Hard Stone Trail

Starting near the entrance to the fee-free Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which is one of Oregon's newest state Parks, find the large sign for the start of the Pinnacles Trail.  This park was formerly a ranch, and this largely flat trail runs along an erstwhile ranch road that follows the John Day River. Undulating 4.3 miles into the canyon, you may catch glimpses of wildlife like elk, big horn ...

The Deschutes River Trail—an old smooth road really, with a mix of dirt, sand and gravel—is a great mountain bike ride or hike for beginners and experts alike. While the trail is very easy, the scenery all along the route is breathtaking.Park at the well-marked trailhead just to the left as you enter the park. The old road then ascends for just a little ways before leveling out as it runs throu...

Located on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge heading east on highway 14 at milepost 85.  Pull into the parking lot on the right hand side of the road and the trailhead is located by the restrooms.   Be cautious on warm days because this is rattlesnake country.  There are signs posted with additional warnings. This is a great place for beginner climbers to exercise those newly acq...

Just north of The Dalles lies a park most have never heard of despite it's astounding 3,338 acres in size... Columbia Hills Historical State Park. A large park comprised of many smaller ones, the outdoor lover may come here to enjoy kayaking or fishing on the 90 acre lake, rock climb the ragged outcroppings of Horsetheif Butte, or perhaps even witness history by checking out the petroglyphs dat...

White River Falls is perfect for those looking for an easy hike with great rewards. From the parking lot, it is a brisk walk to a view point, where you can immediately take in the gorgeous falls! To get down to the bottom of the falls, turn left and begin walking down the trail. You will cross a wide bridge before the trail turns to dirt. The trail is about a quarter mile of downhill. You will...

White River Falls is located 35 miles south of The Dalles and 4.5 miles east of Tygh Valley. With only a short walk from the parking area to the viewing area and trails leading down to the water.White River Falls, which is the furthest upstream, drops about 75 feet with multiple channels, and at high water can reach 250 feet wide. Celestial Falls is just 200 feet downstream and plunges 44 feet ...