Three cars in the north lot at 9:30am. Almost saw more dogs than people today. Lots of beetles running around the sand. Distance slightly past the second dune and back was just about 6 miles, not sure where 7 miles came from on the main page. Around eight cars when I came back and ran into a few groups on the way back.

Weather was absolutely perfect, 60s/70s and sunny. Definitely the perfect time of year to come here.

We started our hike around 11:45AM and ended around 2pm and only went to the first dune. The hike was lovely as we finally got some real warm sun. The views were clear and there wasn't any wind. We brought an old snowboard and sandboarded a few times at that first dune. Highly recommend if you have an old snowboard laying around! We only ran into a handful of groups so the trail wasn't that busy. I've only done this in the winter/spring as I feel like in the summer it would be unbearably hot. No wildflowers other than some yellow bells popping up, but I have seen balsamroots later in the spring during a previous visit. 

Reminder: there is no toilet at the trailhead and bring plenty of water for you and and your four legged friends :)

The trail was beautiful. there were lots of people and dogs, but still a pleasure to be out in the sun. We saw a lizard and some wild flowers.

On an insanely windy day, we wandered out to the dunes. It was an easy walk with beautiful views out over the Columbia. The dunes had been soaked by days of rain, so walking to the top of them was easy. We met two other parties on the way, but it was otherwise quiet.

We opted for a family adventure the day after Christmas. Thanks to the WTA for sharing a recent Winter Hikes guide on their social media, I found this beautiful hike not far from where my parents live.

The road in from the highway was easy and all cars should be able to make the gravel road. It was a cold day (as expected in December) so we bundled up at first but quickly warmed up after the first hill. After the initial hill the terrain is easy going and easy to follow. The trail follows the cliff's edge with enough distance that feels safe enough for kids and dogs, giving a gorgeous view overlooking the Columbia River. 

After 2 miles you reach the first large sand dune, which seems to pop out of nowhere. We had a little snack and then turned around for the day. We only saw one couple the entire hike (we spent about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace with a long break in the middle) I grew up in the Tri-Cities and was not aware of the hikes in the area and I'm thankful for the WTA staff for the suggestion and the hiking community for the beautiful pictures that really enticed me. I look forward to returning to make it to the 2nd dune!