The above coordinates are for a parking area in Columbia Hills State Park. You must have a Discovery Pass to park here but there are days during the year when Washington State Parks are free. For the remainder of 2019, the following days are free: June 8 & 9, Aug.25, Sept.28, Nov.11 & 29
This location offers everything I think is special about a virtual cache--a chance to experience something new in a beautiful or unique location.
When you get out of your car, look out over the beautiful Columbia and imagine what it would have been like hundreds of years ago to travel down this river as a member of Lewis and Clark's exploratory team. The river is wider and deeper now than it was then and the rapids posed great risk to the explorers.
Question 1: Who was the guide for the Lewis and Clark expedition through these rapids and what was his passion?
As you turn from the river and look toward the path, you will see a number of rocks positioned along the walkway. These are no ordinary rocks and they have been moved here for a purpose. They were moved here from three other locations as examples of the many pictographs (paintings on stone) and petroglyphs (etchings in stone) that were found in this general area. They now help provide a viewpoint into the rich history of the local Indian tribes and were moved here to keep them safe, to provide a ceremonial place for local tribes, and to share this history with others.
Some of these were removed from their original location to save them from the rising waters caused by the Dalles Dam. There were a great many of them that had to be left behind and are now underwater and can no longer be viewed. In 2003, after almost 50 years in storage, they were moved to this permanent home at the request of several local tribes and placed as accurately as possible to reflect their location when found. If you go on a sunny day, you will have your best view of them in the morning when the sun is at your back. Afternoon viewing on sunny days requires polarized sunglasses or lots of squinting!
Question 2:Which image is your favorite? Please post a photo of it with your GPS (with or without you) next to its image on the photo board.
At the end of the walkway, you will see several large boulders that the Indians used as landmarks to guide them on their travels, much the way we use landmarks today.
Question 3: What are the names of these two landmarks?
Finally, if you turn your back to the river, and look northeast, you will see a large butte.
Question 4: What is the name of this butte?
For those who are interested in more information about petroglyphs, including the one used as the background image, park rangers provide tours that take you to see and learn more about the history of the area. Reservations are required as they usually fill up. (Columbia Hills) If you have some time, there is a geocache (GCF66E)on the top of this butte that requires a really fun, and safe, climb up some boulders. And, if you are here in the spring, enjoy a drive or hike through the Dalles Ranch (Dalles Ranch) about a mile west of here for one of the most beautiful displays of wildflowers anywhere in the state.
Logging Requirements: Please post your photo and send your answers to me when you log your find. I hope you have enjoyed visiting this beautiful area.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.