Stacker Butte, Columbia Hills State Park, Eastern Gorge

Stacker Butte is in Washington’s Columbia Hills State Park and offers a great spring wildflower viewing opportunity.

Although this is a relatively unexciting road hike, doing it at the right time of year can make it quite interesting. Wildflowers line the road, and from the summit grand views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams are visible on clear days. The summit also has an FAA Beacon if you are interested in these alien-looking structures.

There are other opportunities for recreation at Columbia Hills, including the petroglyphs at Haystack Butte. I recommend taking the time to view them – they are accessible from a parking area right along the river.

Style:

In and Out dayhike on gated gravel road.

Distance:

4.7 miles round trip from locked gate

Elevation Gain:

+/- 1200 ft

Trailhead and Permit Notes:

Take Dalles Mountain Road beyond the ranch to a locked gate. The road was a bit rough but easily passable in my Subaru Outback. A Discover Pass is necessary for the trailhead.