Lake Lenore Caves: Washington’s Hidden Desert Caves You Must See!
Hidden within the dramatic landscape of Eastern Washington’s Grand Coulee is Lake Lenore Caves, a fascinating natural wonder shaped by the cataclysmic Ice Age floods. These ancient caves carved into towering basalt cliffs offer an unforgettable experience for hikers seeking adventure!
Lake Lenore Caves were formed over 12,000 years ago during the cataclysmic Missoula Floods, a series of massive glacial floods that reshaped the landscape of Eastern Washington.
As torrents of water surged through the Grand Coulee, they carved deep channels into the basalt cliffs, tearing away chunks of rock and leaving behind these shallow caverns.
After the waters receded, Indigenous peoples used the caves as temporary shelters, leaving behind a fascinating history intertwined with the region’s dramatic geology. It is said that at one time the walls of the caves contained petroglyphs, however due to vandalism, the remnants of that history are gone.
These hidden desert caves are a must-see! Why not plan a weekend adventure to see them for yourself? Take a scenic drive along Highway 17, where you can catch glimpses of the caves from the road—or better yet, hike up and explore them up close!!
The caves are located just 2 hours from Spokane or Tri-Cities, and 3.5 hours from Seattle. It’s an easy day trip from all of these major cities in Washington.
Best time to hike the Lake Lenore Caves Trail
The best time to hike the Lake Lenore Caves Trail is during spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, and the surrounding coulee landscape is at its most scenic.
Spring (March–May) brings comfortable weather, making it an ideal time to explore the caves. Fall (September–November) offers crisp air and golden-hued scenery, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged basalt cliffs.
Summer (June–August) can be extremely hot, with little to no shade along the trail. If hiking in summer, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, and be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection. Winter (December–February) is cold, and occasional snow or ice can make the trail slippery, so check conditions before heading out.
How to hike to Lake Lenore Caves
The hike to the caves is short and relatively easy, making it an accessible adventure for most visitors. Beyond the caves themselves, one of the biggest highlights of this hike is the incredible view of the Columbia Gorge from the top of the trail.
The trail, which begins at the parking lot for Lake Lenore Caves, is a mile and a half long. From the trailhead you’ll immediately ascend the cliffside, traveling through the arid shrub-steppe of the Columbia Basin.
Soon, you’ll reach a set of steep stairs, leading up to a flat plateau where the main caves are located. Be sure to stop for a minute and take in the panoramic views of the Grand Coulee before continuing on to find the caves.
Once you’ve reached the caves, feel free to step inside and take a look around. You’ll notice it is much cooler inside them, which is a relief in the heat of summer.
Another thing you’ll notice is that the caves are quite shallow, which is helpful because a flashlight is not necessary to explore them.
For photographers, the caves create a perfect natural frame looking out toward the towering cliffs across the gorge, so be sure to snap a few shots from inside the caves before leaving.
Moving on, if you continue past the first few caves, you’ll reach the largest cave in the group, which is sunken into the earth. There is a trail down into this cavern—though slightly slippery, it’s nothing too difficult.
Beyond this large cavern, the trail becomes less defined, but adventurous hikers can continue exploring the area off-trail. The views from the clifftop are absolutely breathtaking, but just be cautious near the edges, as there are no barriers.
When you’re ready to head back, simply retrace your steps. There’s also an alternative route that takes you above the main caves before reconnecting with the starting point.
Lake Lenore Caves parking lot.
Where is the Lake Lenore Caves parking lot? You’ll find the parking lot for Lake Lenore Caves at the end of Lake Lenore Caves Road, which is off Highway 17 (Coulee Corridor National Scenic Byway).
Tips for hiking to Lake Lenore Caves
- 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 to Lake Lenore Caves in tennis shoes, it’s a good idea to wear hiking boots for that extra layer of protection.
- Eastern Washington can get extremely hot in the summer, with temperatures often surpassing 90°F. While the Lake Lenore Caves hike is short enough that you may not need water on the trail itself, it’s smart to carry plenty of water with you in the car on the duration of your adventure. This is especially important since there aren’t many stores nearby.
- If hiking in hot weather, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Discover more hidden gems near Lake Lenore Caves
Steamboat Rock State Park is a stunning 3,500-acre park offering dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, and spectacular views of Banks Lake. It’s a perfect summertime destination for outdoor recreation like swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing.
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.
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.
Where to stay near Lake Lenore Caves
If you’re making this an overnight trip, there are some great campgrounds just a few miles away. If you’d prefer hotel accommodations, you will need to look for hotel rooms in Moses Lake.
One of the best options is Smokiam RV Resort & Campground, known for its shaded campsites located on the northern shores of Soap Lake. For a truly unique experience, you can even stay in a teepee right by the water! Plus, they have a swimming pool to help you cool off during the hot summer months.
Another excellent choice is Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort, where guests can enjoy the healing properties of Soap Lake in the comfort of their own private jacuzzi, with mineral water pumped directly from the lake!
Lastly, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, which is situated north of Lake Lenore Caves, offers both campsite and cabins in a stunning desert setting.
Where is Lake Lenore Caves?
Lake Lenore Caves is located in Eastern Washington along Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway (Highway 17), between the towns of Soap Lake and Coulee City. The caves sit within Lake Lenore Caves State Park, a region shaped by Ice Age floods. The trailhead is easily accessible from the highway, with a small parking area and signage marking the site.
Pin For Later!
