As far as I can tell my dog Kodi�s favorite activity is being outdoors hiking, so for his second birthday I figured we would do just that. After reading Sparkehorse�s and Jonathan�s trip reports on the Columbia Hills area, I was absolutely sold that this was a must-see place. I planned to get out there Saturday (I always like to have the next day to recover!), but of course a not uncommon wet spring system arrived instead, so I chose the drier weather forecast for Sunday.
Supposedly there�s a trail up to the Dalles Mountain from this point along the creek, but when I pulled in to the spot it was totally impassable with thick underbrush and barbwire fence with no trespassing signs blocking the way. It really didn�t look like there was a trail of any sort further up the hill either, so I guess the trail is long closed and overgrown or starts somewhere else. Sparklehorse had let me know of this possible trail and had also questioned his book concerning where it stated the trail started, so I wasn�t too sad that I hadn�t found anything. So instead we drove back along the dirt road a half-mile or so to the lower, eastern-most of three state-designated day use areas.
The sky was a sheet of gray, not very thrilling for me when hoping to see the spring flowers� colors pop under the sun, but Kodi was absolutely elated as always to be out of the confines of the car and in the fresh air. We made a quick jaunt up to the picnic table and from there thought I�d see a trail leading up the hills, but there was none, just what appeared to be some water recesses where rainwater must run. However, the Columbia Hills are so open it�s easy enough just to head up hill finding your own way. A goal was evident enough above, maybe 250 feet elevation up, where flowing ribbons of yellow and purple meshed across the green terrain.
Within 15-20 minutes we reached a ribbon. It�s hard to stop when the views before you are so enticing; it�s hard to move on when you want to soak it in and take so many pictures. Up and over, across and down, left and zig-zag, Kodi and I explored the mosaic. Sun or no, it felt like I was walking through the pages of landscape photography coffee-table book. No need to decorate for Kodi's birthday as Mother Nature had that covered! Periodically I�d looked down to my ever shrinking car to spy if anyone else was going to join, but only saw two cars amble by.
Start of the flowers
It was chilly up on the hills. With no trees the wind whipped right along, so I had to wear my stocking cap and a sweatshirt under my wind/rain shell. Our wandering came to an abrupt halt as the barbwire fence that had generally been paralleling us up the hill took a hard leftie and zipped off to the west. Ah well, this was only destination-one for the day and it had already more than rewarded us. Overhead the gray parade marched on, but the sun tried its best to find a means to get through.
A lupine just getting started, notice the small purple blossom pushing up
Turn around point
Anyone know what this is? (not my hand, the red things!)
The sun trying its best
I stopped for about 10 minutes to enjoy a mini-lunch on the way down. Kodi thought this was okay for about five minutes and had some bites too, but was soon enjoying his freedom again. Back at the car, I combed Kodi over checking for ticks (yep, found 1, but not yet attached, phew!), did a quick check for myself as well, and then drove on over to the upper-day use area that Sparklehorse had visited.
Festive lunch break
Meadow mania
I guess this other day-use area must be the primary destination for visitors. We found three cars parked there and soon another pulled in, quite a �circus� after our first stop. I was pleased to see patches of blue appearing overhead while I got water and such ready to go again.
Heading out on the second hike
The balsamroots were in full-form from the get-go. The first mile and a half was besieged with flowers; seas of yellows mixed with purples, whites, and reds. I really liked the small patches of Indian Paintbrush as the red was so distinct and sharp against the landscape. The last half of the hike was much windier than what we�d felt in the morning, I imagine since our elevation was that much higher. We passed the lower radio towers and made the final push to the summit of Stacker Butte following another couple who�d driven from the Portland area. Up top we chatted for a few minutes where I learned their dog had to be kept on leash due to a torn ligament. I think both dogs were frustrated they weren�t allowed to run loose together. 
The lower radio towers
Approaching the summit
The views to the north and west of Mt Adams and Mt Rainier were blocked by clouds; just their snow-patched bases were visible. Nonetheless, it was still very interesting to view topography I�d never seen before including Dillacort and Swale Canyons, and the Klickitat Valley to the north and east. The warm sun duked it out against the cold of the wind so that I was just comfortable wearing all my layers while sitting for a break.
View east of Columbia Hills ridge and Centerville Highway. Note the trail bottom-center and far right. Wonder where that starts? It looks fun!
So what happens if you get within 150 feet? Klickitat VHF Omni-directional Radio Range site
Swale Canyon
Headed back 
Beautiful skyscape
On the return I made the short side trip Sparklehorse described over to the oak grove. It felt out of place to me, or otherwise that I�d been transported to some other locale. Less than a half mile away were the open hills covered with flowers and here was this quiet nook of shade and respite. Pretty neat. I only wandered here a couple minutes, but unexpectedly a distinctive call broke out: gobble, gobble! A wild turkey...cool! I don�t recall ever hearing a one of these birds while out hiking in the Northwest. My motivation to explore and spot it was suddenly peaked, but the bird quickly laid the matter to rest as I heard it again, but from a noticeably farther distance. He knew who was the lord of those lands.
View north - patch of white still on the Simcoe Mountains
�Mr Hiker thinks he�s going to find me huh? Haha, good one.�
Birthday boy fun
Kodi and I made our way back to the main road where the views just continued to astound and overwhelm. I think that last half mile was the slowest half mile I�ve done in ages as I stopped to check out different views and take pictures.
A less common patch of white flowers
One of my favorites on the day
Looking back to the Columbia Hills
Flower corral
Before leaving the area I decided to venture over to a waterfall Sparklehorse had mentioned to me. It�s back along highway 14 east of the turn off for the Columbia Hills. You�d definitely need to know about it to stop as there�s no signage for it, but there is a pull out area where several cars would fit. One was there as I pulled in. After a half mile hike we came to a nice overlook of the falls. Given its size I�m surprised it doesn�t have any official name on the map. Maybe it�s not perennial, or is simply named for the creek, Eightmile Creek Falls?
View east
Horsethief Butte
The birthday boy slept the whole way back. In fact, as soon as we got home he didn�t want to do anything but went straight to his kennel to continue his slumber. I think it�s fair to say it was a fantastic day for both of us!
One tired out birthday boy
Our wanderings for the day 
-David | 
