Discover secret disc golf courses throughout Eastern Washington that locals love but tourists miss. Explore these hidden gems with our detailed guide to the region’s best under-the-radar disc golf destinations.
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Eastern Washington’s Hidden Disc Golf Gems: Off the Beaten Path

While Spokane’s premier disc golf courses get all the attention, Eastern Washington harbors a collection of spectacular hidden disc golf destinations that fly under the radar. These courses offer unique challenges, stunning landscapes, and often, the peaceful solitude that’s increasingly rare on more popular courses. From desert terrain with volcanic rock features to pine-shaded mountain courses, these lesser-known gems provide fresh experiences for even the most seasoned disc golfers. Let’s explore the secret spots that locals cherish but visitors rarely discover.

Palouse Ridge Disc Golf Course – Pullman

Tucked away near Washington State University, Palouse Ridge offers a completely different disc golf experience than what you’ll find in Spokane. The rolling hills of the Palouse create natural elevation changes that test your distance control and wind-reading abilities. The 18-hole course winds through open fields with tall grass that changes from vibrant green in spring to golden wheat colors by late summer.

What makes this course special is how it incorporates the natural contours of the Palouse landscape. You’ll throw across valleys and navigate around clusters of pine trees that serve as natural obstacles. Local players recommend visiting in early morning when winds are calmer. The university maintains the course beautifully, with clearly marked tee pads and baskets that are regularly updated.

Chewelah Basin Disc Golf – Chewelah

About an hour north of Spokane sits one of the region’s best-kept secrets. This 18-hole course balances open fields with technical wooded sections, making it appealing to players of all skill levels. What distinguishes Chewelah Basin is its water features – several holes require shots over or alongside creek beds that become more challenging after spring runoff.

The locals take pride in this community-built course, hosting small tournaments that rarely appear on major disc golf calendars. The back nine offers spectacular mountain views, especially at sunset when the surrounding peaks catch the fading light. Bring your camera along with your disc bag – the photo opportunities here rival the quality of play.

Columbia Basin Technical Course – Moses Lake

Unlike many desert courses that focus on distance throws, this technical gem demands precision above all else. The course takes advantage of the unique basalt rock formations and sage brush native to the Columbia Basin. You’ll throw through narrow corridors of volcanic rock and navigate around ancient boulders that create natural mandatories on several holes.

What local players love most is how the course changes seasonally. In spring, wildflowers create colorful hazards throughout the course. During summer months, the early morning hours offer the best playing conditions before the heat builds. The course designers cleverly incorporated natural water drainage paths as OB (out of bounds) areas, adding challenge without artificial elements.

Ephrata Highlands Course – Ephrata

This desert highland course offers something rarely found in Eastern Washington – significant elevation changes in an otherwise flat region. The front nine climbs gradually uphill, rewarding you with sweeping views of the Columbia Basin at the course’s highest point. The back nine’s downhill shots let you unleash big drives while testing your ability to control distance on the firm, fast terrain.

Local disc golfers appreciate how the course incorporates native plants as natural hazards rather than clearing them away. The wind here can be unpredictable, creating an ever-changing challenge that ensures no two rounds play exactly the same. After summer thunderstorms, temporary water hazards form in the natural depressions, adding an extra layer of strategy to your game.

Colville Forest Reserve Course – Colville

Unlike the more open courses of the Columbia Basin, this hidden treasure offers 18 holes of heavily wooded play that will test your technical skills and shot shaping ability. The dense pine forest creates well-defined fairways where accuracy trumps distance on every hole. Summer temperatures here are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Spokane, making it a perfect retreat during hot weather.

What makes this course truly special is the wildlife you’ll encounter. Deer frequently wander through the fairways, and early morning players sometimes spot elk in the distance. The forest floor changes with the seasons – carpeted with wildflowers in spring, lush ferns in summer, and vibrant fallen leaves in autumn. The final three holes open up slightly, allowing for more aggressive drives as you finish your round.

Your Eastern Washington Disc Golf Adventure Awaits

Ready to explore these hidden disc golf gems? Pack your discs, grab our detailed course maps, and venture off the beaten path to experience Eastern Washington disc golf as the locals do. Whether you’re planning a dedicated disc golf road trip or looking to add some unique courses to your next outdoor adventure, these lesser-known destinations offer fresh challenges and memorable experiences for players of all skill levels.