Columbia Hills State Park: Petroglyph Tour/Vista Loop Trail

Activity Notes

Our day will start with an exploration of Native American rock art in the Horsethief Lake section of the park. We’ll take  a .75 mile, 90 minute, ranger-led tour of the petroglyphs, including Tsagaglalal (“She Who Watches”). We’ll then take a short drive to the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead for an afternoon hike on the Vista Loop Trail. This hike offers expansive views of the eastern Columbia River Gorge and wonderful spring wildflower displays.  5.25 miles/ 600 feet elevation/  180 drive miles.

We’ll meet at the boat ramp parking lot of the Horsethief Lake section of the park at 8:45 am. It’s important that we be punctual, as the guided tour leaves at 9:00. Participation in the tour is by reservation only. Our group has eight spots reserved for the April 18 tour. The area is otherwise closed to the public. Discover Pass is required for parking at trailheads. One-day passes ($10) may be purchased at parking areas.

Hikers may opt to couple this hike with the Lost Corral hike on April 19. Those doing so may be interested in car camping at Cottonwood Canyon State Park on the night of April 18. Contact the hike leader for more information.