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Columbia Plateau State Park Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Cheney, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Columbia Plateau State Park Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Columbia Plateau State Park Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead
Amber Lake trailhead and public boat launch is a hidden gem. The lake is no bait, lure only fishing. The parking has a lot of space for boat trailers and trail users. The Columbia Plateau trail through this area is gravel surfaced, ideal for walkers and bikers alike.
This trail runs for quite a stretch of the country southwest of Spokane. The first part is the Fish Lake trail that is paved that runs from I-90 9 miles. The next 4 miles starts at DJ's on Cheney-Spokane Rd and is also paved. The pavement ends at Cheney-Spangle Rd.
This location is at Amber Lake, a popular fly fishing lake an hour's drive from Spokane. The trail, following the old SPS rail line, passes past the lake's parking lot. A good rest room facility is on site.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail, following the old SPS rail line, passes past the lake's parking lot.”
“The first part is the Fish Lake trail that is paved that runs from I-90 9 miles.”
“The Columbia Plateau trail through this area is gravel surfaced, ideal for walkers and bikers alike.”
Plan your run at Columbia Plateau State Park Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.wa.gov
- Phone(509) 646-9218
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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