Juniper Dunes Wilderness

Category: Nude Hiking Area

GPS GeoCoords: 46.428466,-118.825383 (parking area)

Desert sand with rare Juniper trees and other low vegetation. 19,860 acres with 3,920 open, 8,620 limited to designated roads and trails (area of critical environmental concern), and 7,140 acres permanently closed. The topography is characterized by flat or rolling relief caused by wind deposited sands and silts. Vegetation in the area is comprised of a mosaic of habitat type ranging from those dominated by sagebrush and rabbit brush to open grassland with scattered Juniper trees. Land use includes hiking, camping, hunting, & horseback riding. Summer temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees F and can plummet to near zero degrees or below in winter.

Directions: From the intersection of Highway 12 and Lewis Street in Pasco (near highway mile marker 293), head east on the Kahlotus highway. Travel six miles to Peterson Road. You will see a VERY large yellow mailbox at the intersection (you can't miss it). Take a left onto the gravel road. Keep the speed down, as the few households along this stretch are sensitive to the noise and dust and keep a watch for speeders. Travel straight ahead through the stop sign one mile down the road. One more mile and you'll encounter the Juniper Wilderness area entrance sign. It won't look like much at this point -- you're not there yet. Watch your odometer closely after this entrance sign, as you don't want to miss the next turn, which has no sign or significant landmark (this is where most people get lost). The road becomes dirt only (no gravel). At two miles you'll reach what is currently the second intersection past the entrance sign -- turn right. Less than a quarter mile on the left is a parking area, with a sign-in board. The road continues on to the actual entrance of the wilderness area (still another four miles), but it gets alot rougher. I would not recommend a car beyond this point -- a minimum of a 2WD truck is needed. This parking area is popular with ORV enthusiasts -- mostly dirt-bikes and quad-runners; 4WD vehicles being seen as too destructive. Some of the world-class sand dunes are a short distance furthur, but still out of view. Continue down the dirt road for another three miles. A road to the right will have a small sign pointing the way to the wilderness area one mile away. This road is very sandy and requires a 4WD or off-road-capable motorcycle to ensure that you don't get stuck. Follow this road until you reach a fence with a walk-through-only gate and a sign-in board.

Impressions: Inside the fenced region (around fifty to a hundred square miles), the chance of encountering another person is extremely remote. I have never had it happen. The sign-in sheet gives an indication of the presence of any others. Usually, you will find that you are the only person(s) there. The dune area outside the fence often contains a handful of dirt-bike riders, which can be heard at a distance. This means that carrying a cover-up is not necessary. On nice days one can simply tank up on food and water, then head in with nothing more than a pair of sunglasses for the day and maybe some sandals if your feet are soft. Some care is prudent when entering the fenced area, however. Remember, you are on your own! There is no water available and there are no developed trails. Campfires are not permitted; only portable campstoves. Think WILDERNESS. If you're the sort with no sense of direction, it would not be at all difficult to get lost. The terrain consists generally of rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, with no towering landmarks to act as reference. Attention to detail is important, though you technophiles could instead tote a GPS receiver or a trusty compass. The best time to visit is in the spring, ideally soon after a rainshower. You'll find many plant varieties in bloom, giving the terrain a splash of color. Moisture makes the ground more firm for easier travel, especially on the roads. Second best visiting time is in autumn. The temperatures are moderate and there are a few plant varieties that bloom then. As in the spring, the air is filled with distinct scents. Summer temperatures can easily climb well over one hundred degrees F. The humidity is quite low, so it's not that uncomfortable as long as you have plenty of water. As in most desert climates, the temperatures can get significantly cooler at night -- dropping from a hundred-plus down to mid-seventies. One summer nuisance to be aware of are the invader species of plantlife. The cheatgrass is growing in areas, particularly widespread around the perimeter. This grass dies in early summer, leaving pointed seeds that work their way into everything. If you wear socks or closed shoes, you won't penetrate very far before being turned back. It's best to wear open sandals or thongs -- spring is about the only time one can travel barefoot, while the grass is still green. Just watch for the occasional patch of prickly pear cactus. Fortunately, the tumbleweeds and tackweed haven't established themselves too well yet in this area.

No water and no facilities, so bring everything you need.

Call the BLM office in Spokane before going out to be sure you can get access: 509-536-1200