Columbia Plateau Trail to Fish Lake

Some snow on the trail, but great to stretch our legs and get some fresh air.

Great place to clear your head.

All paved. Great bike trail to Fish lake.

Showed up this morning at around 6:15 am to do a walk. A truck had their drivers side window broken into. Be careful parking there and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.

Ok, sooooo parking was a tad confusing. DO NOT TAKE THE FIRST RIGHT. That leads you to the boat launch, and normal parking for the lake. I parked in the boat launch. I was early enough that I was not taking up space. I knew where I was at, but the trail not so much. Again my GPS failed me and did not want to show me where to go...going to invest in a new phone soon if it keeps that up! The normal parking you'll need your pass. They have bathrooms there and down by the lake too if you need it.

Great Trail. Well maintained. Discover pass required.

I'm surprised how much I enjoy this trail for such a flat, paved, not-very-wilderness feeling walk. The lake is very pretty and restful, looks nice for kayaking, gorgeous color in fall. After the lake there's water running along both sides of the trail much of the year and you can just walk as far as you want, for a very long way. It can feel isolated midweek, I like that feeling but it might be wiser to bring my dog! I'm not a biker but this would be a nice ride. Weekends can be crowded I like it much better on a weekday.

Paved trail great for little kids &/or bikes. Not very scenic unless you make it to Fish Lake (which is far for little kids). Great way to get energy out.

Awesome little trail! You can choose to stay on the paved path the entire time or make your way down the gravel roads and find yourself in a decent stretch of small hills and between trees. My wife and 6 year old son made quick work of the path as beginner mountain bike riders so I definitely recommend it to any family!

great trail not a ton of people, had an amazing time! it is a relatively flat trail!

Paved trail— great for a low key stroll, sure-footed jog, smooth bike ride, or family walk. I confess, I’ve actually only done the first mile (or so) of this trail because— and this is actually the reason why I’m leaving this review— there is a great hiking area called the “Cheney Wetland Trail” that branches off the main paved trail about 0.5 miles from the trailhead/parking lot, and here’s my review on THAT hike: The wetland trail entrance is located right next to the water fountain and information board ~0.5 mile (northeast) from the Columbia Plateau/Cheney trailhead and parking lot... Discover Pass required! The wetland trail has has smaller loops and longer loops to choose from, most of which are dirt/grass/gravel paths alongside small ponds and through some lightly-wooded area. You could take a quick stroll through the shortest loop and be finished in 15 minutes, or you could spend an hour or two exploring this area through the larger loops. I would have no hesitation recommending this to an older individual, family with young kids, or someone with “creaky knees/joints,” as the footing/steepness is fairly level throughout. I’ve spotted some wildlife— my dog walked up on and scared the bonkers out of a harmless snake along the waterside last year, and we’ve have seen/heard plenty of fish in the pond and, therefore, the birds that are interested in fish dinners. Great place to bring your dog, do some birdwatching, or just enjoy a quiet, low-trafficked walk through nature. In the 7-10 times I’ve visited the Cheney Wetland Trail, I’ve only ever shared the area with two other hikers at a distance, and only actually crossed paths with a hiker (and her friendly dog) once. Such a convenient and low-demand nature walk, just off the beaten path, and just as great to visit in the spring as it is in the summer and the fall! (Will be trying a winter visit before too long)!

awesome, easy little bike ride.

This was a fun trail to long board. I went around 5 pm and it was nice and cool. The path is paved all the way from Fish Lake to Cheney Spokane Road, after which it turns into a gravel road. Great for horse back riding! Saw lots of birds, chipmunks, a two tiny Garter snakes, and a Painted Turtle! I will be going back for more fun!

Flat but peaceful and nice.

This was a nice little walking trail with little to no incline. There was quite a bit of wildlife to be seen (mostly birds, reptiles and amphibians) including a cute slithering snake. Part of the path was washed out from water overrunning it but it was easy to maneuver over. Overall, pretty nice nature walk.

Nice easy trail. Beautiful little creek with turtles and frogs, even saw a train go by.

A great low-intensity walk. The paved trail leads right to fish lake. Not much shade along the way, bring water and sunglasses for sure.

Nice trail. I personally feel the rating of moderate is inaccurate, should be rated as easy. Very little elevation change and the surface is paved but can feel long by the time you get back to your vehicle. If you venture into the Cheney wetlands trail(at about 3.5 miles from Fish lake) the surface changes to gravel and grass two track. Still remains relatively flat but a lot of beautiful scenery. Nice outing today. My wife and I logged 8.91 miles out and back with a short venture into the wetlands(ran short on time to venture further). Plan to do it again but take in more of the wetland's scenery.

Awesome trail to bike or run, it takes you straight to Fish lake. great for families. just make sure to bring plenty of water in the summer.

This is wonderful please, full of nature. I have seen porky pines, turtles, water snakes, lots of mosquitos, ducks, and other animals.

In weekends it gets little bit crowded for a road biking.

Good for a long run.