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 plants: 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.

Stacker Butte trail view of Mt Hood

How to get there:

In Oregon, drive east or west on I-84 and take exit #87. Drive north on US 197 across the Columbia River Bridge. Continue north about 2.5 miles to WA Hwy 14. Turn right heading east for approx. 1/2 mile to milepost #84. Turn left/north onto gravel Dalles Mountain Road. Travel 3.2 miles to a fork in the road where there is an old wagon. Turn left. Continue 1.3 miles until a gate blocks the road. Park here.

In Washington, drive east or west on WA Hwy 14 along the Columbia River. At milepost #84, turn north onto gravel Dalles Mountain Road. Travel 3.2 miles to a fork in the road where there is an old wagon. Turn left. Continue 1.3 miles until a gate blocks the road. Park here.