One of the most beautiful spring landscapes in the PNW, the open slopes of the Dalles Mountain…read moreRanch section of the Columbia Hills Historic State Park turn yellow from the millions of arrow balsam root flowers that bloom. It is truly an incredible sight and the flowers cover thousands of acres. The balsam root are the first to appear followed by blue lupin. The next wave brings delicate blue bachelor buttons and bright orange California poppies. Since wildflower season is my favorite season, I visit often from March through June to watch the symphony of color that adorns the hills. The Dalles Mountain Ranch, was purchased from rancher Pat Bleakney in 1993. The 3,338 ranch includes Horsethief Lake and the many historic pictographs across SR-14 along the Columbia River. The open slopes of the old ranch attracts hikers in all seasons with a developed trail system with several loop options. The sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams on a clear day are incredible! This area is so peaceful and serene. There is a dedicated parking area about 3.5 miles up the gravel drive past the old ranch and barn with vault toilets making it very convenient. Day pass is required and there is a kiosk in the parking area. This is the Gorge so it can get very windy! I've been there in the wind and have had days with no wind at all. Just be prepared for either end of the spectrum! No real shade so wear a hat and sunscreen. The trails are dirt and rock so I always brink walking sticks because I need the support. And yes, there are signs warning about rattlesnakes, part of the high dessert ecosystem so pay attention.

There are only 5 previous reviews and mine was one. Guess cuz everybody enjoys the showy wildflower…read morehike - too busy looking at all the incredible photos to post on Yelp. I'll be short. Go to "wildflowersoregon.org" and find out when and where flowers are blooming in the Columbia River Gorge. We started the trail at Dalles Mountain Ranch and hiked 5.5 miles (elevation gain 800 feet) on a figure 8 loop carpeted with Balsamroot and lupine over the hills after hills as far as you can see. Showy wildflower display! The huge pedal Balsamroot are a bit past prime but the lupine are stellar now along with Phlox, Tretelia, Buckwheat and more. Put on a good pair of hiking shoes. Bring a smart phone or digital camera for breath-taking views. Whew! With the clouds yesterday - 5 stars *****

Lovely setting...but way too loud to stay overnight…read more Decided to stay at the campground while exploring the area. The setting of the campground is really pretty, and felt quite peaceful until dark. I'd noticed the sign on the info board warning of noise. But honestly I assumed it would be the normal passing train noise we always experience when staying along the gorge. But this location was something different...train whistles were sounded throughout the entire night. No sleep was to be had for me here. Regardless, we prepped to roam the trails that morning. While I didn't have big expectations when we started off along the river we really ended up enjoying the trails. The hillsides around the Deschutes provide a simply stunning landscape. There are multiple, parallel levels of trails from which to choose. We opted to take about 5 miles round trip, starting on the lowest trail and looping back via the next level up. The trails are narrow & winding, with uneven surfaces. On that sunny day it was very serene, with only the sounds of the river and birds. I wouldn't consider using the campground again, simply due to the train whistles. The sites weren't at all private, some level/some not...but all with nice river views. I would definitely recommend use of the trail system, however.

This is an ok park if you are stopping for a picnic or to take a hike. It's right on the river so…read morethere are great views, fresh air and all that the Gorge has to offer. However, being the Gorge it can get windy. Sometimes very windy. I don't camp but if I did it wouldn't be here. It's right on the rail line and five mile long freight rains pass by a few hundred feet away every five minutes..... literally. Other than that, it's a good State park with all the amenities. Easy to get to so if you are on the Interstate and need a break you'll find this area more refreshing than a highway rest area.

A lush, beautiful state park located off I-84 near Rowena. After passing by more times than I can…read morecount, I decided to venture off the highway to check it out. Was so surprised and delighted by the incredible views of the basalt cliffs across the way, and of course, close up views of the magnificent Columbia River. There is an area under the trees with picnic tables, a perfect spot to gather for a meal after a nice walk or hike. Plenty of parking, great views, peaceful and serene - a gem.

We pulled off recently to check out Mayer. In our camper van, it was a lovely, quiet spot to enjoy…read morea stretch and a meal. It seemed to be more like a county park in feel, with plenty of parking, some picnic tables, and toilets. They had a recycle bin alongside the trash cans...loved to see that. Albeit a cold December day, we only saw a couple of cars come and go while we were there. From signage it appears to be a good windsurfing area at other times of the year, so I'm sure it gets much busier. Nice little stop-off along the gorge for a view, a stretch, or a picnic.

Great spot for families- especially if you have kids! Awesome spot for swimming in the summer as…read morewell, there's a little sandy area for easy access to the river for swimming.

