Columbia Hills Historical State Park

Entrance points

There are four access points for the park:

Day use facilities

Thirty-five unsheltered picnic tables are located around the day use area at Horsethief Lake and nine braziers are available. Facilities are first-come, first-served. 

Climbing

Columbia Hills is home to Horsethief Butte, a favorite among climbers of all abilities. This area also offers a short hike where you can take in sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. Two areas are signed "no climbing" for cultural resource protection. Climbers are directed to limit their use of chalk when climbing at the butte.

Hiking

North of State Route 14, Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailheads offers access to miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that crisscross the Columbia Hills, with astounding views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson and the Columbia River Gorge. In the springtime, the hills are dotted with colorful wildflowers, especially arrow-leaf balsam root and lupine. 

About seven miles of hiking trails are available from the Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch trailheads. A shorter hike is available from Horsethief Butte

Paragliding

At Dalles Mountain Ranch experienced gliders who have their own gear can take off from a designated trail. About 1/2 mile east of the Dalles Mt. Ranch trailhead, off of Dalles Mt Road there is a pullout at the trailhead, and an information board for gliders.  Annual registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

Historic features

Horsethief Lake is listed on the National Register of historic places and a monument overlooks the lake. Dalles Mountain Ranch is listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places and interpretive signs are posted around the ranch complex.

Camping

Tent and RV campsites are available at Horsethief Lake. There are four standard campsites, eight partial hookup sites, four standard walk-in sites and two primitive hiker/biker sites.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Wind and noise advisory

It can be very windy in the Columbia River Gorge and you should arrive prepared for such conditions. The location of the Horsethief Lake campsites on the Columbia River means it is also close to active train tracks. Be aware that trains pass along the edge of the park throughout the day and night.

Boating

There are two boat ramps one at Horsethief Lake and one at the Columbia River.

Horsethief Lake offers stand up paddle board and kayak rentals during peak season. Strong winds, which are common in the area, can limit boat rental availability.  

Horsethief Lake is the only lake entirely within a Washington State Park that allows motorized boats. Due to its small size, there is a 5 mph speed limit and waterskiing/wake boarding and similar activities requiring a speedboat are not allowed. 

Native American pictographs & petroglyphs

The Horsethief Lake section of Columbia Hills Historical State Park is a National Historic Site. Go on a self-guided petroglyph and pictograph viewing at the Temani Pesh-Wa display which is open during daylight hours April-Oct. This display is not part of the She Who Watches tour.

Tsagaglalal ("She Who Watches") tours

This area is open to the public by reserved tour only - guests without a reservation will not be able to see this park feature. No pets are allowed on this trail. 

While not difficult, the trail can be narrow, rocky and has some substantial grade. There is no shade or seating along the trail.  Visitors are not permitted to wander off trail. Be sure to come prepared for all weather conditions. The area can be very hot in summer and very windy year round. We recommend participants wear sturdy shoes, bring sun protection and drinking water. Continue reading for more information on the type of tours offered and how to register. 

Individual and small group tours

Guided tours of the significant Tsagaglalal ("She Who Watches"), are available only at 9 a.m., Fri. and Sat., from April - Oct.

Tours are limited to 20 people only. Each person or party must register and receive a confirmation email to attend.

You can register up to 20 attendees at a time for one date, under one email address, if spots are available. If a tour date reaches 20 people, you will not be able to reserve more attendees for that date, unless someone cancels or changes their registration in advance. 

To cancel or change your registration, use your registration confirmation email to click, "change registration" or "cancel registration" at the bottom of the email. Please be sure to change or cancel in advance of the tour date if you cannot attend, as tours are limited.  Canceling in advance allows others to join. 

Tours are open for registration 6 weeks before tours begin for the season; posted the last week of February.

To register for tours, visit here for the most up-to-date link and information. Advance registration is advised as tours are limited and fill up several weeks in advance.

Large group and/ or educational tours

Large educational or tour groups of 21-40 must register at least 6 weeks in advance by emailing your request to Columbia.Hills@Parks.Wa.Gov. Please include your name, phone number, party size and the preferred dates for tours on Fri. or Sat. at 9 a.m. Large group tours are not guaranteed and are dependent on demand and staff availability. We cannot give tours outside of these days and times. Groups who show up without registering will be turned away.

We cannot accommodate groups larger than 40 on any one date. For groups larger than 40, or if Fridays or Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. don't work for you, please consider visiting the Temani Pesh-Wa display of relocated petroglyphs and pictographs for a self-guided tour anytime the park is open.

Staff respond to messages as promptly as possible, however it may take a few days to reply.

Wildflower season (April-May)

Crawford Oaks, Dalles Mountain Ranch & Horsethief Butte trailheads can be crowded on the weekends during peak wildflower season. We recommend you visit during the weekday for more solitude and enjoyment of the scenic beauty.

Additional information

Horsethief Lake has large and shady grassy lawns make for great croquet, soccer or other activities. Horseshoe pits are provided; please bring your own horseshoes.

The lake is open for fishing the fourth Saturday of the month from April - Oct. 31. Anglers should consult Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations to confirm the dates.

A lakeside gazebo is available for rent at Horsethief Lake.