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Hike 68 Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve - Stacker Butte Main Menu
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THE FOLLOWING MAPS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES. View the slideshow for more sequential photos of this hike.
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Length: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 1120'
Season:   Late winter thru late fall
Difficulty:   Moderate
Permit:   Pass Not Required
Features:
The Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is the largest NAP in the state of Washington with 3600 acres. It was established in 1993 to protect three rare planets: the obscure buttercup, the Douglas draba, and the hot-rock penstemom.

There is a road hike available at this preserve and it is definately worth the walk. The trailhead is located about a half mile above an area called the Dalles Mountain Ranch. The road is gated at this point and you simply walk up the road in a treeless open environment. In April and May this area is dripping in wildflowers. The most common are the Balsamroot and the Lupine. But there are lots of other species to enjoy and photograph.

One of the highlights to climbing to the 3200 foot summit of this mountain is the fantastic view of Mt. Adams to the north and Mt. Hood to the south. There are a number of electronic devices on this mountain, but they pose no problem to great vistas and great photos. Use care while hiking in the warmer seasons as there are rattlesnakes in this area. Also keep in mind that this area is repleat with ticks. So, use appropriate precautions.

The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.

Directions:

From Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit



Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions


Vicinity Map


To contact the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for current information: Click Here.



A Virtual Hike in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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