[Curtissimo]

Region: Columbia River Gorge, Horse Thief Lake State Park Reference: 55 Hikes in Central Washington #3 Rigor: appr. 1 mile R/T, easy class 2 (longer hikes + rock climbing opportunities as well)

On the first day or our experimental family summer vacation/peak bagging trip I decided to take a slight detour to add this little lump to my accomplishments. Horse Thief Butte was created during an Ice Age flood of biblical proportions when all the surrounding dirt and softer rock was washed down the river. This was considered a sacred place amongst the abundant native tribes along the Columbia. Although there are no Indian reservations in the area I know of, I did see many Native Americans selling fireworks along Highway 14 so they apparently still persist there. The trail to the Butte starts at the south side of WA-14 about a mile east of the park entrance. There is just room to park along the busy highway on either side of the road. The trail forks left at about 50 meters and head straight for what appears to be a sheer wall. We found the path just south leading up through a rock chute (easy class 2; I carried the baby).

One atop the southern part of the Butte the highest point is clear ahead, however to get there one must descend into a confusing maze of paths all leading to different summits. Pressed for time as we had left mother and babe behind in the wind, we were twice fooled up false summits only to see the higher one was not accessible from where we had ascended. It’s not hard to see why Native Americans came here for vision quests or ceremonies. Finally we found a path to the true summit which afforded nice views down the Columbia to the Dalles.

Unfortunately the other trail to She Who Watches has been closed due to vandalism. Apparently guided tours are given on Saturdays at 10:00AM or by appointment only. They do have a nice assortment of similar works set up along the lower parking lot near the river (two pictured here).

[EastKing]

Good to see you having fun on the trip. Good trip and photos!!!

[Hiker Mama]

I hadn't heard of this hike before. It looks neat!

[Magellan]

Is that Denise scrambling? She looks like she is smiling.

[Bryan K]

Googi, or whatever you call your sone had the same confused look on his face that you often have

[EastKing]

Yeah he is wondering why he is alive after dad took him to a molten place and tried to teach him a Lassen!!!!

[yew]