Backcountry Trail Run - Columbia Hills State Park

Hoping to time this right with the flowers and the snow melting!
Photos from 2024’s amazing April of blooming: https://www.flickr.com/gp/150138129@N04/401m2SKL42

Trail run route:

This is a "lollipop" route. From the parking lot at Crawford Oaks head up the access road (~.8 mi) to trail network. You have just finished the handle of the lollipop. Counterclockwise on Vista Loop to Ranch Route to Eightmile back to the Vista Loop/access road junction. Loop is about 5 miles and it’s gently rolling once you climb up to the top of the bluffs overlooking the Columbia River. Some miles can be added on by detouring towards Dalles Mt. Ranch or by repeating all/some of the loop. There’s 1-2 water sources on the loop. Plan is to do the loop twice but participants can return to cars after finishing the 5-mile loop. 

• Strava link of the loop: https://www.strava.com/activities/11234891119

Camping:

• Car camping/RV camping is available just down the road from this trailhead at the main entrance to Columbia Hills state park, by Horsethief Lake, 8514 Lewis and Clark Highway, Lyle, WA 98617. Camping is first-come, first-served April 1 - May 14.
• Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/beDtscJ8ZNkMzDpW8

Crawford Oaks trailhead, Columbia Hills State Park (Discover Pass required, not available for purchase onsite). The parking lot will fill up during peak weekends, so we will start on the early side, exact time TBA.

• Google Maps link

This trailhead has an outhouse but no water source.