From Dallesport, WA, take State Road 14 east, passing US 197 on the right which crosses the Columbia River to The Dalles, OR.. Proceed about another 1.1 mile and at about milepost 85.1 turn right (southeast) onto the paved entrance road to the state park. Proceed about another mile east on SR 14 to Horsethief Butte viewed on the right. Parking is often along the shoulder of the road here.
Westbound
From the intersection of US 97 and State Road 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia, proceed west. At about milepost 86.3, you will arrive at the trailhead for the trail circumventing Horsethief Butte, viewed to the left. Proceed about another mile to about milepost 85.1 and turn left (south) onto the paved entrance road to the state park.
Horsethief Butte is a popular destination for rock climbers. Parking may be next to impossible on some spring days, although there are plans to construct an off-highway parking area. For botanists, one may view those species more common in the east end of the gorge, especially those that tend to like sandier soils. There is a portapotty at the trailhead, at least during the warmer portion of the season. At Horsethief Lake, one may picnic, swim, or camp. There are restroom facillities there. One may see a number of plants that like drier, sandier habitats around the periphery of the developed area. There are also some vernal ponds in the area to see species that live in such a habitat, but their access may be restricted......check with the park ranger first before visiting the vernal pools.
Plant Lists:
February 23, 2010: Crawford Oaks and Eightmile Creek, Columbia Hills State Park - From SR14 uphill to the Dalles Mt. Ranch. This route is accessed about one-third mile east of the Horsethief Butte parking area at a gated road on the north side of SR 14. I believe there are future plans to build some mountain biking and horse trails along and about this route. Parking is limited so be sure not to block the road (at the gate), which used to lead uphill to the old county dump.
May 10, 2009: Horsethief Butte
April 15, 2009: Horsethief Butte
March 16, 2009: Horsethief Butte (A North American Rock Garden Society hike)
March 11, 2006: Horsethief Butte Trail and Railroad Grade on the East Bank of the Deschutes River