Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is a 4,109-acre, 130-mile-long rail-bed trail that traces the 1908 original path of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railroad. The route is most accessible at Cheney, with other less accessible points along the way. The route is steeped in history, with scenic vistas along the trail. Currently 23 miles of the trail between Lincoln County and Cheney are developed and open for public use.
Another 15 miles of trail from Ice Harbor Dam to Snake River Junction are open to hikers and bicyclers. Activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, in-line skating, nature viewing, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Wildlife viewing is a very popular attraction along the Columbia Plateau Trail as it passes 4.75 miles through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Many large animals can be seen such as deer, elk, and moose. More than 200 species of birds have been identified, and the area is famed for the visiting trumpeter swans. The best times for wildlife viewing is early morning and evening.
