Columbia Hills State Park - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Summer 6:30 a.m. - dusk Winter Closed November - March The view of the imposing Butte provides inspiration from dawn until dusk, and lower down, the sun warms the rocks, making comfortable spots for wildlife to sun themselves. Expect to see marmots and chipmunks, as well as deer in this park.

509.773.3145

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station at Horsethief Butte for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

lat: 45.642663 long: -121.1055747

Columbia Hills State Park is a Washington State Park located 6 miles east of Dallesport on SR 14 in Klickitat County. The park occupies 3,338 acres on Horsethief Lake, an impoundment of the Columbia River, and was created in 2003 with the merger of Horsethief Lake State Park and Dalles Mountain Ranch. It also includes Horsethief Butte and Crawford Oaks, both popular hiking areas. Horsethief Lake section of the Columbia Hills Historical State Park is a National Historic Site.

Located on the site of a former Native American village, Columbia Hills State Park is along the rolling hills of the Columbia River Gorge, with nearly two miles of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. This made it the perfect stopping point for the Lewis and Clark expedition on their way to the coast. 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 on website for registration instructions).

Across Highway 14 from the main part of Columbia Hills State Park, Horsethief Butte dominates the skyline, standing over Horsethief lake like an ancient castle. The lake itself is enormous, flooded into existence by the construction of The Dalles Dam. Lupine and balsamroot bloom in mid-April, making spectacular fields of purple and gold. Songbirds flit about, while larger birds of prey — like eagles and falcons — soar on air currents high above your head.

The commission combined the park with Dalles Mountain Ranch and renamed the area Columbia Hills State Park in 2003. Now, in addition to the more than 12 miles of hiking trails in the area, visitors can enjoy swimming, freshwater fishing, bird watching and wildlife viewing, sailboarding, and playing horseshoes. Rock climbers also frequent this park. Dalles Mountain is known for the spectacular wildflower displays in the spring.

Nearby Attractions

The Dalles Lock & Dam Visitor Center

The Dalles Lock & Dam Visitor Center

The Dalles Dam Visitor Center, Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 2.35 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

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Cascade Cliffs Winery

Cascade Cliffs Winery

Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery, Washington 14, Wishram, WA, USA
Distance: 2.62 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

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Tierra de Lobos Winery

Tierra de Lobos Winery

Tierra De Lobos Winery, Osprey Lane West, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 3.18 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Wineries

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Jacob Williams Winery

Jacob Williams Winery

Jacob Williams Winery, Avery Road, Wishram, WA, USA
Distance: 3.68 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

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Tribal Salmon – Dallesport, WA

Tribal Salmon – Dallesport, WA

Dallesport, WA, USA
Distance: 3.98 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Tribal Experiences

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Sunshine Mill Winery

Sunshine Mill Winery

Sunshine Mill, East 2nd Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.48 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks Wineries

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Klindt’s Bookstore

Klindt’s Bookstore

KLINDT’S BOOKSTORE
Distance: 4.64 mi (straight line)

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Riverfront Trail at The Dalles

Riverfront Trail at The Dalles

Riverfront Trail, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.66 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences

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Rock Fort Campsite

Rock Fort Campsite

Rock Fort, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.68 mi (straight line)

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National Neon Sign Museum

National Neon Sign Museum

National Neon Sign Museum, East 3rd Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.74 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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The Dalles Art Center

The Dalles Art Center

The Dalles Art Center, East 4th Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.79 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues

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Old Wasco County Courthouse

Old Wasco County Courthouse

Original Courthouse Museum, West 2nd Place, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 4.83 mi (straight line)

Other Guided Tours

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Columbia River Salmon Sales: The Dalles, Oregon

Columbia River Salmon Sales: The Dalles, Oregon

The Dalles, Oregon, USA
Distance: 4.85 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues Food and Drinks

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The Riv

The Riv

The Riv dalles
Distance: 5.00 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

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Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, Discovery Drive, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 5.13 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, Court Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 5.19 mi (straight line)

General History

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Cousin’s Country Inn and Restaurant

Cousin’s Country Inn and Restaurant

Cousins' Country Inn, West 6th Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 5.40 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

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Fort Dalles Museum and the Anderson Homestead

Fort Dalles Museum and the Anderson Homestead

Anderson Homestead, West 16th Street, The Dalles, OR, USA
Distance: 5.51 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers Forts

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Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s

Site of the Week: The Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam

By August of 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had entered the land of the Yankton Sioux, a powerful tribe on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark were tasked with notifying them that the United States now had a claim over their land. So, on August 29, the expedition met with the tribe at a site called Calumet Bluff where Lewis gave his routine speech and the customary gifts were handed out.

