Columbia Hills Park/Horsethief Park
509-767-1159
For centuries, the park was the site of a Native American village. The Lewis and Clark expedition camped at the village and described its wooden houses in one of their journals. The village was flooded by the waters of The Dalles Dam. Oral history has it that the park received its name from workers in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who developed the site. The workers thought the terrain was similar to that of horsethief hideouts in popular 1950's Hollywood westerns. The abundance of horses kept on the premises by local Indians apparently gave the workers their inspiration.
Horsethief Lake State Park is a 338-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Horsethief Butte dominates the skyline. It stands over the lake like an ancient castle. The lake itself is about 90 acres in size and is actually an impoundment of the Columbia River. The lake was flooded into existance by the reservoir created by The Dalles Dam. The park adjoins the 3,000-plus acres of The Dalles Mountain Ranch State Park. The park has four tent spaces, eight utility spaces, one dump station and one restroom. In addition, there are two primative hiker/bicycle camp sites. Be aware that it can be very windy in the Columbia River Gorge, and be prepared for such conditions. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
FEES
Yes
SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE
Horsethief Lake State Park is a 338-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Horsethief Butte dominates the skyline. It stands over the lake like an ancient castle. The lake itself is about 90 acres in size and is actually an impoundment of the Columbia River. The lake was flooded into existance by the reservoir created by The Dalles Dam. The park adjoins the 3,000-plus acres of The Dalles Mountain Ranch State Park. The park has four tent spaces, eight utility spaces, one dump station and one restroom. In addition, there are two primative hiker/bicycle camp sites. Be aware that it can be very windy in the Columbia River Gorge, and be prepared for such conditions. All campsites are first-come, first-served.
FEES
Yes
SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE
- Boat Ram
- Camping
- Day-Use
- Fishing
- Hiking Trails
- Horseshoes
- Interpretive Activities
- Lake
- Petroglyphs
- Picnicking
- Rock Climbing
- Sailboarding
- Swimming
MORE INFORMATION
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