Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is a 3,338-acre preserve located in the state of Oregon.
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Summary
The area is known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, wildflowers, and deep gorges. There are several reasons to visit this preserve, including its unique geological formations, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
One of the main points of interest in Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is the Petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings that date back to over 10,000 years ago. These carvings are a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area and are well worth a visit. Other notable points of interest include the Horsethief Butte, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the Dalles Mountain Ranch, which is a historic ranch that dates back to the 1800s.
With its diverse range of habitats, Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, and eagles. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography.
The best time of year to visit Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is in the spring and early summer, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. During this time, the hillsides are covered in a rainbow of colors, making for a truly stunning sight. However, the preserve is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Overall, Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in hiking, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and diverse range of habitats, this preserve is sure to impress visitors of all ages.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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