Dalles Mountain Ranch
A breathtaking natural area renowned for its vibrant spring wildflowers and expansive Columbia River Gorge vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Dalles Mountain Ranch
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking natural area renowned for its vibrant spring wildflowers and expansive Columbia River Gorge vistas.
"This place is 'Heaven on Earth!' especially during the spring wildflower bloom."
Discovery Pass Required
:admission_tickets: A Discovery Pass is needed for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you go.
Hydration is Key
:droplet: Bring plenty of water, especially for the Vista Loop. There's very little shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spring Wildflower Bloom
Meadows and hillsides
Vibrant carpets of wildflowers paint the landscape in spring. A truly breathtaking sight!
Vista Loop Trail
Upper trails
Panoramic views of Mt. Hood, the Columbia River, and the surrounding landscape await.
Eightmile Creek Area
Lower trails
Find a cooler, shaded respite along the creek, a welcome contrast to exposed ridges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wildflower Season Timing is Key
Prepare for Sun and Exposure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Discovery Pass Required
:admission_tickets: A Discovery Pass is needed for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you go.
Hydration is Key
:droplet: Bring plenty of water, especially for the Vista Loop. There's very little shade.
Tick Protection
:bug: Wear long pants to guard against ticks. Check yourself thoroughly after your hike.
Footwear Matters
:athletic_shoe: Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for the varied and sometimes rough terrain.
Tips
from all over the internet
Discovery Pass Required
:admission_tickets: A Discovery Pass is needed for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you go.
Hydration is Key
:droplet: Bring plenty of water, especially for the Vista Loop. There's very little shade.
Tick Protection
:bug: Wear long pants to guard against ticks. Check yourself thoroughly after your hike.
Footwear Matters
:athletic_shoe: Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for the varied and sometimes rough terrain.
Strategic Parking
:car: Consider parking at Crawford Oaks Trailhead for a downhill finish.
Sun Protection
:sunwithface: Wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen are essential due to intense sun exposure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Dalles Mountain Ranch, calling it 'Heaven on Earth' for its stunning spring wildflower displays and panoramic views. The new trailhead and picnic areas are appreciated. However, some find the trail map inaccurate and note the intense sun exposure and lack of shade, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.
"Heaven on Earth!
•A Discovery Pass is required to visit.
•Next time, we would go in early April — by April 24th, the flowers were already past their pristine peak.
•Wear long pants to protect against ticks, and bring plenty of water if it’s sunny. There’s hardly any shade unless you hike along the creek.
•For the best photos, hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We went around noon, and the lighting was terrible — we couldn’t get any really good pictures in the flower heaven."
April Way
"Lots of parking. The picnic tables are out! The flowers are blooming!! They made this brand new beautiful Trailhead parking lot so you don't park on the road."
kendra kay
"I would normally give this place 5 stars, but there are some things that bugged me a little. First, some caveats about hiking here, as I met quite a few casual hikers on the trail yesterday. (1) Bring lots of water! Especially if you are going to do the Vista Loop. There is absolutely no shade or cover on this section and it is long (about 5 miles for this section) and hot. Bring at least a liter of water for each person and pet for this trail. (2) Wear wide-brimmed hats - preferably those with the fabric that hangs down over the back of your neck (think "Lawrence of Arabia" here). For lots of the hike, you are totally exposed to the sun - which reminds me! (3) Sunscreen! Bring lots and slather it on. I got fairly burned yesterday, even with a wide-brimmed hat. You are constantly changing directions (especially on the Vista Loop) and my hat didn't adequately cover the back of my neck on some parts of the trail. (4) Wear good hiking shoes! I saw lots of casual hikers (families with small children) yesterday with not-so-good shoes, so there were probably lots of sore feet last night. (5) I would not recommend parking at the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead. My reason is that I like to start off with an uphill hike, and then when I am tired on the way back, I get to go downhill! With that in mind, I would park at the Crawford Oaks Trailhead on Hwy 14 and then hike up at the start. It's the same trail, just starting from the lowest elevation. This way, start off in the cool of the morning going uphill, take the Vista Loop and get some good views of Mt Hood, The Dalles, the Columbia River and then when you are tired at the top of the trail (near the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead), you have a 3 mile hike downhill that goes in and out of shade down to the Crawford Oaks Trailhead. Plus you don't have to drive up about 3.5 miles of rough, rutted, wash-boarded gravel road.
