Vista Loop via Entry Road

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...

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...

This hike is actually on a nature preserve owned by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. It's fairly unknown and you can enjoy amazing views of the Gorge, wildflowers during the springtime, and a trek through an old oak forest. The hike begins at an unmarked trail, just off the large turn off on the north side of the Lewis and Clark Hwy just east of t...

If you're looking for a minimal effort pit stop on the drive through the Columbia River Gorge with huge bang for your buck, this is the spot. Rowena Crest is an iconic viewpoint that creates a horseshoe curve along the road. This unique shape is one of the most photographed roads in Oregon. It's a very short walk from the parking lot to sweeping views of the surrounding hills, cliffs, and the g...

The trail begins at the Rowena Crest Overlook on the Old Columbia River Highway between Hood River and the Dalles. Park at the Rowena Overlook, and you find the trail on the south side of the area. Follow the trail to the top of McCall Point. The trail is fairly level at first but then climbs steeper and steeper as you work your way up Tom McCall Point. You can hike this trail almost any day o...