Bottom Line:
Spectacular sunset ramble from The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead in Columbia Hills Historical State Park, with profuse balsamroot and lupine, rolling green hills, and distance views of the Columbia River, basalt cliffs and Mt Hood (even Mt Jefferson makes in appearance in one pic below). This is the pefect spot for a sunset walk/hike, especially with wildflower season peaking, and these past warm early evenings. Beautiful!
Stats:
- Distance: ~ 2 mile rambling walk, just drinking in the views
- Duration: 90 min
- Weather: Sunny, 80s, breezy
- Parking: These is ample parking at The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead where a Discovery Pass is required; there is also limited pulled outs on Dalles Mountain Road (which can be driven through to Goldendale, although dirt all the way, and typically some lingering snow through April)
- Trail: There are ~3 miles of trails in the grasslands surrounding the ranch, and a longer trail descending to the Crawford Oaks Trailhead; one can also explore the historic homestead with buildings and farm equipment on display. While popular during wildflower season, I only saw a couple other walkers, adding to the serenity and enchancement of the evening; balsamroot is growing far up the surrounding hills, with lupine fast on its heals; CAUTION: Watch out for ticks and rattlesnakes
- Takeaway: Just a perfect spot for sunset in wildflower season - go soon!
Comments
Bob and Barb on Columbia Hills State Park - Crawford Ranch Trail
BEAUTIFUL photos! We enjoyed the area on Thursday and the lupine blossoms appear to be much more open than then! The fragrance of the lupine must have been heavenly as it was nice Thursday even with fewer flowers open! We will have to do a sunset hike next year as this is one of yearly places to go in the spring!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on May 01, 2023 01:58 PM
Alpine Wanderer on Columbia Hills State Park - Crawford Ranch Trail
It is also on my annual places to go! The flowers can really mature quickly - I hiked Horsethief at the bottom of the hill back on 4/15, came up to the ranch, and found nothing blooming yet. What a change! I found the whole Gorge really fragrant this past weekend, but yes, the lupine was especially so :)
Posted by:
Alpine Wanderer on May 01, 2023 03:15 PM