Difference between revisions of "Columbia River Dike Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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+ | * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=24280 Steigerwald n Tualatin Wildlife Refuge] | ||
* [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=23010 Steigerwald - 12 - 06 - 2015] | * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=23010 Steigerwald - 12 - 06 - 2015] | ||
* [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=22844 Steigerwald Stroll 10-24-2015] | * [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=22844 Steigerwald Stroll 10-24-2015] |
Revision as of 16:35, 18 August 2016
- Start point: Steamboat Landing Trailhead
- End point: Gate 6 (Steigerwald Refuge Boundary)
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: In and out
- Distance: 6.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 30 feet
- High Point: 20 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Sometimes
Contents |
Hike Description
The Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies on the east edge of Washougal, Washington. This walk along the flood-control dike takes in views of the Columbia River, Reed Island, Silver Star Mountain and Larch Mountain in the Oregon Gorge. There's a diversion to Cottonwood Beach, a campsite for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with interpretive signs giving details. The dike trail connects with the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge Hike (the Gibbons Creek Trail) and ends at the refuge boundary. Watch for wildlife in the early morning and twilight hours. Raptors hunt rodents in the fields, songbirds flit through the cottonwoods and willows, beaver are active along the Columbia shore, and there is a good chance of seeing coyote and deer. Bicycles are allowed along the dike and, unusually for a wildlife refuge, dogs are permitted on leash. There are various points of access to the dike; this description begins at its western end.
From Steamboat Landing Park, head up to the dike. There's a sewer treatment facility below to the left and then industrial buildings along Index Street. Silver Star Mountain, Washington's Larch Mountain, and Sturgeon Rock are visible to the north. Ahead are Larch Mountain in Oregon and Mount Hood. Alders, willows, red osier dogwood, and cottonwoods line the river bank. A paved trail from the opposite side of the highway at Pendleton Woolen Mills comes through an underpass and up to the dike. There are petroglyph designs decorating this area. Down to the right is a viewing platform and floating walkway. Enter Captain William Clark Park. There are two steel observation platforms jutting out from the dike. To the left a trail joins from Index Street. Reach a wooden frame with information signs about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Down to the left is a second trailhead with a parking area and restrooms.
Descend some steps on the Provision Camp Trail and pass through a large grove of cottonwoods to reach Cottonwood Beach. Here there are more interpretive signs telling about the expedition and a series of concrete canoes, native and expeditionary. Lewis and Clark camped here for six days in March - April 1806 on their return journey. At high water levels, there may not be not much of a beach on the willow-lined shore. Head east parallel to the shore, passing some restrooms and reaching an area with covered picnic shelters. Go left here up to the dike and go right.
Pass a trail spur down to another parking area and enter the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge before rounding a wide bend with a large, open field to the left. The dike continues past a feed shed and other outbuildings on private property. On the right are nesting boxes for purple martins. There’s a view across the river to Reed Island, Crown Point, and Larch Mountain. The Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail, a popular new route on the refuge, joins the dike. Redtail Lake is on the left, backed by a line of cottonwoods with Larch Mountain (Washington) and Silver Star Mountain rearing behind them. There are more nesting boxes and the dike crosses Gibbons Creek where it enters the Columbia. A fish ladder steps down to the river. The other end of the Gibbons Creek Loop joins the dike here. Continue a short distance to a fence saying Gate 6 with a private property sign. There is a fine view here of Crown Point on the Oregon side of the Columbia.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach (Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation)
- Green Trails Maps: Columbia River Gorge West #428S
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Stay on the trail; respect all refuge and private property signs restricting access to certain areas.
- Dogs are permitted on leash.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Columbia River Dike Hike
- Steigerwald n Tualatin Wildlife Refuge
- Steigerwald - 12 - 06 - 2015
- Steigerwald Stroll 10-24-2015
- Yet Another Steigerwald Lake NWR Trip Report
- Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge 4-2-2014
- 3/9/13 Columbia River Dike & Steigerwald Refuge Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Columbia River Dike Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Wild in the City: Exploring the Intertwine edited by Michael C. Houck and M.J. Cody
- Day Hiking: Columbia River Gorge by Craig Romano
- Take a Hike: Portland by Barbara I. Bond
- Columbia Gorge Getaways by Laura O. Foster
More Links
- Steamboat Landing Park (City of Washougal)
- Captain William Clark Park (City of Washougal)
- Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach (Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation)
- Columbia River Dike Trail (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
- Columbia River Dike Trail (Trail Hiking in Washington and Oregon)
- Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
- Columbia River Gorge National Wildlife Refuges (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
Contributors
- bobcat (creator)