A pocket park, as it states online, seems like a fitting description. We were looking for different…read moreaccess to the Riverfront Trail, and that pretty much sums up Klindt Cove. It's got a decent sized lot, as well as bathrooms. Clearly a desired resting spot for geese...watch your step...there is a bit of green space and some benches overlooking the water. There's also a handy-dandy bike repair station -- nice touch. It really is a great midpoint access point to the trail, should you just want to wander a couple miles one direction or the other. The views along the trail are nice, and bird sightings pretty common. Maybe not a park so much, but for it's obvious intended purpose, it's doing it's job.

The last thing I expected to find on a drive in eastern WA and OR! What was truly amazing is that…read moreour trip in was free of charge. I'll admit this isn't like Wildlife Safari in OR, as here the animals are behind fences and you'll not be feeding them as you can there. It's also a very short trip in, as you drive up a few minutes to a barn and then turn around. While it is a very small and short thing to take a look at, it's a great break from a long drive.

We'd driven by the gate multiple times and wondered about the place. So, we finally pulled in…read morerecently to see for ourselves. It's free, just pull in and drive the short section allowed to view some beautiful animals from your car. It's a pretty fast up to the turnaround and back out. I'm not really sure how I feel about the place. The animals I could see appeared to be healthy, with fairly large enclosures and fabulous views...although it's doubtful that latter matters to them. ;) I just wonder the nature of the farm...I'm allllll for any efforts towards animal conservation, but I haven't been able to determine if there's any of that here or if it's just someone's personal zoo. This one's a big ???? for me.

Secluded lake park perfect for those who want a lake to themselves…read more Boat ramp available but the lake is not large enough for anything more than Jon boats. Plenty of well worn trails around the lake, some leading down to the banks to fish alongside. All trails are fairly easy for all ages. Views are serene. Ample parking, bathrooms available but bring your own wipes ;) *Warning* as there is no fresh water source to circulate, signage indicates extreme toxic levels especially during warm weather seasons. Safer to avoid during the summer.

Down a dirt road, past some industry sits this little lake(s). Certainly an unassuming park, it's…read moregot a bit to offer if you're ok with the not-so-pleasant constant odor wafting through the area (I assume from one of those businesses we passed on our way in). There are 2 "lakes" here, more pond-like I would say. Quite a bit of parking is available, with a vault toilet, boat ramp, life jackets, and a trail running the circumference of Spear Lake. We took that path, which is mostly single file width and easy for anyone. Lots of birds and ducks...as well as wind...with lovely views of ridges on both sides of the Columbia. There's a graveyard for an old car on the far side that Mother Nature is absorbing best she can. Would I go out of my way to visit again? No. But it's a decent place for a stroll if you live nearby or are passing through...as long as you can ignore the smell. Heads up, ticks are out here already this spring...we noticed one hitchhiker halfway around.

Great boat launch for river access, plenty of parking, RV water hookups, showers, flush bathrooms…read more The scenery is nice and occasional deer will walk through. Nice camp site for the fishing trip.

Get after a hike or ride a mountain bike through the rugged beauty of Swale Canyon. Klickitat River…read morerolls into the Columbia at Lye. Great trail in winter to view the gathering of Bald Eagles. When the salmon are running in October, Native American fishermen set up fish stands along the jagged edges of cliffs to catch the big ones. Notes: Easy ride, peacedul, cruise & roll, not technical. Follows the river. Grade easy. In a 18 mile ride, gained only 735 feet in elevation. Flat double track, very little single track, scenic, and lots of small gravel and lots of rocks rocks rocks. Best to ride a mountain or fat tire bike with knobby tires. Hard ride on the gluteus maximus. Lots of quick pops bouncing with a suspension. Shade 75% and 25% sun. Check the temperature, this is dessert. Bring water. Easy 30 miles out and back.

We love the KRT! We've hiked it many times. The Market in Klickitat runs a car shuttle service if…read moreyou want to do the whole thing or longer sections of it and not have to double back to get your car at the trailhead where you left it. The entire trail is quite long and too long to do as a one day hike. It would be a long day even on a trail bike. Our favorite is the Swale Canton section which is more remote and has a lot less people on it compared to the section that runs from Lyle to Klickitat. It's especially fun during the dead of Winter. I've heard stories of rattler sightings but IMHO it's not a location that's conducive to large amounts of rattlesnakes. I'm sure there could be a few but you'd really have to work at it to get bit. Lots of snakes out there and especially in Swale Canyon but I've never seen a rattler. I have looked at snakes that people on the trail have pointed out and said they were rattlers. But they were something else and not poisonous. There is at least one black bear out there (Swale Canyon) and probably many more. Also Coyote and I've heard that Cougars are around although I find that hard to believe. Lots of deer and elk of course. Lots less wildlife on the Lyle to Klickitat segment. We really apreciate the hard work and dedication that the KTC put into making this trail a reality and for maintaining it. We used to go to their events all the time but they have been silent for several years so they may have disbanded. As a side note, bringing the "ten essentials" is always important and especially on this hike. Pretty much impossible to get lost out there but there is no cell service in Swale Canyon so if you get hurt you are more or less on your own. And bring water! Lots of it!