FAQs • Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, WA • CivicEngage

Where are the pictographs and tour located?: The pictograph tour and campground are located at Columbia Hills State Park at Horsethief Lake. If you're coming from the west, the camping area entrance is on the south side of State Route 14, about 1.5 miles east of Highway 197 near milepost 85. Do not take the first entrance to the park for the Dalles Mountain Ranch on the north side of the highway, continue another half mile to the second entrance at Horsethief Lake and follow that road roughly 1 mile south to a parking lot in view of the Columbia River and the Temani pesh-wa rock art. The walking tour leaves from the trailhead parking and petroglyph display area near the railroad tracks. If traveling from the east on State Route 14, Horsethief Lake is the third park entrance. Bypass Crawford Oaks and Horsethief Butte trail areas and continue west to Horsethief Lake near mile post 85.

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Columbia Hills Pictograph Tours

1. Where are the pictographs and tour located?: The pictograph tour and campground are located at Columbia Hills State Park at Horsethief Lake. If you're coming from the west, the camping area entrance is on the south side of State Route 14, about 1.5 miles east of Highway 197 near milepost 85. Do not take the first entrance to the park for the Dalles Mountain Ranch on the north side of the highway, continue another half mile to the second entrance at Horsethief Lake and follow that road roughly 1 mile south to a parking lot in view of the Columbia River and the Temani pesh-wa rock art. The walking tour leaves from the trailhead parking and petroglyph display area near the railroad tracks. If traveling from the east on State Route 14, Horsethief Lake is the third park entrance. Bypass Crawford Oaks and Horsethief Butte trail areas and continue west to Horsethief Lake near mile post 85.

The tour is free, however an annual or daily Discover Pass is required to park. Daily passes may be purchased at the trailhead self pay station. Overnight registered campers do not need a Discover Pass, instead display your Washington State Park camp registration or campsite reservation sheet.

3. Can I bring my pet?: Pets are not permitted on the walking tour because the area is a sacred site to many Native American people.

4. Are there restrooms at the trailhead?: Restrooms are located in the main day-use area by the lake, which is quite a distance from the pictograph area. Please arrive early enough to allow for restroom and other breaks at the nearby campground.

5. What should I bring?: Expect hot conditions during summer tours. Bring extra water to carry on the hike. If you have health concerns, please consider coming in the fall when it is cooler. Walking sticks and hats are always recommended, as are provisions for windy or wet conditions in the fall. It is important to drink water (pre-hydrate) before participating in the tour. Water you drink during the tour takes 30 to 60 minutes to absorb and is simply replacing water you lose during the walk. Wearing brimmed hats and using plenty of sunscreen are recommended for sun protection as there are no trees nor shade available on the tour. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail surface is rough and uneven. Binoculars can be helpful to some people.

6. How long is the tour?: The tour is typically 1.5 hours long and a .75-mile round trip. While generally not strenuous, the hike does include sections of rough rock at substantial grade. Sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. There are no benches or other places to sit and guests are not permitted to leave the trail. To ensure safety against natural hazards, visitors must follow the directions of the guide.

7. Can I take pictures?: Personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography or videography requires a commercial film permit and must be approved in advance. Any requests for a commercial film permit will require consultation with tribal cultural resource personnel, which could take several weeks to months for approval.