🌤 Weather at Columbia Hills State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–74 °F | 55–88 °F | 35–80 °F | 31–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at The Dalles Municipal Airport, 4 mi away, elevation 235 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Columbia Hills State Park is a public state park in Washington near Dallesport in Klickitat County. Spanning 3,338 acres and established in 2003, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Washington |
| Nearest City | Dallesport |
| County | Klickitat |
| Park Size | 3,338 acres |
| Established | 2003 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (550 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Columbia Hills State Park is located near Dallesport, Washington. The park’s coordinates are 45.6500, -121.1000.
Things to Do
Washington state parks offer an incredible diversity of outdoor recreation — from the rain-soaked old-growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic landscapes of the Cascades, the arid canyonlands of Eastern Washington, and the island-dotted waters of Puget Sound. Popular activities include hiking through moss-draped temperate rainforests, beachcombing on wild Pacific shores, kayaking through the San Juan Islands, camping beneath towering Douglas firs, fishing for salmon and steelhead in glacier-fed rivers, rock climbing basalt columns, mountain biking forested trails, and cross-country skiing in winter. Many parks also offer historical interpretation, including military forts, pioneer homesteads, and Native American cultural sites.
Best Time to Visit
Washington’s outdoor season varies dramatically by region. Western Washington (including the coast and Puget Sound parks) is driest and warmest from June through September — this is peak season. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and mild temperatures but expect rain. Eastern Washington parks enjoy more sunshine year-round, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The San Juan Islands are best visited May through September for whale watching (orcas) and calm seas. Mountain parks in the Cascades open as snow melts, typically July through October. Winter transforms many parks into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destinations. Always carry rain gear west of the Cascades, regardless of season.
Visitor Tips
Washington state parks require a Discover Pass ($45/year or $10/day) for vehicle access. Purchase one online through the Washington State Parks website before your visit — it covers all 100+ state parks. Camping reservations are made through the state parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks like Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment book months ahead for summer weekends. Many parks in the San Juans and islands are accessible only by ferry or boat — check Washington State Ferries schedules in advance. Cell service can be unreliable, especially on the coast and in mountain parks.
Wildlife & Nature
Columbia Hills State Park — 3,338 acres along the Columbia River Gorge in Klickitat County — protects one of the most significant collections of Native American rock art (petroglyphs) in the Pacific Northwest, including the famous “She Who Watches” (Tsagaglalal) petroglyph — a haunting face carved into basalt that has watched over the Columbia for centuries. The park’s semi-arid landscape of basalt cliffs, oak woodlands, and bunchgrass prairie supports mule deer, coyotes, and western rattlesnakes. Golden eagles and prairie falcons nest on the basalt cliffs. Lewis’s woodpeckers inhabit the oak groves. The Horsethief Butte area offers rock climbing on basalt columns.
Nearby Attractions
Horsethief Butte — within the park — offers rock climbing. The Dalles (Oregon) is 5 miles west across the Columbia. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area extends in both directions. Maryhill Museum is 10 miles east. Stonehenge replica is near Maryhill. Celilo Falls — drowned by The Dalles Dam in 1957 — was historically the most important Native fishing site on the Columbia.
Explore More Washington State Parks
Columbia Hills State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Washington. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Washington guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Doug’s Beach (a short drive away) or Maryhill State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Columbia Hills State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Columbia Hills State Park?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Columbia Hills State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
