Columbia Hills Historical State Park
Discover ancient petroglyphs and stunning spring wildflowers at this serene Washington State Park along the Columbia River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient petroglyphs and stunning spring wildflowers at this serene Washington State Park along the Columbia River.
"An incredible experience learning and seeing hundreds of years of history, truly something worth seeing. "
🎟️ Discover Pass Needed
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for entry. Purchase on-site or in advance. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be long; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 511 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
She Who Watches Petroglyphs
Guided Tour Area
Ancient Native American petroglyphs and pictographs, a truly historical and sacred site.
Vista Loop Trail
Vista Trailhead
Offers expansive, breathtaking views in every direction. Perfect for a scenic hike.
Spring Wildflowers
Throughout the park
Vibrant blooms transform the landscape, creating a picturesque and serene environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Spring Wildflower Spectacle
Petroglyph Tour Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Discover Pass Needed
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for entry. Purchase on-site or in advance. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be long; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Wind Protection
The area can be windy, especially near the river. Bring layers or a windbreaker. ☁️
📅 Book Petroglyph Tours
Tours to see the petroglyphs are essential and require advance booking. 📅
Things to do on each side of the Columbia River
Hello all. We're doing a 10-day trip to Oregon next May and we wanted to go from Portland to Hood River and back. While covering both sides of the river. We had alottted a full day for each side of the river while spending the night in Hood River. Is this enough time to see the…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Discover Pass Needed
A Washington State Discover Pass is required for entry. Purchase on-site or in advance. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be long; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the expansive park. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Wind Protection
The area can be windy, especially near the river. Bring layers or a windbreaker. ☁️
📅 Book Petroglyph Tours
Tours to see the petroglyphs are essential and require advance booking. 📅
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the serene beauty of Columbia Hills Historical State Park, especially during spring for its wildflowers and the unique historical significance of the petroglyph tours. The consistent wind is a notable feature, and the park offers expansive views and a sense of solitude. Some wish for more amenities like an off-leash dog area.
"Campground was great - super friendly hosts, very sweet couple. My dogs enjoyed their time there (see photos) and I LOVED the constant wind. It’s amazing how consistent it can be. Would be nice to have fenced in off leash area, but otherwise 10’s across the board."
Anthony F
"Crawford Oaks trailhead:
Beautiful and serene place to hike! Few people and a large area to roam makes it feel downright empty. Excellent place to see wildflowers in spring. Excellent location to view Missoula Floods geology.
Vault toilet at parking lot. Washington State Discover park-pass required."
Chillin Dylan
"We came all the way from Georgia to visit this park, and was able to be a part of the "she who watches" tour. Mark and Lee were absolutely incredible and so friendly to everyone and super knowledgeable. It was such an incredible experience learning and being able to see so much history that's hundreds of years old. The pictographs and petroglyphs were truly something worth seeing. It's just so sad that some people had to go in and ruin some of the pictographs because they had to leave their own "mark" on something that can never be replaced. It's no wonder the tribes closed it off and the park had to get permission from 4 different tribes to be able to at least do tours. But we are glad we were able to see it all. Definitely worth it."
Sam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Klickitat County, Washington, along the Columbia River. It's accessible by car, and signage will guide you to the main trailheads and visitor areas.
Yes, there are parking areas available, including a new trailhead with plenty of parking and a designated handicap spot.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. Visiting with a personal vehicle is highly recommended for ease of access.
From Portland, you'll typically drive east along the Columbia River, crossing into Washington. Follow signs for State Route 14 East.
The Crawford Oaks trailhead is a popular starting point for hikes and offers a serene experience with fewer people. Follow park signage upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for entry. You can purchase one on-site or in advance.
Entry requires a Discover Pass, which has an annual fee or a daily fee. Check the Washington State Parks website for current pricing.
Yes, access to the ancient petroglyphs is exclusively through guided tours, which require advance booking and tribal permission.
Park hours are generally from dawn to dusk, but specific access to certain areas like the petroglyph tours may have separate schedules. It's best to check the official park website.
Yes, the Discover Pass is available for purchase on-site at the park.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Vista Loop Trail is highly recommended for its expansive views. The Crawford Oaks trailhead area also offers a serene hiking experience.
While some areas have accessible parking, many trails involve inclines. The Vista Loop Trail is over 6 miles, so shorter, flatter sections might be more suitable.
The park is a great place to enjoy nature. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other local wildlife.
Yes, vault toilets are available at some parking lots, including the Crawford Oaks trailhead.
Dogs are generally welcome in Washington State Parks, but they must be on a leash. Some reviewers mentioned wishing for an off-leash area.
📸 📸 Photography
The Vista Loop Trail offers stunning panoramic views. Springtime is ideal for capturing wildflower photography.
Photography of the petroglyphs is generally allowed during guided tours, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful golden hour shots, especially for landscapes. The consistent wind can add a unique element to photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Washington State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Social
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