Name of area: Horsethief Butte
Where:Just northeast of The Dalles, OR
How do I get there from Walla Walla?:Take Hwy. 12 toward Tri-Cities. At Wallula Gap head south on Hwy. 730 toward Umatilla. Stay on 730 until it intersects I-84. Head west on I-84 until you reach exit 87. Take exit 87 north bound on Hwy. 197 and cross the Columbia River. Turn right (east) on Hwy. 14 and head past Horsethief Lake State Park a few miles until you see a low butte with prominent basalt columns a short distance south of the highway. Park on the left side of the road and enter the maze-like corridors of the butte through a narrow passage on the south side.
How long of a drive is it? 3.5 hours
What's there?:A maze of basalt corridors up to 30 ft. high with good quality rock suitable for top-roping and bouldering. A dry hangout for Portland climbers suffering from the rainy season.
Land Ownership: Washington State Parks
Pros:Often drier and warmer than any other area. Has the only decent bouldering anywhere nearby
Cons: A long drive for very short cliffs.
Comments:This is a great place to stop and stretch your muscles on the way to or from Portland.