Columbia River Gorge - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 530

In Seufert Park, east on the frontage road from I-84 exit 87, is Dalles Dam Visitors
Center ( 541-296-9778; Clodfelter Way; 9am-5pm May-Sep) . Here you'll find the usual
homage to hydroelectricity, along with exhibits on local history and a live fish cam to
view migratory salmon. Tours are given on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am, 12:30pm
and 2:30pm.
Columbia Hills State Park PARK
( 509-767-1159; Hwy 14, mile 85; day-use fee for stays longer than 15min $10) Some of the most
famous remaining pictographs (painted figures) along the Columbia River are at this
Washington state park. The pictograph area can be visited only on a free guided tour at
10am on Friday and Saturday from April to October; reservations are required. The
park's petroglyphs (carved figures) can be seen any time from April to October without
a tour.
Rock climbers practice their moves on the basalt walls of Horsethief Butte , just east
of the park entrance, and this section of the Columbia River is a good place for beginning
windsurfers to catch some wind without strong river currents. The park also offers fish-
ing and swimming in Horsethief Lake, as well as camping and hiking.
Rowena Crest VIEWPOINT
On top of Rowena Crest are spectacular views and vast meadows now preserved as a
wildflower sanctuary. Governor Tom McCall Reserve , on Rowena Plateau, is one of the
best places to see native plants. Springtime wildflowers include balsamroot, wild parsley,
penstemon and wild lilies. A 2-mile hike climbs 1000ft and ends at McCall Point , which
offers even better views.
To reach this section of the Historic Columbia River Hwy from The Dalles, follow W
6th St westward out of town until it becomes US 30. From the west, take I-84 exit 69 at
Mosier, and travel east on US 30.
TOP SEVEN WATERFALLS
Waterfalls are at their gushiest in spring. The following are all off US 30 and listed
from west to east.
» Latourell Falls (249ft) The first major waterfall as you come east on US 30. Hike
10 minutes to reach it, or go a mile to the top.
» Bridal Veil Falls (140ft) Two-tiered falls reached via an easy half-mile walk. A sep-
arate wheelchair-accessible trail leads to great views.