Horsethief Lake, Columbia Hills Historical State Park
Lake · Washington
About this swimming hole
A warm reservoir at Columbia Hills Historical State Park just east of The Dalles, with a sandy swim beach and picnic grounds. The east-Gorge heat turns this into a genuine warm-water swim, a rarity in the Pacific Northwest.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 70-75 in summer |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Discover Pass |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 8am-dusk |
| Parking | park lot |
| Amenities | restrooms, picnic areas |
| County | Klickitat County |
| Nearest town | Dallesport |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; warmest regional water; watch for petroglyph-area closures |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Does Horsethief Lake, Columbia Hills Historical State Park require reservations?
No reservations are required at Horsethief Lake, Columbia Hills Historical State Park based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Horsethief Lake, Columbia Hills Historical State Park?
Reported fee info: Discover Pass. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Horsethief Lake, Columbia Hills Historical State Park?
The best season is typically June-September.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026