Columbia Hills Historical State Park puts the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area at your fingertips. This 3,637-acre park is composed of four different sites which offer a range of experiences. Rock climbing, swimming and spring hikes through vast fields of balsamroot flowers make for an action-packed stay, not to mention the nearby attractions of Goldendale Observatory and Maryhill Museum.

Horsethief Lake caters to campers and water-lovers; amenities include tent and RV campsites, a watercraft launch and pedal boat and kayak rentals. A group of significant Native American pictographs and petroglyphs are located in this area of the park. The Temani Pesh-Wa exhibit is open daily for self-guided viewing. The world-famous Tsagaglalal, (She Who Watches) and other pictographs and petroglyphs can be viewed by making a reservation to participate in a regularly scheduled ranger-led tour (see Interpretive Opportunities below for registration instructions).

Columbia Hills is home to Horsethief Butte, a favorite among climbers of all abilities. This area also offers a short hike to sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood.

To the north of Highway 14, the Crawford Oaks Trailhead offers access to miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that crisscross the Columbia Hills with astounding views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. In the springtime, the hills are covered in places with colorful wild flowers, especially arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine.

To the north of Highway 14, the Dalles Mountain Ranch Area, a historic homestead ranch, features several historic buildings and farm equipment display. The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead allows visitors access to the same trails as the Crawford Oaks Trailhead and is also popular during wildflower season.

PARK FEATURES
Columbia Hills Historical State Park is a 3,637-acre camping park with shoreline on the Columbia River. Horsethief Butte dominates the skyline like an ancient castle. Horsethief Lake is about 90 acres in size, an impoundment of the Columbia River. The lake was flooded into existence by the reservoir created by The Dalles Dam.