to the far west end of the butte. From there, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panorama of Banks Lake stretching endlessly below, with the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains visible in the distance.

Tips for hiking the Steamboat Rock Trail

• Eastern Washington is rattlesnake territory, and there are plenty of rattlesnakes on the trails out here—trust me, I’ve seen them! While it’s perfectly fine to hike the Steamboat Rock Trail in tennis shoes, it’s a good idea to wear hiking boots for that extra layer of protection.

• Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes especially in the early morning and late afternoon during the warmer months. If you get too close, they will rattle their tails as a warning. Even if you don’t see them but hear them, proceed with caution.

• Eastern Washington can get extremely hot in the summer, with temperatures often surpassing 90°F. If you’re hiking this trail during the warmer months, be sure to carry plenty of water with you!

• There is no shade along the Steamboat Rock Trail, so besides bringing water, you may also want to wear sunscreen and a hat.

• A Discover Pass is required to enter Steamboat Rock State Park. You can pick up an annual park pass here or pay $11.50 for day use at the park.

Discover more hidden gems near Steamboat Rock

Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park is home to Dry Falls, a massive geological wonder carved by Ice Age floods, as well as multiple lakes, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Columbia Plateau.

Lake Lenore Caves are a fascinating natural wonder carved into towering basalt cliffs in the Coulee region of Eastern Washington.

Soap Lake is a unique mineral-rich lake known for its healing waters that attracts visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.

Umatilla Rock is a towering basalt formation shaped by ancient Ice Age floods, with a scenic trail that allows hikers to circumnavigate the rock and take in stunning views of the surrounding coulee landscape.

Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest concrete dams in the world! Stop by the dam’s visitor center for guided tours and to see informative exhibits about its construction.

Where is the Steamboat Rock Trailhead?

The Steamboat Rock Trailhead is located within Steamboat Rock State Park in Eastern Washington, near the town of Electric City. The park sits along Banks Lake in the Grand Coulee region, about 100 miles west of Spokane and 130 miles north of Tri-Cities. The trailhead is easily accessible from the park’s main entrance, with a designated parking area at the base of the butte.

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