Horsethief Butte

Dry basalt bouldering in the sun when all other areas are wet.

Information

Climbing at Horsethief is easily open for all sizes and skill levels so take the family and have fun!

Basalt climbing on all kinds of features can be found from short to tall and traverses are also common and can be quite long. 

​Warm winter sun makes this a great destination for winter climbing and an escape from the wet rain of Portland.

The wind of the Columbia River George can blast through some of the butte but with all the corridors there is always a place with no wind at all. 

Both poison oak and rattle snakes can be found at this location, but the snakes are rare and the poison oak comes in patches but can be avoided easily. ​

Directions

From Portland, OR

• Drive east on I-84 E to US-197 N/US-30 E in The Dalles. In 76.5 miles, take exit 87 from I-84 E.
• Turn left onto US-197 N/US-30 E drive for 3.4 miles.
• Turn right onto WA-14 E drive for 2.9 miles.
• There will be a parking lot on the south side of the road.
• There may be a fee to park in this area.

Recommendations

• ​It is recommended that you bring 1-2 crash pads for most of the common problems.
  
  
• Cell phone reception is good.
  
  
• Expect some poison oak in the spring and summer months. This can be easily avoided.
  
  
• Best in winter months, though the site is viable the entire year just find the shade. 
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• Rattle snakes can be found but are rarely seen. Keep an eye out.