Today, the Lewis and Clark Visitor’s Center at Gavins Point Dam sits on Calumet Bluff, overlooking the nearly two-mile-long Gavins Point Dam. The dam was originally planned to be built further upstream at Gavins Point,the place from which the dam gets its name. However, even though it was constructed at a different site (which resulted in the formation of Lewis and Clark Lake), the dam maintained its original name throughout the project.

The visitor’s center, which is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers, has exhibits pertaining to the wildlife and rich history of the area. Information regarding recreation on Lewis and Clark Lake is also available, as well as a gift shop and bookstore. There is a viewing deck on the back of the visitor’s center which allows visitors to view the Gavins Point Dam.

https://www.nps.gov/places/lewis-clark-visitor-center-at-gavins-point-dam-nebraska.htm

Photos credited to Cait Clark

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #nebraska

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument The Lew

Site of the Week: Sergeant Floyd Monument

The Lewis and Clark Expedition is known for having lost only one man, something of a miracle when it comes to such a lengthy and treacherous adventure. Sadly, the majority of people do not know the name of this man as he died rather early on in the Expedition. Fortunately, there is a monument dedicated to his burial in Sioux City, Iowa.

On July 31, 1804, Sergeant Charles Floyd, one of the original “Nine Young Men from Kentucky,” wrote in his journal that he was “verry sick and {had} ben for Sometime.” He recovered somewhat before suddenly taking a turn for the worse. Captain Lewis administered to him as he was the Expedition’s doctor, but it was no use. On August 20th, the young man passed away at the age of 22. It is widely believed that Floyd died from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. If this truly was the case, there would have been nothing that Lewis could have done to save him.

Today, the Sergeant Floyd Monument stands on a cliff overlooking I-29, a tall obelisk surrounded by iron fencing for protection. There is a parking lot and informational signs concerning the Expedition and the last days of Floyd’s life. When standing at the base of the monument, one can look out over the mighty Missouri River. Despite the rumbling of the cars racing by below, the site possesses a solemn tranquility, especially when visited in the evening as the sun is fading in the west. A sun that young Charles Floyd was unable to pursue with his fellow explorers.

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Iowa #siouxcityiowa

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clat

Lewis and Clark spent the winter close to the Clatsop Village that was located on the site of Fort Stevens State Park - located at the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon on Point Adams.

When Europeans first arrived in the area, it was the site of a large Clatsop settlement, and William Clark noted eight large houses on the site when they sailed past in 1805. The name of the landmark itself was coined on May 18, 1792, when Captain Robert Gray, a merchant mariner, sailed into the mouth of the Columbia River. He chose the name in honor of the then president of the United States, John Adams.

Point Adams later became part of Fort Stevens, a Civil War-era military fort established in 1863. The original earthen fort was built to keep British and Confederate gunboats from entering the mouth of the Columbia River. It was named after Union Army General Isaac I. Stevens, who also served as the first territorial governor of Washington state.

After World War II, Fort Stevens was considered obsolete, and it was turned over to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for use as a headquarters in 1947. Then, in 1975, the site was officially designed as a state park after being leased to Oregon State Parks.

Today, visitors can visit the historic Fort Stevens and Point Adams visitor center and museum, take tours through the old earthen fort and artillery gun batteries, or take advantage of all the wildlife opportunities like fishing.

There are several camping options available as well. All campsites are ADA accessible and come equipped with a picnic table and grill. Yurts and cabins are also available for rent. Restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dump station are on site.

https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/fort-stevens-state-park/

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #Oregon #fortstevensstatepark

Happy New Year, Everyone! January 1, 1806 “A n

Happy New Year, Everyone!

January 1, 1806

“A new year at Fort Clatsop

To bring in the new year at Fort Clatsop, the enlisted men fire a volley to awaken the captains. Lewis resumes writing his journal and imagines New Year’s Day in 1807 when everyone will be home. Clark inventories ship captains that visit the area, and Sgt. Gass is surprised by the number of active insects this time of year.

‘…our repast of this day tho’ better than that of Christmass, consisted principally in the anticipation of the 1st day of January 1807, when in the bosom of our friends we hope to participate in the mirth and hilarity of the day, and when the zest given by the recollection of the present, we shall completely, both mentally and corporally, enjoy the repast which the hand of civilization has prepared for us.’
—Meriwether Lewis”

https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/1-jan-1806/

Photo Credit: "Snow on Fort Clatsop by Robert Potts"

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