columbia hills state park

Capnnak

We stayed overnight here on a motorcycle trip. The park is a bit of an oasis in scrublands. Tall trees prorect you from theroaring winds. Good clean rwst rooms. Friendly camp host. Then travel down to look at the petroglyphs - fascinating. About the only negative thing to say is the trains that speed tgrough nearby.

911sherryh

We camped here in our Motorhome and had a nice shady site with water and electric hookups. Ranger Andy K. went out of his way to make us feel welcome, informing us about the local attractions, restaurants, and helping us with directions.The park (Horse Thief Lake) is a lovely, green and shady oasis on the Washington side of the Columbia River on Highway 14. It has access to the River, swimming beaches for the kids, and shady picknick tables.

UnrepentantFoodie

The immense Columbia Hills State Park has several entrances; it's the one furthest east at Horsethief Lake that offers overnight camping (w/water and elec) and a green park for day visitors. The park is BEAUTIFUL, a veritable oasis. It's essentially a spit of sorts that just out in the lake so it's surrounded by water and beautifully positioned for the cooling winds that barrel down the Gorge. Lots of trees. It was 103 F when we arrived at our campsite (one of only about ten for RV's, tent sites are also available--reservations are a good idea) but amazingly the wind kept us cool and the bugs away all night long. We don't consider going back to most places we've been, but our stay here was so great we plan to return and use the campground as a base for wine tasting along the Gorge. Bathrooms and separate shower rooms are provided. A dump station for sewage is near the entrance. And there's even a tee pee you can rent for a family or group. The fantastic petroglyph exhibit is a ten minute, if that, walk away. As someone else said, it's a beautiful and sacred setting--definitely worthy of any visitor's time and attention.

pvaller

The park houses a collection of petroglyphs that were rescued from the flooding of the Columbia when dams built. Had been in storage for many years, but were recently pulled out and put on exhibit here at the request of local tribes. Admission to park is $10, but it is definitely worth it. Beautiful and sacred setting.

Truffles183

This is a great place to stop for a picnic or to camp overnight. Not too many spots so reservations are a really good idea. This park is well-cared for. the campground hosts are very nice and helpful and take good care of this place which is good - it's special! Plenty of expanses of green grass so even if the picnic tables are taken, throw a blanket down. It is indeed very windy!!! Once in awhile it lets up but it seems to be the norm. If you're camping, bring heavy stuff - no plastic cups, for example! It's beautiful but also has historical significance. There is an outdoor exhibit (free) of native American petroglyphs from the area. Get a Discovery Pass.

CarolE776

First of all, the picture you have is actually of an island (Chicken Charlie's Island) in the Columbia River east of Hood River between Hood River and Mosier. Horse Thief Park is a family friendly park with a swimming area and picnic areas. The rest rooms are well maintained. A railroad track berm separates the Columbia River from the lake. Boats can be launched. A good place for beginning kayakers or those wanting a leisurely row. One must do is taking the guided tour with the park ranger to see the petroglyphs. She Who Watches is a familiar image; and, to see it in person takes you right back into historic Native American culture.

AdvidTraveler

We enjoyed the beauty of the river from this spot. Watching peopele boating and cannoning and Kayaking.

Dolphins4me

This is a hideaway that few know about. RV camp (reservations a must) and a day park. Nice beach and sandy lake. My daughter freaked when she saw a snake in the water. That was the only thing that was a negative. Distant train goes by every half hour but you get used to that.

RobinDAg94

The day I was going here, the website was down. So I didn't have the current information needed to do the pic tour. It was a brief stay to see the display. I would rather have hiked.

bexnate

You have to pay $10 to park; we didn't -- just cruised in our our motorcycles -- Just to see the Native American art. Not a lot of shade and too expensive for 4 people on bikes for a quick look-see.

RichVW

An oasis of green, clean, and the non-mean. Now Columbia Hills State Park, this gem has great water access, full service camping, tent camping, picnic area, clean facilities, and the best hosts around.Take a hike to Horsethief Butte for great trails, big cliffs, rock-climber watching, and scenery galore.

87Alfa

Good rest stop for travelers. Can park for 15 minutes before you might get badgered for a Discovery pass. The petrographs are at the end of the road just above the river on right had side.

Eyegun

Been to Horsethief park several times. It's on the Wa side of the river about 10 minutes from The Dalles. Camping and day use areas with good restrooms. There is a minimal day use fee. Petroglyphs are visible without a guide but you will need a guide for some of them (see poster). The park goes right down to the water and while there's no awesome beach, there's a couple places to get in. Boat ramp is down by the petroglyphs (straight down the hill). We've used this for a company picnic and all went well. Abundant shade from many large trees.

082812ii

After a bit of nudging to get out of bed at 4:30 AM by my sister, and finally compromising with "just wear your pajamas!" my nephew and I snuggled into the backseat for the drive to Horsethief park. I had no idea what I was in for...Arriving just as the sun was barely peaking over the mountains, my jaw dropped a few inches as I took in the ancient art. Stepping out of the car, I was immersed in the energy of the land and the many spirits that moved through me. I felt the distant drumbeat from the mountains and the presence of the Native American tribes .Mesmerized by the art, trying to decipher it's meaning in my mind, 'my take so to speak' I felt guided by spirit, and drawn into each plaque's message.As the sun rose around us, the images deepened and so to their energy's...

walpoleartlover

The park was a gathering place for native American tribes coming from all parats of the country for the salmon run at Celilo Falls. All that has been changed by the dams on the Columbia River but the petrogliphs are amazing here. Even to the untrained eye it is obvious that some of the tribes came from thousands of miles away.