Columbia Hills Historical State Park
Also known as Columbia Hills State Park
Notice: Burn Ban Level 2 — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- $10 per dayAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- parks.wa.gov(509) 773-3145
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Fire restriction Burn Ban Level 2Wood fires restricted to fire pits in designated areas. Gas and propane allowed. Charcoal may be restricted.
Posted by the park 2026-09-28. Official alert
Alert NotificationClimbers, please be aware that the following 2026 dates Horsethief Butte may be congested due to climbing groups in the area. We suggest you plan to… (more)
Climbers, please be aware that the following 2026 dates Horsethief Butte may be congested due to climbing groups in the area. We suggest you plan to visit during the week when the area is less congested. We will continue to update throughout the season: Oct 17-18.
Posted by the park 2026-07-03. Official alert
Overview
In Klickitat County, about 4 miles northeast of The Dalles, Columbia Hills Historical State Park covers about 3,638 acres.
Things to do include rock climbing, horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including tent sites and showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other — Summer | Daily | 6:30 a.m. – sunset | — |
| Other — Winter | Daily | 6:30 a.m. – sunset | Nov 1 – Mar 31 |
Official wording
Summer: 6:30 a.m. - Dusk
Winter: 6:30 a.m. - Dusk (Horsethief Lake Closed November -March)
Winter Schedule: Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page. Wildflower season (April-May): Crawford Oaks, Dalles Mountain Ranch & Horsethief Butte trailheads can be crowded on the weekends during peak wildflower season. We recommend you visit during the weekday for more solitude and enjoyment of the scenic beauty.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Discover pass: Annual Pass | $45 · year |
| One-day Pass | $10 |
| Watercraft Launch Fee | $7 · boat |
| Trailer Dump Fee | $5 |
Official wording
Discover pass: • Annual Pass: $45 • One-day Pass: $10 • Watercraft Launch Fee: $7 for the day • Trailer Dump Fee: $5 per use
Washington park passes
- Discover Pass (annual) — $45. Day-use vehicle access to state parks (and DNR/WDFW lands) Details
- Discover Pass (one-day) — $10. Day-use vehicle access for one day Details
From the Washington state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Camis (washington.goingtocamp.com)
- Phone
- (888) 226-7688
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: the tsagaglalal.
Dogs Allowed on Leash • Dogs Allowed on Leash To protect park resources, pets are not permitted on The Tsagaglalal ("She Who Watches") trail or tour.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
Camping
Tent and RV campsites are available at Horsethief Lake. There are four standard campsites, eight partial hookup sites, four standard walk-in sites and two primitive hiker/biker sites.
Camping amenities listed: Showers, Trailer Dump
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingWildlife viewing and birdingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingCanoeing and kayakingRock climbingSwimmingHistoric sites and toursPicnicking
Trails
Climbing
Columbia Hills is home to Horsethief Butte, a favorite among climbers of all abilities. This area also offers a short hike where you can take in sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. Two areas are signed "no climbing" for cultural resource protection. Climbers are directed to limit their use of chalk when climbing at the butte.
Hiking
North of State Route 14, Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailheads offers access to miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that crisscross the Columbia Hills, with astounding views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson and the Columbia River Gorge. In the springtime, the hills are dotted with colorful wildflowers, especially arrow-leaf balsam root and lupine.
About seven miles of hiking trails are available from the Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch trailheads. A shorter hike is available from Horsethief Butte
Boating and paddling
Boating
There are two boat ramps one at Horsethief Lake and one at the Columbia River.
Horsethief Lake offers stand up paddle board and kayak rentals during peak season. Strong winds, which are common in the area, can limit boat rental availability.
Horsethief Lake is the only lake entirely within a Washington State Park that allows motorized boats. Due to its small size, there is a 5 mph speed limit and waterskiing/wake boarding and similar activities requiring a speedboat are not allowed.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Drinking water
- Picnic areas
- Parking
Water
- Boat ramp
Camping
- Tent camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Rules and permits
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
Some rattlesnakes live in the area but encounters with them are rare. Bullsnakes are more common and have coloration and markings similar to the rattlesnake, but do not have rattles and are not venomous.
To protect park resources, pets are not permitted on The Tsagaglalal ("She Who Watches") trail or tour.
Park conditions are often extremely windy.
Metal detecting is not allowed.
Drones are not allowed.
Getting there
- Address
- 8514 Lewis and Clark Highway
Lyle, WA 98617 - Nearest town
- The Dalles — about 4 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 45.6430, -121.1034
- Phone
- (509) 773-3145
- columbia.hills@parks.wa.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Washington State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- Washington State Parks Find Parks directory (paged Drupal view), joined to WSPRC ParkBoundaries ArcGIS layer for coordinates/category
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology