Columbia Hills State Park - Stacker Butte — Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020

First, a WARNING. The drive to Stacker Butte was fine. Gravelly, sure. Bumpy, yes. But what is most notable about the drive, at least at this time, is the huge number of squirrels. There was a squirrel darting across the road every few feet, it seemed. When we got to the small parking area, they scampered all around us. When we got done with our hike, a half dozen shot out from under the car. When we started the ignition, our “Check Engine” light was on and the cruise control would not work. Indeed, the squirrels had chewed up the machinery inside the vehicle. The dealership is estimating $2500 in damage and we’re having to get our auto insurance involved. So, I mean, that sucks. Be warned: this is an expensive hike.

That said, the walk itself was very nice. Mostly it’s a continuation of the wide gravel road, never very steep. It might be a little early in the season: the hills are just dead brown grass. But there’s a stunning view of Mt. Hood the whole way, eventually a nice sweeping shot of the valley around you, and at last the incredible sight of Mount Adams at the “summit”. Turn your head left, Hood; turn it to the right, Adams. And in the distance, a glimpse of St. Helens as well.

Dog Mountain’s trail was packed even on a Thursday, but there was absolutely nobody out at Stacker Butte. Maybe the news about the squirrels had gotten around, I don’t know. I am very frustrated by the aftermath, but the hike itself was lovely.