Dalles Mountain Ranch wildflower hike w/ climbing and rappelling at Horsethief
Details
Our rock climbing / rappelling portion is optional*
If you're into hiking, wildflowers, climbing, and rappelling, then this is the event for you! While the rappelling or possibly top-rope climbing segment is* optional*, please note that the second part of this event will nevertheless involve a hands over feet scramble to the top of Horsethief Butte.
But first, we’ll try to catch peak wildflower season with an 8 mile loop hike through scenic Dalles Mountain Ranch!
- Difficulty: Easy, possibly moderate for Dalles Mountain; Moderate for scrambling up Horsethief Butte*
- Hiking distance: About 9 miles total, 7 of which are easy wildflower hiking
- Elevation gain: 1310 feet for Dalles Mountain, plus 250 feet of easy scrambling for Horsethief Butte
- Total time: Let’s head back by mid/late afternoon*
- Permits: Discover Passes for each vehicle (If anyone is carpooling, please offer to pitch in for gas/permits/tolls to the drivers), $3.50 each way for Hood River Bridge
- Driving distance: 87 miles from Portland (Feel free to arrange carpools from Gateway Transit Center, etc.)
- Dogs: Not on this one, unless you plan to bow out before the Horsethief Butte section
Morning: The Dalles Mountain Ranch trail network is a real treat. In addition to the lupine and balsamroot blooms, we’ll hike past streams, rocky outcroppings, ranch buildings, heart-filling views of the Gorge, and even a waterfall.
There’s also a surprise photo opp for you first-timers (if they've reopened it to the public this year). I won't spoil it. We’ll also have a quick snack break there. We won’t stop for lunch, though, until the final section of our event…
Late morning / afternoon: Just south of Dalles Mountain Ranch are the climbing crags of Horsethief Bluff, a popular spot for climbing instructors to test their students’ verticals skills. No promises, as parking may be tight. We’ll find a short, moderate scrambling route through the rocks to hit the high point for our lunch, served with a sweet view of the eastern Columbia River Gorge.
If we have dry weather, Daniel may set up a rappel to give us the option of rappelling off the top (Please bring your own helmet, harness, and belay device for this option) or taking the easy trail back down to the ground. Your choice. We’ll also be on the lookout for easy climbing routes, for opportunities for top roping.
- Here is more information about this area: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/columbia-hills-state-park
My preferred hiking style is brisk (3-3.5 mph when not running), but no prob for me to adjust the route if we don’t hit that. It’s easy and flat. We’ll enjoy plenty of quick breaks for photos, snacks, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.
- Bring: Lunch, sturdy shoes or boots, water, snacks, warm layers, a rain jacket, and a camera; Also—If you’re interested in climbing after lunch: Bring a helmet, harness, and belay device.
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "ELEVEN" Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
- A love shack, baby
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; NW Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.