If you look at the map I have included (satellite view to give you a sense of the terrain you will be walking), the trail map is not quite accurate (the reason for 4 stars rather than 5). There are some trails that branch off that are not shown on this map and you can find yourself going in exactly the wrong direction. So pay close attention to the little trail markers.
Other than that, it was a beautiful hike, with lots of great views.
TL;DR - bring lots of water, wear wide-brimmed hats, bring sunscreen, wear good hiking boots, and start from the Crawford Oaks Trailhead!"
John Sharp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ranch is located east of the Columbia River Gorge. Access typically involves driving on gravel roads, with some sections being rough and washboarded. The Dalles Mountain Road is about 3.5 miles of gravel. Many visitors recommend a vehicle with decent clearance, though some have managed with sedans.
While the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead is a direct option, some advise parking at the Crawford Oaks Trailhead on Hwy 14 for a more scenic and less rough drive uphill. This also allows for a downhill hike back.
Public transportation options are very limited to non-existent for reaching Dalles Mountain Ranch. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Yes, the roads leading to Dalles Mountain Ranch are generally accessible by motorcycle, even with street tires, according to some riders.
The Dalles Mountain Road is gravel and can be rough, rutted, and washboarded. While manageable for many vehicles, a higher clearance vehicle is often preferred.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at Dalles Mountain Ranch. Ensure you have one before your visit to avoid any issues.
The primary fee is for parking, which requires a Discover Pass. There are no separate admission fees for accessing the trails themselves.
Dalles Mountain Ranch is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific posted operating hours, but it's a natural area best visited when there's sufficient light for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Tickets are not required in advance. You will need a Discover Pass for parking, which can be purchased online or at various retail locations.
The ranch is accessible year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the spring wildflower season. Winter conditions can make roads challenging.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Vista Loop Trail offers stunning panoramic views and is a popular choice. The Eightmile Alternate Trail provides a different perspective and can be shadier.
Many visitors enjoy creating their own loops using the interconnected trails.
The peak wildflower season is typically from early to mid-April. By late April, the flowers may have already passed their prime.
Visiting in late March can offer an opportunity to see early blooms with fewer crowds.
There is a new trailhead parking lot with picnic tables. However, there are no restrooms or other amenities available on-site, so plan accordingly.
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, visitors have noted the possibility of rattlesnakes in the area. Birdsong is common, and the area is rich in natural beauty.
Families can enjoy Dalles Mountain Ranch, but it's important to be prepared. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and ensure children wear appropriate footwear. Some trails can be exposed and long, so consider shorter loops for younger children.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best lighting and photos, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Midday sun can be harsh and make it difficult to capture good shots, especially of the wildflowers.
The spring wildflowers are a major draw for photographers. Panoramic landscapes, views of Mt. Hood, and the rolling hills are also popular subjects.
The Vista Loop Trail offers numerous vantage points with expansive views. Keep an eye out for open meadows during wildflower season for stunning floral photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and wildflower fields. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain views.
Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the managing agency for current rules regarding drone operation in the area to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider shorter loops or out-and-back hikes to manage energy levels, especially for younger children. The Eightmile Creek area offers some shade, which can be a welcome relief on warmer days.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late March or early April) for fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation prices in nearby towns.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for the elements; a sturdy tripod can be helpful, but ensure it's secured against wind.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
For those seeking a cooler experience, the trails near Eightmile Creek offer welcome shade and a different ecological feel.
Footwear is paramount. Many reviewers emphasize the need for good hiking boots due to the uneven terrain and potential for loose gravel.
The Dalles Mountain Ranch Wildflower Spectacle
To maximize your chances of witnessing the peak bloom, it's advisable to check recent visitor photos and reports online.
Many visitors express disappointment when arriving too late in the season, finding the flowers past their prime. Essential Preparations for Your Visit
Hydration is another critical factor. Bring significantly more water than you think you'll need, especially if tackling longer trails like the Vista Loop.
Finally, consider tick prevention. Wearing long pants is highly recommended to minimize exposure to ticks, which are present in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit