Columbia Hills Historical State Park – Lyle, Washington – Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Columbia Hills Historical State Park – Lyle, Washington

Nov 21, 2025

November 21, 2025

Submitted by Heather Tyrell

Columbia Hills Historical State Park is on the bucket list for most Southwest Washington riders. In the spring, the hillside bursts with color from wildflowers. You will be in good company with many hikers but its worth the trip. Parking is available at the lower Crawford Oaks Trailhead but you will ride the road for 1 mile each way to access the main loops, or park at the upper Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead to cut off the big uphill climb.

Note: Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead is marked as Columbia Hills Trailhead on Gaia but they are the same thing.

Trail Stats:

6.6 miles figure 8 loop. Add 2 miles roundtrip if starting from Crawford Oaks Trailhead.
Elevation Gain: 1,076 feet
Elevation Loss: 1,074 feet
Max Elevation: 1,322 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
↗ What does this mean?
Footing: Dirt single track, gravel.
Hoof Protection: Boots/shoes recommended.

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← Explore more trails in the Columbia River Gorge

Facilities: No equestrian amenities. Vault toilet. Closest camping is at Beacon Rock State Park.

Water Sources: None.

Trail Info: Leave the upper lot on the user trail heading southbound. Several loops are available and can be ridden in any direction. Example GPX track linked below. If parked in the lower lot, ride the ride 1 mile north to link to the trails.

Trail Challenges: Water crossings, steep trail, ticks, rattlesnakes, no shade. Strong wind gusts.

Permits: Discover Pass

Backcountry Sites: Not suitable for overnight use.

Cell Service: Verizon – good coverage.

Fuel: Chevron – 51 Cascade Dr, North Bonneville, WA 98639

GPX File: WHT: Columbia Hills Historical State Park

Maintained By: WA State Parks

Directions: Drive I-84 east to Exit 87 for Dufur and Bend. After exiting, take a left for the DMV, DOT, State Police and The Dalles Dam. Drive 3.6 miles, crossing The Dalles Bridge, to a right turn merge with Highway 14E for Kennewick. From here, go 0.9 miles and make a left turn off Highway 14 onto The Dalles Mountain Road for the Columbia Hills State Park and Dalles Mountain Ranch. Drive 3.4 miles on this gravel road and reach a junction at an old wagon and before a group of ranch buidlings. Keep straight (right) here for 0.2 miles; then turn left up the hill and park in the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead parking area. Last section of road to upper lot is steep.

Resources:

Map: