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.

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.

My cousin and I recently spent one night camping at Sherwood Campground in Mount Hood National…read moreForest. I thought it was the ideal camping experience, while she found it to be a bit too isolated and 'creepy.' Since we came in the middle of the week, only one other site was occupied. We were really lucky to get site 15, which is a huge site right by the creek. As you can see from my pictures, I set my tents up for us right by the water, with our rain flys open to the Northern Lights. Somehow I managed to set my bedding up facing the other way, though. I love sleeping right next to creeks, because I think the noise is peaceful, and helps drown out noise from loud people and music. My cousin apparently had a harder time sleeping because she kept waking up thinking there was an animal in the creek. I thought maybe it was just some noisy salmon. Sites are $30/night, which you can get half off with a qualifying pass. This only includes one vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10/night and are not eligible for pass discounts. There were vault toilets, but no running water. This campground is very close to several popular hiking routes including Tamanawa Falls (which we hiked the next morning), Elk Meadows, Pollalie, and Dog Mountain. There are no restaurants nearby at all. The only places to get food are at the Timberline Lodge or Cooper Spur Lodge, or else all the way back in Hood River or Portland (depending which way you came in). So it's definitely best to bring your own food. Bear lockers were not available although there were signs warning about bear activity. Hunting, fishing, picnicking, and day use are all allowed at this campground with certain restrictions. Day Use is only available at certain campsites during certain hours which are posted at the entrance. I'm not sure if I would love it as much on a crowded weekend, but we had a great experience.

We stayed a night at the RV park and it was great. Right on the river in Maupin with water and…read moreelectric hookups. Bathrooms are nice. My kids loved riding on the tandem bike. Staff were friendly. Would definitely stay here again.

The menu is very limited and very expensive. I for one have diet limitations due to CKD, not much…read moreto chose from. And $20.00 for a hamburger + $3.00 extra for sweet potato fries is a bit ridiculous. Even for Maupin. My husband will stick with BurgerKing.