A View for Miles

Today my friend and neighbor, Myrtie, and I hiked from The Dalles Mountain Ranch on the south side of Stacker Butte and then down the north side ending at our home. My husband drove us to the ranch trailhead.

This view is from atop the Butte looking east toward Goldendale, WA. Winding along in the near center of the photo is Swale Creek. The creek leads into Swale Canyon and is part of the Klickitat River Trail. To the right of Swale Creek is Centerville Hwy; it connects the town of Lyle with Goldendale, on the north side of the Columbia Hills. 

Extras: 
1: Looking south toward the Columbia River and Oregon, above The Dalles Mountain Ranch. The ranch is part of The Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve (NAP), and it is the largest NAP in the state of Washington with 3600 acres. It was established in 1993 to protect three rare planets: the Obscure Buttercup, the Douglas Draba, and the Hot-Rock Penstemon.

In the far right of this photo you can glimpse a different view of an earlier blip: A 15,000 Year Old Scar. Nearly unseen in the center is the The Dalles Dam and Bridge. Unfortunately clouds obscure the view of Mt. Hood which is hidden on the right side of this photo.

2: Myrtie and the Columbia River as seen from near the upper north side of Stacker Butte. This photo was taken on the top 40 acres of our property. It was nice to hike down the hill and into our house.

Thanks again for your positive comments and stars for yesterday's blip.