Horsethief Lake State Park

The Horsethief Lake State Park is now known as Columbia Hills State Park after two Washington parks, Dalles Mountain Ranch and Horsethief Lake State Park were merged in 2003. The park is located on the state's southern border and along the Columbia River. 

More specifically, the park is just six miles east of Dallesport which is a census-designated community along the SR 14 in Klickitat County. Today, the park spreads across a total area of 3,338 acres on Horsethief Lake which is an impoundment of the Columbia River. 

One of the most distinct features that attract visitors to the Horsethief Lake State Park are the pictographs and burial mounds in the park. The pictographs are the oldest ones that can be found in the northwest, while the burial grounds are the most extensive Native American Burial grounds in the area. 

Apart from this historical and cultural attraction to the park, it is also a favorite place for visitors to enjoy a wide array of recreational activities including rock climbing, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, windsurfing, and swimming. Some of the amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include two primitive campsites, picnic areas, 12 standard campsites, game courts, hiking trails, beach access, and two boat launches.

Dogs are also allowed into Columbia Hills State Park, but like other Washington state parks, you will find that there are some restrictions. Basically, the main rules to keep in mind are as follows. First, dogs should always remain leashed. The leash should be a maximum of eight feet in length. 

Secondly, if a dog is not leashed, then the pooch should be kept in a secure enclosure. Third, dogs should be kept out of restricted areas of the park including all park buildings. Fourth, dogs should be cleaned up after by their dog owners right away and the solid waste disposed of in the right manner.